BRATTLEBORO — I endorse John Hagen for high bailiff.
John is a former West Point instructor who is highly educated, articulate, and engaging, and who has a great sense of humor. He served over 28 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. As a fellow veteran, I appreciate his service to our country.
John and I began our work together some years ago at Brattleboro American Legion Post 5, working to make the local American Legion more appealing to younger veterans. John spearheaded the outreach efforts by surveying and gathering data of local veterans of the global war on terrorism and using the findings and feedback to implement new programs, which were well received and community minded: soldier experience presentations, Tuesday morning coffee club, veteran assistance like Vet2Vet home visitor program, Legion Hall as voting site, nonprofit organization network fairs like the Stone Soup Social, local veteran volunteerism in the local homeless overflow shelter, and Brattleboro Area Boy Scouts outreach.
John's leadership at the American Legion had the direct effect of getting the younger veterans involved and increased community interaction. His calling card is leading via outreach and bringing good ideas to action to benefit others.
John will bring his experience, get-it-done attitude, community spirit, and leadership skills to the position of high bailiff. He would represent the voters of Windham County well.