Peter "Fish" Case, who is seeking a three-year term on the Brattleboro Selectboard, has been a strong supporter of this community for decades. He has been here for Brattleboro during celebrations and challenges. He is always willing to step up and do what is necessary, all the while maintaining his sense of humor.
Peter has an eagerness to learn rarely seen in politics these days. He will change his mind when presented with evidence contrary to his initial opinions. This is all but extinct in the wilderness outside our very local democracy.
Finally, he is both forthright and compassionate. As the saying goes, "Honesty without compassion is cruelty." Peter is a deeply kind and caring individual. I strive to live up to his example. I am so glad he is willing to continue to work on our behalf.
I am grateful that Franz Reichsman is willing to serve for another year on the Brattleboro Selectboard for three reasons: 1) He brings a meticulous analytic approach to decision making; 2) He has the humility to serve quietly and do the hard work necessary to understand complex issues; and, 3) Although a genuinely nice person, he is willing to take a stand to do what he believes is right. I know these things from observation of his many years of service in the Representative Town Meeting and his first year on the Selectboard.
The first time he ran for the board I voted for him based on his service to the Representative Town Meeting Finance Committee. The amount of work necessary to balance the town's desires with the town's means is immense. It was enough for me that he was willing to do this work for years and could present the results clearly.
In his first year on the Selectboard I have seen that he can contribute far more. He has demonstrated the ability to work through controversy, to see the human side to matters of dollars and cents, and to participate wholeheartedly and respectfully in our town government.
Tom Franks
Brattleboro
This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.