BRATTLEBORO-As a local writer and former president of the Brattleboro Garden Club, I have had an opportunity to see the Selectboard at work over the past seven years. I have been most impressed with Liz McLoughlin.
These last several terms have been challenging for the town, with safety and drug concerns, homelessness issues, and budget pressures.
I feel aligned with Liz McLoughlin on most agendas. She does not waffle on questions but rather seeks the answers and includes all interested parties. She makes educated and informed choices by digging deep into the questions and coming up with sensible answers that include the community as a whole.
I believe Liz understands this community. She is inclusive of all community members, but only to the point where it makes sense. Unlike some Selectboard members, she does not lean toward certain groups in the Brattleboro community but considers all constituents.
For instance, she keeps the elderly and infirm community members in the solution to trash collection. She advocates for the pay-as-you-throw system, which to me makes the most sense for the majority of Brattleboro taxpayers.
What I particularly like about Liz McLoughlin is her levelheadedness when it comes to new issues. She is eager to work with the Selectboard members and town staff to work out solutions. But she does not take a stand on anything until she knows the facts. She is always keeping track of new issues at both the state and town levels and gets involved in the decision-making when possible.
Unlike some board members, Liz always seeks solutions for the town as a whole. She is not concerned about whether she is liked by different groups or individuals, but rather that the solution is the right one for all concerned.
Being liked is a thankless and hopeless goal for a Selectboard member. We need one who considers all the ramifications of her decisions and acts accordingly. I trust Liz McLoughlin to do just that.
Lynne Kennedy
Brattleboro
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