Isaac Evans-Frantz is the clerk of the Brattleboro Selectboard. His views do not necessarily represent those of the board or the town of Brattleboro.
BRATTLEBORO-We need to be able to ask questions without them being framed as an attack.
At the Nov. 4 Brattleboro Selectboard meeting, I raised questions and concerns brought to me by local residents who had received no-trespass orders from town property. I asked for legal information at that time.
People often approach Selectboard members with questions or concerns. Recently, I’d been hearing from some of our homeless neighbors that they’re feeling unsure where they are or are not allowed to sit, stand, or sleep. Since people were often asked to “move along” or were issued trespass orders when they thought they were in a place they were allowed to be, they asked me if I could help clarify.
After some communication with the town manager and others, I asked if we could add an agenda item to discuss the questions and receive clarification.
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At the Nov. 18 Brattleboro Selectboard meeting, town staff described my remarks as “claims,” “allegations,” and “accusations,” dismissing the concerns and question at hand.
Talking with one another and asking tough questions — especially in this political moment of authoritarianism — is key for democracy. To communicate boundaries and rules clearly, particularly when it involves one’s right to exist in a public space, is to provide a sense of understanding and to reduce uncertainty when so much else is still confusing. It’s something we can do here in our town to reduce the chaos we see in the world around us.
Many of us agree there is a problem. Lack of housing. Addiction. Drug trafficking. Mental health crises. People visibly struggling in our downtown — the heart of our local economy.
We want everyone to be OK and want to do what is best, but people have different ideas about what that will look like.
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To better understand the policies that relate to existing concerns and needs, I relayed questions from Brattleboro residents about Vermont law and town policy and practices. As an elected official, it is my job to listen and look out for the public.
In response to the questions I relayed, the Selectboard was met with defensiveness and a presentation regarding problems with needles, drugs, and criminal activity in Brattleboro and beyond. Although we received some answers from police about their practices issuing warnings and no-trespass orders, we left with even more questions.
Similarly, at the Nov. 4 Selectboard meeting, Dick DeGray raised questions regarding staff salaries, and his questions were dismissed as allegations of fraud and malfeasance.
He certainly presented his concerns a bit dramatically, and I discussed with him my concerns about his delivery. But we should encourage questions about the budget. Engaging in conversation is what we must all do.
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In the democratic governance of a municipality, neighbors need to be able to ask questions about how our tax dollars are being spent, and about the policies and practices of the employees of our town.
It’s not about niceties or personalities — it’s about the responsibility we have for and with one another.
It’s time for us to speak up, ask questions, and work together to find solutions.
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