Fayston voters gave resounding support to an article calling for theVermontcongressional delegation to introduce a constitutional amendment that declares that corporations are not people. And then they went to lunch.
Fayston residents spent the morning electing officers including re-electing Patti Lewis as town clerk and treasurer, Dave Jones as moderator, Jared Cadwell to a three-year term on the select board and Fred Spencer to a three-year term as lister. Voters worked their way through the articles, handling property tax payments, the town budget and the issue of appointing versus electing constables (they will continue to be appointed).
It was Article 16 that generated the most discussion from those present. This article called for the creation of a conservation reserve fund with $10,000 so that the town would have funds on hand to preserve lands with ecological, cultural or recreational significance.
The article was presented by Ky Koitzsch and Cory Stephenson, both members of the town’s Natural Resources Committee. Using a slideshow, they explained the goals of the Fayston Natural Resources Committee and why the group is seeking voter approval to create the $10,000 reserve fund.
A lengthy discussion followed. Most of those who spoke were in agreement with the need to preserve land in Fayston, but several questioned the wisdom of spending $10,000 in a year when so many Fayston residents had experienced financial hard times after the spring and Irene flooding.
Others noted that the $10,000 allocation breaks down to $7 per person. It was suggested that the request be postponed for a year or two. When the vote was called, the article passed by a voice vote.
After lunch, Faystonians tackled their school budget, electing Doug Mosley as a new school director. He replaces outgoing director Bob Lockett. After a lengthy discussion, voters appropriated $35,000 for a maintenance reserve fund for theFaystonElementary Schooland then passed a $1,690,750 school budget.
Fayston’s town budget that was approved is $778,979 and the capital budget is $190,000.
Fayston residents Ann Day and Susan Klein contributed to this report and, for that, The Valley Reporter is grateful.
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