ROCKINGHAM — Selectboard incumbants Susan Hammond and Ann DiBernardo face unusual competition this year. Four new names are on the ballot in bids for three seats on the board.
Hammond is vying for the three-year seat against Lamonte Barnett and Charles Thurston.
Incumbent DiBernardo's challengers for two one-year seats are Steve Adams, Cass Wright, and Stefan Golec. Golec currently sits as a Village Trustee.
Rockingham Free Public Library has three open three-year seats, and three candidates, one of whom is a write-in, according to Youth Librarian Sam Maskell. Ellen Taetzsch did not get her name in on time, so she will be running as a write-in third candidate. The other two candidates for the three open seats are Gary Fox and Heidi Lauricella.
Selectboard, three years
• Susan Hammond: “There are a lot of pressing issues facing the town of Rockingham. I will be ready to hit the ground running to begin to address these issues in collaboration with the other board members, the town employees and, just as importantly, with the community. My years of international experience have required me to develop my diplomatic, communication, and collaboration skills. These skills are just as vital in local government so that we can all work together to ensure Rockingham is the best it can be for all its residents.”
• Lamont “Monte” Barnett: “Experience does matter when it comes to the future of our community. I would like to address some of the most important issues that face our community right now. Development has not been effective for some time. This latest proposal for a 'jail' in our downtown highlights a process that is broken and needs to change. Rockingham is one of the lowest income per-capita towns in the state of Vermont. I believe it is time to make a change, and I bring a lot of experience to the table to help with that change.”
• Charles Thurston did not provide a statement or a photo to The Commons.
Selectboard, one year (two seats)
• Ann DiBernardo: “I bring history and experience. I do not have an 'I' problem, but a 'we' solution. Only “we” can change our community for the better!”
• Stefan Golec: “I'm running (because) there is a lot of unfinished business that I would like to see to completion. I want to make sure the Rockingham Selectboard hears the voices of our residents. Rockingham is facing many issues of concern this year, and for the future; some of which are: the TransCanada appeal of their property value assessment, job creation, and economic development. I support development of the Island to create new economic opportunities and vitality, two public hearings on proposed merger of the town and the village, discussion on the Vilas bridge, as well as an influx of heroin and illegal drugs in our community.”
• Cass Wright: “Most people see me every day as the crossing guard for Central Elementary and the Bellows Falls Middle School. Folks should vote for me if they want more transparency in their local government and a brighter outcome for themselves and their children. As a citizen of Rockingham, I demand transparency and a voice in what will make us better. So should every resident.”
• Steve Adams did not provide a statement or a photo to The Commons.