Richard Davis is an incumbent running for a one-year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.
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Tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you and why are you running for a one year seat?
I am Richard Davis, a semi-retired nurse, writer and political activist running for a second one year seat on the Brattleboro selectboard. A Boston area native, I have lived in Windham County for the past 46 years, 41 of those years in Guilford and for the past 3 ½ years in Brattleboro with my wife Roberta Levy.
On my first year on the board I was voted clerk by my fellow board members. During this past year the people of Brattleboro have been actively engaged in a variety of issues that include public safety, taxes, and a new trash system.
I am proud to be a member of a community that is so committed to improving the quality of life for everyone. This past summer attendance at board meetings was the highest in recent memory and people were able to express their opinions freely.
I have a proven track record of being able to solve problems efficiently while creating a climate of collegial collaboration. Using those skills during this past year I believe helped to contribute to the cooperative climate among Brattleboro selectboard members.
I have spent my entire adult life working in the human service sector in a variety of positions, including 46 years as a registered nurse. During that time I also created and ran three non-profit organizations. Below are activities that I have been involved in.
Windham County Heat Fund
co-founder
Raised over $1 million in 20 years
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Guilford Cares co-founder
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Registered nurse 46 years
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Morningside Shelter Board
13 years
4years as chair
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Lobbyist for universal health care 25 years
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Brattleboro Reformer weekly columnist 25 years
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Author of two books
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Community Person of the Month 2007
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Community Catalyst Award 2008
Is there any particular issue that is motivating you to run? Why did you gather signatures?
I am running because I feel I have the background and skills to make common sense reasonable decisions that balance the needs of the community and their capacity to pay for services. I am not a one issue candidate. I am running because I want to make Brattleboro the best possible town it can be.
Thoughts or comments on the previous year? How did you do, in your view?
It has been a contentious year and the people of Brattleboro have been engaged in discussions about safety, taxes, trash, homelessness and policing. The selectboard has addressed these issues but solutions are never perfect. We were able to head off a 22% potential tax increase and got it down to 12%, which will still be difficult for many people. The downtown safety plan is a work in progress and has started to show positive results.
How would you quickly describe Brattleboro to someone who has never been here?
Brattleboro is a small New England town that leans toward the progressive side of the political spectrum. There is an abundance of people in the arts sector and the town has yet to realize its full potential in making the arts a more vibrant part of the town. People are engaged in local politics and they demand accountability from their elected officials by using all forms of media as well as public meetings to discuss issues. Brattleboro is a welcoming town and we have brought in a large number of refugees from around the world over the past few years.
What problems do see at the top of Brattleboro’s list in 2025?
Community safety, homelessness, lack of affordable housing, substance use and the growing business of drug dealing as well as high taxes.
What are your priorities? Have any new ideas for solving any of our problems?
Safety and economic equality, especially providing more affordable housing need to be given high priority. High taxes make living in Brattleboro hard for many people. The town needs to develop a budget plan that looks a few years ahead so that we can be prepared for the future while anticipating the cost of running the town and also improving it. We do some of that now but we can do a better job.
What impresses you about Brattleboro – why be here? What are our strengths and how can we tap into them?
The people of Brattleboro are friendly and tolerant of many points of view and we do that in a respectful manner. There will always be exceptions but, for the most part, Brattleboro is a comfortable place to live. Our strengths are our people and their willingness to work at creating solutions to problems in a collaborative way. The people in town who are at the higher end of the economic spectrum tend to generally be very generous in their support of local institutions and non-profits.
When you think of the future, how do you see Brattleboro?
I would like to see a town that has more recreational opportunities such as bike paths and better use of rivers. If we develop these things and provide greater support for the arts as well as the nuts and bolts infrastructure of the town I think we can attract more businesses and tourists and increase the tax base.
How do climate issues figure into your vision?
Building codes and green planning guidelines that are in place reflect a concern for the environment. We have a high rate of composting and recycling and the new trash system will support those kinds of efforts.
Can taxpayers trust you to not add 12.1% more of property tax increases next year? Why or why not?
I can’t make that kind of promise. We know most of what our taxes will be needed for next year and it is clear we will not be adding a significant amount of revenue from property taxes. In order to better control yearly tax increase we need a more solid long-term financial plan.
Could we get better budgets if we reversed our current system and instead had Representative Town Meeting create the town budget and let the Selectboard approve it?
No.
Do you expect the advisory vote on human services funding to give you good feedback? Was it smart to limit the question to human services funding and not other parts of the budget, say staffing or program cuts?
The selectboard wanted to know what the majority of voters think about the human service budget and this question should provide that, depending on how many people vote.
In your view, would it be better to have a central indoor location for people to use needles for drug injections, or should we keep things as they are currently (ie, any locations around town, out in the open)?
I don’t think those two options are connected. The problem is not that black and white. I am opposed to safe injection sites in Brattleboro. The town is too small to support it and I fear that trying to implement injection sites would polarize the town.
Are you satisfied with Brattleboro’s support of its farming community? What’s working and what can we do better?
We could always do more for the farming community. I was a goat farmer for 10 years but I am not informed enough about current farm issues and I will try to educate myself better.
Are you satisfied with public engagement in town matters? Is local democracy strong?
Public engagement is vibrant and I feel democracy is extremely strong in Brattleboro.
The Community Safety Review Committee recommended, generally, that we should aim to reduce policing and increase human services in Brattleboro. Do we respect the work of committees?
I think the Safety Review was a snapshot of a point in time. It is outdated and does not reflect the current climate in Brattleboro and it cites problems that have either changed or do not now exist.
Recommend some books, movies, and/or music for us…. what is interesting you lately?
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Is there anything you’d like to mention that hasn’t been asked?
I would like to see more public venues for music, especially in bars, restaurants and places that could have open mics. I am a fan of open mics and have played often at the ones hosted by Kevin Parry.
What’s the best way for voters to reach you?
Cell 802-579-9267
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