Voices

Candidate statement: Aileen Chute, Putney Selectboard

PUTNEY — I am running for Selectboard because I deeply believe that local government and citizen involvement in local government is the key to improving all of our lives.

A little about me: I grew up in Henniker, N.H, graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in classical and near eastern archaeology and a minor in ancient Greek, and have until recently spent the majority of my working career in IT. These diverse interests have taught me how to navigate the problems of whole systems, whether they are civilizations or software applications, and how to present proactive solutions.

A little about us: Before we moved to Putney in 2017, we created, owned, and operated a small family farm in Washington NH. My husband Lionel works in natural resources and is on several local boards, including the Conservation Commission, and our two kids go to Putney Central School.

I have experience in our local town government. I currently serve as a Putney lister as well as on the Putney planning commission and the energy committee. In addition, I work in the assessor's office for the town of Brattleboro.

But our local government can't help improve our lives if town officials don't live our truths. We need a representative Selectboard that looks like us. I also recognize that I am one of the lucky few who can take the time to serve our town. I understand how difficult it is to juggle all of the responsibilities of a working family and still remain connected to a community. I pledge to listen to you, and to work for you.

Don't forget that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Putney Town Warrant articles are being voted on via Australian ballot this year on Tuesday, March 2, with an informational meeting via Zoom on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m.

More information about Town Meeting and the warrant articles can be found on the town website: putneyvt.org. You can contact our town clerk, Jon Johnson, on how to register to vote by calling 802-387-5862, ext. 13 or by emailing [email protected].

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