Politics

Politics section

Brattleboro Selectboard Candidate Interview – Franz Reichsman

by cgrotke | Politics
Franz Reichsman, circa 2023

Franz Reichsman is running for a one year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.

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Introduce yourself – who are you and why are you running this year for a  1 year seat?

Hello, iBrattleboro. I first came to Brattleboro in 1970 when I was 20 years old. My life trajectory developed in such a way that after medical school and residency in Brooklyn I was able to move here permanently in 1986. I bought my house on Chestnut Street (the old Sauer’s Market) in 1987 and I have lived here since then. I was an emergency room doctor for 30 years, including 28 years at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. For seven of those years I was the medical director for all ambulance services and rescue squads in the 23 towns of Cheshire County.

I’ve been interested in politics since I was young. At age 14 I made a cardboard sign reading “Young Citizens for Johnson-Humphrey” and stood alongside it in front of a local candy store. I collected $2.41 which I sent to Lyndon Johnson’s election campaign. (Nonetheless I do not claim full credit for his landslide victory that year.) Unhappily, a year later I was protesting against the war in Viet Nam.

Brattleboro Selectboard Candidate Interview – Elizabeth McLoughlin

by cgrotke | Politics

Elizabeth McLoughlin is an incumbent running for a three year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.

Introduce yourself – who are you and why are you running again this year for a 3 year seat?

Elizabeth “Liz” McLoughlin. I am running for reelection to the Selectboard. I have been on the Selectboard for the past 4 years. 

I moved to Brattleboro fifteen years ago, after visiting family here for over twenty years. I am a wife, mother and a new grandmother. One of our daughters attended BUHS, and the other was a substitute teacher here. My husband and I each own a small business. Brattleboro is a great place to live and work and I see my Selectboard service as a way to give back and support our beloved Town. We have a vibrant arts culture and an exceptional park and recreation program. We are welcoming to all, our community includes people from across the country and the world, as well as families who have been here for generations. We are a vibrant New England town.

Brattleboro Selectboard Candidate Interview – Spoon Agave

by cgrotke | Politics
spoon agave

Spoon Agave is running for a one year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.

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Introduce yourself – who are you and why are you running this year for a 1 year seat?

During my 34 years living in Brattleboro I have served on almost every major Board, Committee and Commission including Selectboard, School Board, Planning Commission, Development Review Board, Traffic and Safety Committee, the Town Finance Committee, and most importantly the last Charter Revision Commission where I studied diligently and in great depth the structure of municipal government and its relationship and embodiment within a democracy. I chaired several of these groups including Charter Revision. I have been a Town Meeting Representative for nearly 25 years. 

Brattleboro Selectboard Candidate Interview – Samuel Stevens

by cgrotke | Politics

Samuel Stevens is running for a 1 year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.

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Introduce yourself – who are you and why are you running this year for a 1 year seat?

I’m a lifelong resident of Brattleboro and someone who really cares about this community. Having completed my B.A. in Political Science at the University of Vermont, I returned to my hometown of Brattleboro resolved to put my newfound knowledge and skills to good use in the service of my community. Since that time, I’ve been a town meeting member, served on town committees, and also become a union steward at my place of work. 

Brattleboro Selectboard Candidate Interview – Dick DeGray

by cgrotke | Politics

Richard “Dick” DeGray is running for a three year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.

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Introduce yourself – who are you and why are you running?

My name on the ballot will be Richard Dick DeGray. Many of you know me as the Flower Guy, something I take great pride in doing for our community. I have been active for over thirty years in our community. RTM rep, former BUHS board member and most importantly former eight-year select board member. Several of those years serving as vice chair and chair. I am running for a couple of reasons: first, no one challenged any of the incumbents in last year’s election. I don’t think that is healthy for the town. The other is the way Rescue/ BFF was handled, along with safety issues in our town.

Brattleboro 2023 Selectboard and School Board Candidates

by cgrotke | Politics

Selectboard and school board candidates in Brattleboro have collected their signatures and campaigns are getting underway.

For the Selectboard 3 year seat, Dick DeGray will be running against Liz McLoughlin. Voters can elect one.

For the Selectboard 1 year seat, Spoon Agave, Peter Case, Jessica Gelter, Franz Reichsman and Samuel Stevens have all declared themselves as candidates. Voters can elect two.

Brattleboro Town Meeting Day Absentee Ballots Must Be Requested

by Not Signed In | Politics

Town Meeting Day and Windham Southeast School District Director elections are coming up on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

Absentee ballots MUST be requested. Unlike the November General Election, ballots for Town Meeting Day in Brattleboro are NOT automatically mailed to all active registered voters. Ballots will be available on February 15, 2023.

Vermont Governor Scott’s Inaugural Address – Full Text

by cgrotke | Politics

Governor Scott was sworn-in again today and gave the following address to kick off his new term.

“Madam Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the General Assembly, Honored Guests, and fellow Vermonters.

I am truly thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve as governor.

And after a few long years, it is good to be back in the people’s house, where Vermonters have come together from across the state in our darkest times and finest hours to solve problems for their communities and help their neighbors.

So today, I am especially grateful we are here, in this building, together.

Brattleboro Unofficial Election Results November 2022

by cgrotke | Politics

Here are the unofficial Brattleboro election results from Town Clerk Hilary Francis.

“These are the results from the ballot tallies, not including write-in votes, and not including other towns’ results.

Thanks to the amazing poll workers and the American Legion who made today possible! Considering our number of absentee voters, we had a lot of voters coming through the doors, and high voter participation for a mid-term General. The day was smooth and safe!”

Helpful Election Information for November 8 General Elections in Brattleboro

by Not Signed In | Politics

Below is information that might be helpful to know for the November 8th General Election.

All active registered voters were automatically mailed a ballot. Please make sure to follow the instructions included with your ballot, including SIGNING THE CERTIFICATE ENVELOPEand making sure your ballot is INSIDE that envelope. Please use a BLACK PEN to mark your ballot. DO NOT USE A MARKER as it can bleed through to the back of your ballot and require you to need a replaced ballot. If you have not received your ballot, or if you have any questions about your ballot, please call the Town Clerk’s office at 802-251-8157.

Letter to Brattleboro Voters

by Not Signed In | Politics

Dear Brattleboro Voter,

For the November 8, 2022 General Election, you will be receiving an absentee ballot. The State of Vermont will be mailing these out during the week of September 26. This ballot will also contain on the reverse side the local Justice of the Peace ballot. I strongly urge you to review the ballot, make your choices, and return it to the Clerk’s Office as soon as possible. If you have not received your ballot by October 7, please contact our office at 802-251-8157 or townclerk@brattleboro.org. Otherwise, please wait for your ballot to arrive.

An Election 2022 Special Event! Forum to Feature Windham County State Senate Candidates.

by KateOC | Politics

An Election 2022 Special Event!
Forum to Feature Windham County State Senate Candidates

The public is invited to attend a forum featuring the candidates running to represent Windham County in the Vermont State Senate.

The event will take place on Monday, October 3, 2022, 6:30pm-8pm at Epsilon Spires, 190 Main Street, Brattleboro.  The forum will also be streamed live on Brattleboro Community Television’s (BCTV) Facebook page, broadcast live on Comcast Channel 1085 and available on brattleborotv.org.

Political Endorsement: Supporting Brenda Siegel for Governor

by Norsehorse | Politics

Supporting Brenda Siegel
Last Autumn (2021), when most Vermont residents were able to enjoy having a roof over their heads to stay warm and dry underneath, a comfortable bed to sleep in, nourishing daily meals to eat and proper hydration with which to attempt to stay healthy, Brenda Siegel and others were holding vigil on the steps of the State House in Montpelier on behalf of those most in need who live without such means.

For my part, I joined them there for a single evening and it wasn’t easy or fun by any means. They did so for 27 long days and nights until the governor and his reluctant administration finally relented to their demands.

The Nov. 8, 2022 Ballot is Getting Crowded! There Will Be 5 (FIVE!) Independent Candidates for U.S. Senator!

by CrisEricson2016 | Politics

Hello! I’m Cris Ericson and I am one of the 5 (FIVE!!!) INDEPENDENT candidates on the Nov. 8, 2022 ballot for U.S. Senator. It’s starting to look like the independent movement is very popular in Vermont!

I do want to report, because I mentioned this previously, that my first cousin’s son was on the ballot in Missouri, and now I am terribly sad to report that the Press reported that the richest candidate won the Democrat primary for U.S. Senator there. The richest Democrat candidate, Trudy Busch Valentine, heiress to megal millions from the Busch empire, didn’t bother to file until the last filing date, and waltzed in and started spreading her cash around Missouri. Lucas Kunce had been campaigning for a whole year, a nice guy, a U.S. Marine for 13 years, Major, JAG Officer, law degree in International Law, worked with the Pentagon, was exposed to burn pits, AND HE WAS ENDORSED BY U.S. SENATOR BERNIE SANDERS OF VERMONT.

Brattleboro August 9 Primary Election Information

by Not Signed In | Politics

Below is information that might be helpful to know for Aug. 9 State Primary elections.

The polling place for all three districts in Brattleboro is the American Legion, 32 Linden St., from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. 

Masks are no longer required to enter the American Legion for voting, but they are certainly welcome and will be provided, along with hand sanitizer.

Parking is available at the American Legion and the Municipal Center parking lots. There are handicapped parking spaces close to the American Legion entrance.

Vote Isaac Evans-Frantz for U. S. Senate!

by MD | Politics

I strongly believe that we need the leadership of Isaac Evans-Frantz to fill our open US Senate seat. I encourage my fellow Vermonters to vote for him by the August 9th election. For over 20 years, he has sought and gained solutions to problems at home and around the world.

He’s built relationships and coalitions which benefit everyday Vermonters and everyday worldwide citizens. From improved Vermont dental care to $650 billion worth of global COVID relief, Isaac’s role was vital. His leadership led to bipartisan legislation aimed at ending our unconstitutional war on Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East. It also provided $2.7 billion in aid to Ukraine, all at no cost to the US. This was the largest release of international funds in history.

What Is Wrong With So Many People?

by SK-B | Politics

https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/26/politics/cnn-poll-january-6-trump/index.html

According to a current CNN news story:

“. . . a public consensus has emerged that former President Donald Trump acted at least unethically in trying to hold on to his office after the 2020 election (79% feel he acted either unethically or illegally, including 45% who believe his actions were illegal), that he encouraged political violence in his public statements ahead of January 6 (61%) and that he could have done more to stop the attack once it had begun (77%).