Oscar Heller: Why I’m Running for the Selectboard

My name is Oscar Heller, and I’m running for the Selectboard.

I will bring six years of Finance Committee experience to the Selectboard. Creating the town’s budget is the Selectboard’s single most important job every year, and I think we’ve gotten off-track. I have a plan to get our budget back on solid footing, and my goal is to guide us through the challenges that I foresee this year.

What I believe

When I think about Brattleboro, I see opportunity.

Yes, like any town, we have our challenges. But I’m constantly reminded of how fortunate I am
to live and work in a community filled with creative, resilient, and caring people.

Serving on the Selectboard is about working together to improve our town for everyone. The five
elected members of the Selectboard dedicate themselves to tackling the tough issues, allowing
the rest of us to focus on our families, our work, and our lives.

I’ve spent six years doing that hard work on the Finance Committee, and I’m ready to bring my
experience and dedication to the Selectboard. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant
Brattleboro.

My #1 priority

I’m passionate about finding innovative ways to make Brattleboro more vibrant, welcoming, and
full of life—a place where people want to visit, build their futures, and thrive.

But before we can dive into those exciting opportunities, we must address an urgent issue: a
budget crisis rooted in a breakdown of our budget process.

This is where my expertise comes in. I have a practical, straightforward plan that uses proven
strategies to stabilize our finances and put our town on a more secure path. Once that work is
done, we’ll be ready to focus on the creative, forward-thinking projects that make Brattleboro
such a unique and wonderful place.

Why vote for me?

An effective Selectboard member needs two key qualities:

• Attention to detail: A willingness to do the work, review the facts thoroughly, and ensure
  every decision is well-informed.
• Collaboration: The ability to listen, compromise, and work cooperatively to achieve
  meaningful results.

I’ve spent years developing these skills through my service on the Finance Committee, as a
member of Representative Town Meeting, and as a local business owner. I’m a problem-solver
at heart, and I’m confident that my experience and dedication can help make Brattleboro
stronger.

Why am I running?

I often ask myself this question, and the answer always comes back to two core values:

• A deep commitment to public service. I believe in giving back to the community I call
  home by using my skills and energy to make a meaningful difference.
• A passion for the work. I know this role is challenging, and I understand it often comes
  with criticism. But I truly enjoy digging into the issues, solving problems, and helping
  others.

For me, it’s not just about the big-picture projects—it’s also about the small but impactful
moments. Whether it’s responding to an email from a resident or helping solve a problem, I’m
eager to be that reliable and approachable resource for Brattleboro.

How can you get involved?

We’re throwing a campaign kick-off party on January 25th from 3-5pm at Poppy Bee Studios in
the Cotton Mill. All are welcome! Just drop me a line at oheller25@gmail.com to RSVP so I can
make sure we don’t run out of snacks and drinks.

You can find information about my candidacy on my website: oscarheller.com.

Otherwise, I’m always available for a chat. Let’s grab coffee at Amy’s, or a drink at Midnight’s, or
take a walk downtown. I want to hear what you have to say. Please reach out anytime!
The election is on March 4th and is held at the American Legion at 32 Linden Street. 16- and
17-year-olds can vote in local elections, which includes this one. You can also request a vote-
by-mail absentee ballot from the Town Clerk or online at mvp.vermont.gov. In-person voting at
the Town Clerk’s office should be available during the week of February 17th.