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Questions developed by local members of the League of Women Voters* of Vermont were sent to every candidate on the Castleton Ballot. These are their responses.
Remember to vote at the Castleton Fire hall on Tuesday March 6. The polls will open at 8A and close at 7P. You may also vote by Absentee Ballot.
Thank-you to all the candidates who took this opportunity to let us know them better.
*The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization dedicated to creating an informed electorate.
League of Women Voters of Vermont in Castleton
P.O. Box 208
Castleton, VT 05735
MEET CASTLETON’S CANDIDATES
SECOND CONSTABLE: Scott A. Stevens
NO RESPONSE
LIBRARY TRUSTEE: Joan E. Brown
Question: How would you revitalize the Library so it is relevant to the Community for the next 10 years?
Response: “I have been a member of the Castleton library since 1st grade in the ‘60’s and continue to visit the library for my personal reading, regularly. I love this library and feel it’s richness with each visit. Now moving in the 21st century the library is electronically connected with libraries throughout the state in an updated courier program to serve individual’s orders/needs in a timely manner, serving better those members that want e-books too. The children’s programs which my own children utilized, still cater to the very young as well to serve our after school kids with programs that enrich them and also serves as a warm, welcoming and learning environment. Our computer system at the library continues to improve and update to better serve community members who may not have home access. I believe tthat the library needs to continue to serve all community members for future growth.”
LIBRARY TRUSTEE: Tibor Ted Molnar
Question: How would you revitalize the Library so it is relevant to the Community for the next 10 years?
Response: “I want our library to be the heart of our community by attracting every resident to become a library user.
This includes children and seniors; film buffs and sports buffs; hunters, anglers, knitter and woodworkers; smart-phone and computer wanna-be users; people looking for jobs or just wanting to relax, learn, meet neighbors.
For example: We know we need access for disabled residents (including older people who have difficulty with stairs), and I plan to work on that.
And I intend to find out how to get those who don’t use the library to use it.
We support the library with more than $111,000 in taxes, so let’s have everyone use the library so we get our money’s worth!
I have spent my career in management positions, assuming financial and marketing expertise that I hope to use to help our library attract and serve all Castleton residents.”
TREASURER: Nancy Trudo
NO RESPONSE
TOWN MODERATOR: Michael Finnegan
NO RESPONSE
TOWN SELECTMAN: Zack Holzworth
NO RESPONSE
TOWN SELECTMAN: Joseph F. Bruno
NO RESPONSE
TOWN SELECTMAN: Jim Leamy
Questions:
1. List in order of priority what you consider to be Castleton’s 3 most important assets and why?
2. How would you utilize these assets to benefit our town?
Responses:
“1.a. Castleton is a mix of people who were born here and folks who have moved in from other areas. In most cases they work together to improve our community.
b. Castleton University is an important asset as it provides an excellent postsecondary education for some of our residents and also employment for many in our town.
c. Lake Bomoseen is the largest lake within the boundaries of Vermont. Lake residents contribute over 55% of our tax base from the 700 properties.
2.a. Encourage our citizens to volunteer, serve as elected or appointed officials with an agenda to make decision that will benefit the entire town.
b. Continue to cooperate with Castleton University in numerous areas of mutual concern.
c. Promote local ordinances that will maintain water quality and enhance the beauty of the lake for future generations.”
TOWN CLERK: Nedra Boutwell
NO RESPONSE
CASTLETON-HUBBARDTON UNION SCHOOL DIRECTOR: Sharon Ryan
Question: What “improvements” would you recommend to the new Slate Valley Modified Unified Union School District Board that would benefit our schools?
Response: “The SVMUUD Board have only worked collaboratively for a short time, therefore, it’s difficult to say they need specific improvements. I believe the board is working hard in providing the best equitable education for all students in the district. I believe the public still has misperceptions about how the funding works. For example, will Castleton pay for a new roof for another school or vice versa? The public is welcome to attend the board meetings, however, not everyone can attend with busy schedules and families to take care of after work. So I would suggest an area of improvement would be in getting the board minutes out to the community on a monthly basis, i.e. posting minutes in more local places, create an electronic distribution list, post in Free Press, etc. Thank you SVMUUD Board for what you do for our children.”
FAIR HAVEN UNION HIGH SCHOOL: Julie Finnegan
Question: What “improvements” would you recommend to the new Slate Valley Modified Unified Union School District Board that would benefit our high school?
Response: “The recommendations that I would make to the new Slate Valley Modified Unified Union School District Board that would benefit our high school would be one of continued forward movement. I am repeatedly impressed by acting Principal Jason Rascoe and his dedication to all of our students. Through his leadership, the staff continues to work hard to meet the requirements of Act 77, Flexible Pathways, which allows success for all students, career and college bound. I look forward to learning about collaboration across disciplines and in the building as they work towards creating a learning environment that meets the needs of all of our students, district wide. I am also excited with the new leadership at the district level. Casey O’Meara, our new Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, along with our Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell continue to steer our district in a positive, student centered direction.”
FAIR HAVEN UNION HIGH SCHOOL: Jennifer Jones
Question: What “improvements” would you recommend to the new Slate Valley Modified Unified Union School District Board that would benefit our high school?
Response: “The purpose of a high school education is to 1) create good citizens and 2) create taxpayers. To create taxpayers, we need all FHUHS students to graduate from high school college- or career-ready. Vermont is an aging population and we need young people to set into the workforce and the tax base. This is an enormous challenge, particularly with the needs of 21st century employers, but it can start at FHUHS by making sure every student leaves with either a job (civilian or military) or a college acceptance. This can be accomplished by strengthening relationships with our local institutions of higher education, the Vermont National Guard and the Vermont Department of Labor. Why not invite these groups to speak at meetings to learn what Vermont, and more importantly our students, need for a prosperous future? I am grateful to have served FHUHS and thank my neighbors for the opportunity!”