BRATTLEBORO-For 12 years, I have had the honor of serving as a Vermont state representative, representing Brattleboro's third district (Windham-9). While I have decided that it is time for me to step back from this work, I could not be more thrilled to endorse Ian Goodnow in the primary election on Aug. 13.
Ian is a remarkable person. He is kind and wise and relentlessly curious - all qualities that will allow him to shine in the State House.
It was Ian's Selectboard leadership that really opened the door to us getting to know each other. I liked him the first time I met him, but as I watched him grow in the role of chair, I really came to admire his skillfulness and see his deep and abiding passion for public service and Brattleboro.
The post-pandemic years were complicated times for municipalities in general and specifically for Brattleboro. As the economic hub of our region, so much falls in our laps.
What I look for in political leadership during moments of great complexity is steadiness, judgment, and above all, good listening. Ian won my support by how well he listened and engaged with all sides on a number of issues and by the rigor of his attention to the details.
Ian is naturally wired to respect all people and to value their contribution - to political decision-making, certainly - but also to all the ways we contribute to the vibrant, quirky town we call home.
From what I have seen, his very strongly held love for Brattleboro is rooted in this love of people and place, and it is completely genuine.
At a time in our town's journey when it can feel overwhelming to imagine how we will find our way to a more thriving future, we need good-hearted people with energy and capacity to put themselves forward. I truly believe that our commitment to each other is our greatest strength, and I know of no one more committed than Ian.
I endorse him with enthusiasm and without reservation.
Tristan Toleno
Brattleboro
This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.
This piece, published in print in the Voices section or as a column in the news sections, represents the opinion of the writer. In the newspaper and on this website, we strive to ensure that opinions are based on fair expression of established fact. In the spirit of transparency and accountability, The Commons is reviewing and developing more precise policies about editing of opinions and our role and our responsibility and standards in fact-checking our own work and the contributions to the newspaper. In the meantime, we heartily encourage civil and productive responses at voices@commonsnews.org.