Letters of Support for Candidates,
Town Meeting 2011
February 24, 2011, pp. 3-4.....

Delaney Will Make Thoughtful Decisions

Vote for Dennis Delaney! Serving in the State Senate in the 1980s has given Dennis the political experience to be an effective member of the Charlotte Selectboard. Having lived in Charlotte for the past 38 years, Dennis has experienced the changes that Charlotte has seen in the past years and he is aware of the needs and concerns of the citizens of Charlotte. We have lived next door to Dennis for over 20 years and know him to be a hard working, committed man who will listen to his fellow Charlotters and make thoughtful decisions regarding taxes, development, the budget and other important issues. He is the right person to serve on the Selectboard.

Tom and Betsi Olive
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To the Voters of Charlotte,

Hi, my name is Gerald Bouchard and I am running for the 2-year term for the Selectboard. I have lived in Charlotte for 30 years. I feel it is time I consider giving back even if only time and talent. I also realize that this would be a learning experience for me.
I grew up on a dairy farm in Franklin County, graduated from BFA in St. Albans, VTC and UVM with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. I have worked in the machine tool, power, industrial controls, avionics and automotive industries. I currently own a portable sawmill and, in the growing season, plant an approximately one-acre garden.
As a member of the board, I would be one of five voices, and I would not hesitate in expressing an opposing view or objecting to a proposal I did not feel was in the best interest of the community or citizens of Charlotte. I pay taxes; like Wall Street says, I have skin in the game. I plan on treating your funds the same as mine.
Every issue needs to be evaluated on various aspects such as: Is this a safety related issue? What happens if it is not done? Will this saddle the town taxpayers with recurring costs? Are there any less costly alternatives? Is the issue state or federally mandated?
On March 1st I would appreciate your vote. If elected I will do what I believe is best for the town and its residents.

Gerald Bouchard
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Frazer Well Suited for School Board

After careful consideration and review of the two candidates running for the open 3-year CCS Board seat, I have decided to support Edorah Frazer. I am supporting her because of the depth and breadth of knowledge around education she will bring to the discussion, her even-keeled temperament, an exemplary ability to synthesize both sides of issues and broad hands-on experience. After the many changes that have taken place in our community’s school during the last few years and in consideration of the challenges that lie ahead, I believe Edorah is especially well-suited to be one of the five elected stewards of our children’s education.
Please join me in voting for Edorah Frazer on March 1.

Daniel Luce

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Recommends Weed for Selectboard

Charlotte is such a lovely town that we are fortunate to find it as a place in which to live. We are also fortunate that five of its citizens have expressed their willingness to devote a great deal of their time and effort to the Selectboard on our behalf.
As I am only really familiar with Dick Weed, I highly recommend him for your vote. Dick does possess a keen civic mindedness that I am sure will enable him to make a fine contribution to the Selectboard.

Gordon Brown

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Christie Is Experienced Volunteer

I am writing in support of the candidacy of Bonnie Christie for Charlotte Library Trustee. I have served on the Charlotte Library Board of Trustees for five years and am not running for re-election.
I have known Bonnie for over 10 years and have worked with her on various community projects, including many volunteer activities at Charlotte Central School. Bonnie devotes a significant amount of volunteer time to our community, including holding current and past leadership positions with the following organizations: Charlotte Children’s Center, Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, Vermont Earth Institute, Vermont Interfaith Power and Light, Charlotte Central School Strategic Planning Committee, Charlotte Central School- Environmental Learning for the Future, the Missions Committee and Christian Education Committee at the Charlotte Congregational Church, the Town of Charlotte Energy Committee and the Vermont Youth Soccer League. Several of these activities have involved supporting literacy for children; in particular, Bonnie has led literature groups at our community school.
The breadth and consistency of Bonnie’s involvement demonstrates both the requisite experience in leadership of nonprofit organizations as well as the commitment to bettering our community. I have been impressed with Bonnie’s current efforts to learn about the library’s operations and willingness to serve our community once again. I believe we would be fortunate to have Bonnie on the board of the Charlotte Library, and I hope you will join me in voting for Bonnie for Library Trustee on Town Meeting Day.

Denise Fitzgerald Danyow
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Let Your Voice Be Heard

The recent Candidates Night, sponsored by the Grange, held at the Senior Center, and attended by 40 or so candidates and interested community members, was an inspiring and thought-provoking reflection of the strength of our local democracy. With laughter, familiarity and commitment, dozens of our neighbors stood before the group and offered their reasons for wishing to serve the community. On our way home, my neighbor Judy Rowe declared, “That was better than going to the Flynn!” I heartily agreed. The Town Report testifies to the many additional ways Charlotters care for each other. I look forward to Town Meeting Day, our next community event. Please come and participate if you can, and if not, let your voice be heard through your ballot.

Edorah Frazer
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Frazer Has Very Strong Skills

I want to throw my support in for Edorah Frazer for the 3-year Charlotte Central School Board seat.
Edorah brings to the table very strong skills as a facilitator and is someone with great negotiating abilities. I find her an excellent ear, who listens carefully and diligently, who is wise and thoughtful.
I love her deep-rooted sense of community and her desire to move past the obvious boundaries of mandates to what works best for students and their needs.
Please join me in supporting her on Town Meeting Day.

Meg Berlin
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Delaney for Selectboard

Dennis Delaney, a long-time resident of Charlotte, experience, integrity and he listens well. My choice for Selectboard.   
          
Donna Pittman
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Frank Tenney = Diversity, Determination and Dedication

This is an unsolicited letter in support of Frank Tenney’s candidacy for the two-year seat on the Charlotte Selectboard.
Frank Tenney has exhibited his commitment to the Town of Charlotte in many ways. He serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustment. This experience affords him a detailed understanding of the Town Plan and Zoning Regulations. For several years he has consistently sought a seat on the Selectboard. Frank’s willingness to try again is testimony to his dedication and belief that he will serve the town well. Frank is a life-long Charlotte resident with the history and know-how to represent a still vibrant but virtually invisible segment of Charlotte’s townspeople. I don’t always agree with Frank, but he definitely will bring a valuable perspective to the table.
Many of us pay lip service to diversity, and this year you can bring diversity back to the Selectboard by supporting the candidate of “old” Charlotte. We can’t be diverse if we ignore or alienate Charlotte’s life-long and multi-generational residents. Frank is also a genuine EAST Charlotte candidate. Help balance out the Selectboard – vote for Frank Tenney.

Robin Reid
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Frazer Is Non-judgmental

My family has been fortunate to be neighbors of Edorah Frazer and her family for 14 years.
Before that time we were very closely involved in planning the social and physical aspects of community. Edorah was a key person in this effort and still is. She has great organizational skills. She listens to all points of view with fairness and non-judgment.
She also has a long and broad experience in teaching at all levels in schools (including administrative positions) and teaching teachers. She is a regular conference participant invited to talk about her experience.
She would be an excellent school board member.

Sarah Montgomery
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Frazer Has Drive and Vision

I would like to lend my voice in support of Edorah Frazer for School Board. I think she has the drive, vision and heart to do what’s right for our students, teachers and school. I hope you will join me in voting for her.

Naomi Barell
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Delaney Is Best Qualified for Selectboard 

Dennis Delaney is one of the best qualified candidates for the Selectboard to come along in a while. He has a remarkable record of civic engagement in and beyond Charlotate. I first met him in the early 1990s, when he was serving in the Vermont Senate. He continues to be active in local community affairs, with nation-building projects overseas, and as a frequent commentator on Vermont Public Radio. I like his approachable manner, commona-sense thinking, fair-mindedness and unselfish commitment to public service. Dennis will bring these qualities, along with a well-tuned ear and thoughtful discourse, to all matters before the Selectboard. If you want to give Dennis a piece of your mind, you can do so most early mornings on Mt. Philo. I encourage my friends and neighbors to vote for Delaney.

Bob Sanders
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Perkins Offers Her Experience With Change

With Librarian Sherrie Simmons’ departure from the library, change at the library will come about. Change is not bad; it often is a good thing. This situation will require the Trustees to explore and contemplate the future life of our library and to hire a new librarian, if they decide to do this. It will take a 21st century outlook, time, organization and patience.
As a candidate for Trustee of the Library, I would like Charlotte voters to know that I value change. As a past board member, I have seen two nonprofit organizations through huge changes, both of which were not easy, but both organizations now flourish and are in the right place for them. I have participated in long-range planning for nonprofit organizations and served on two search committees. I have learned to listen carefully to other board members and value their input, knowing that our life experiences add immense value to necessary debates and discussions.
If I should be voted in as Charlotte Library Trustee, I feel I am qualified to participate in the coming year’s agenda now before the Trustees. I would appreciate your vote.

Martha S. Perkins
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Christie Is Well Organized

We will be casting our votes for Bonnie Christie for Charlotte Library Trustee on Town Meeting Day.  Bonnie has been a neighbor and friend for a number of years and is president of our homeowners’ association.  She is friendly, intelligent and well organized and will make an ideal trustee for the Charlotte Library.

Ashlee Sage and Tim Smith
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Frazer Listens to All Perspectives

Edorah Frazer’s extensive professional qualifications for the school board can be found in many places I am sure. I would like to attest to the persaonal qualities that would make her an outstanding member of the team charged with guiding the school through the next few years, which are sure to be challenging. She is honest, thoughtful, rational, generous and driven by a passion to do the best thing for her community.  Perhaps most important, however, in negotiations she honors a fair and transparent process at the heart of which, for her, is listening – truly listening – to all perspectives.  I have two children at CCS, and it would be a great comfort to know that Edorah Frazer was engaged at the highest levels of the school’s leadership.

Rebecca Foster
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Frazer Is Exceptionally Committed

I have been fortunate to have known Edorah Frazer for 15 years as a  friend, neighbor and community member. Edorah is exceptionally committed to her work with youth and improving the school environment. In my many years of knowing Edorah and observing first hand her ability to work on difficult issues, I am continually amazed at her ability to be fair, calm, clear thinking, and importantly, her capacity to bring hope and encouragement to others when challenges seem overwhelmingly difficult. The CCS community will greatly benefit from Edorah’s enormous dedication, skills and her passion to contribute to CCS. Please vote for Edorah for the three-year CCS School Board position, she is an exceptional woman. 

Suzanne Lourie
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What Do You Look for in Our Library?

I am writing to let Charlotters know why I am running for Library Trustee. I believe libraries are an asset in any community, but especially in rural towns without many social and cultural resources. And it is a fascinating time to be asking what role libraries play in an age when technology makes all manner of information available to us in our own homes 24/7. What are the pros and cons of information technology? What can the library offer us that technology can’t? The human connection is one essential resource that we cannot access through technology, but can always find in the town library. And the Charlotte Library does this so well, for all ages, in so many forms. And it is free!
I have been blessed to become part of the fabric of this community through multiple town, school and church committees. I offer this experience, plus leadership on nonprofit boards, success in fundraising and creativity, in strategic planning to help keep the Charlotte Library vital. Most of all, I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to be actively engaged with other Charlotters by reaching out and asking, what do you look for in our library, and how can we make it a reality? I would be pleased to serve Charlotte as a Library Trustee. I hope you will consider me when you vote on Town Meeting Day and will call or write if you have ideas to share about the future of our library.

Bonnie Christie
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Support for Bonnie Christie

I will be voting for Bonnie Christie in support of her efforts to continue to serve our community on the Charlotte Library Board of Trustees. I have the pleasure of working with Bonnie on the board of our homeowners association. One cannot find an individual more conscientious, thoughtful and capable. Our little town of Charlotte is lucky to have Bonnie not only living among us but also interested and willing to assist with our public institutions.
 
Bruce Palmer
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