BRATTLEBORO-I enthusiastically support Elizabeth McLoughlin’s re-election to the Brattleboro Selectboard.
I have lived and worked in the area for my entire adult life, and I care deeply about our community. As a clinical psychologist, I am especially concerned about the soul-sapping divisiveness that seems to accompany many of the daunting challenges we face — homelessness, substance abuse, domestic and community violence, climate change, and crime.
These are complex social problems. If they were easy to solve, we would have solved them.
My dear friend Liz McLoughlin has the intelligence, experience, broad perspective, and tenacity required to move ahead now. She supports One Brattleboro and the Downtown Safety Action Plan — an approach that combines a fully staffed police force with embedded mental-health and substance-abuse professionals. This partnership allows de-escalation, dignity, and prevention to guide our town’s response to crime and community safety. She also serves on the Vermont Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, where she has deepened her understanding of the opioid crisis and helped shape both state and local responses.
Liz has served the Selectboard in multiple roles — clerk, vice chair, chair, and member — and she is ready to continue serving in whatever capacity the board needs. She has no other agenda than to do this challenging work well for our beloved community.
She understands the budget process, values collaboration, and has a rare ability to stay focused on long-term goals while also tending to the small but essential details. She is deeply committed to helping mend the torn fabric of our town and strengthening the sense of safety and connection we all hunger for.
We need compassionate, informed leadership — now more than ever. If re-elected, Liz will continue working tirelessly for the people of Brattleboro.
Martha B. Straus
Brattleboro
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