Amanda Ellis-Thurber, who is completing a one-year term on the Brattleboro Selectboard, is a candidate for a three-year seat in the annual elections on Tuesday, March 3. She lives in District 7, where she farms with her family.
BRATTLEBORO-Why am I running for the three-year seat on the Selectboard? Why now?
I see the next three years as critical. Leadership is critical. I have a proven track record.
Through my work on the Selectboard, I have made efforts to make Brattleboro more affordable. I advocate and take risks to vote to lower residential tax rates. Financial health is a major concern for Brattleboro - I stand committed to sound financial planning. I would like to change our path forward by demonstrating civility and respect.
Running a small farm business, I deeply understand that we cannot spend money that we don't have. And in the present moment, Selectboard leadership that is willing to engage in dialogue to address financial dysfunction is essential.
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I value honesty, integrity, and mentorship. I am welcoming, courageous, and a creative problem solver. I have demonstrated this through my work on the farm, growing food for the community, contributing weekly to charitable food initiatives and school gardens, teaching farm-based education, and volunteering for the community in a diversity of areas, including youth sports, leaf collection, adaptive sports, and mental-health counseling.
I am fully committed to everyone in the community, seeing potential and possibility in all. I can think out of the box. I voted to save the Hinsdale Bridge Project. I've worked with individuals to obtain recovery and self-sufficiency in my work as a mental health counselor and currently through my volunteer work in our emergency winter shelter. I engage on the ground, and I do not wait for secondhand views.
I collaborate with all members. I am committed to the enrichment of the fabric of our community. I am focused on revitalization of our downtown, supporting our employers, and bringing in new businesses that can bring jobs and get young people started on strong career paths.
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The state is not going to save us. You can let me help you, help us and, more importantly, help Brattleboro with your vote for me - and for future prosperity and peace - on Tuesday, March 3. You can vote early at the Town Clerk's Office in the Brattleboro Municipal Center, and by absentee ballot.
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