Throughout the years on the select board, I've strived to work together with all board members for the good of Moretown. Likewise, I've always felt the importance of all boards and commissions to work together to achieve one common goal, to preserve the beauty and character of this very special place we call home. I've never been "on a mission," had "an axe to grind," or had any "hidden agenda." I've been told by many that I'm one of the most non-opinionated and non-controversial persons they know. That may be true, but like anyone else, I do have my own opinions and feelings on many of the issues that are dealt with on the select board. I learned very early on in my "select board career," that it's usually best to put your own wishes and desires aside, take a step back and look at the whole picture. In other words, make every effort to do what is best for the whole of Moretown.
Much has changed in terms of town government over the years of my tenure on the select board. At my first annual Town Meeting as a member of the board, ballots were cast only for the articles to elect town and town school district officers. All of the rest of the articles, including those asking for the approval of the town and town school district budgets, were voted from the floor. Since the 1991 Town Meeting, however, the budget articles, as well as any article requesting an expenditure of $5,000 or more, have also been voted by Australian ballot.
By far, the most significant and exciting change occurred in 1996 when Waste Professionals of Vermont (WPV) reopened the former Palisades Landfill, thereby paving the way for the formation of the Mad River Solid Waste Alliance. Thus, Moretown became the host town, and a Host Town Agreement between WPV and the town was signed. From that point forward, among other things, Moretown has been receiving tipping fees from the landfill (now known as Moretown Landfill, Inc. or MLI) that have been instrumental in lowering the amount to be raised by taxes and building a Capital Reserve Fund. I certainly am proud to have been a member of that historic board.
With change comes increased challenge, and as the town grows, the select board is faced with meeting the demands of that growth. Increased road maintenance, the resolution of a variety of issues brought to the board by both residents and non residents, the construction of a new town garage and the renovation of the Town Hall are all and will continue to be integral parts of the select board's agenda.
Each term I've served on the select board has been a very rewarding and challenging experience and the term ending now has been no exception. There have been few terms over the years, however, where I've seen the town as divided on major issues as it has been this last term. Now, perhaps more than ever, the Moretown Select Board needs experienced leaders that can help bring the town together. After all, we've done it before and we'll do it again, and I would be honored to be a part of that effort. Always grateful for voter support and fellowship in the past, I remain so going forward and ask that you vote for me for the three-year term on the Moretown Select Board.
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