Putney Selectboard chair Aileen Chute is doing a fantastic job for our community. She has earned my vote and enthusiastic support. With the many complex needs occurring in our town, state, country, and world right now, we need her steady, thoughtful leadership at the front of the room. She has shown up in a diplomatic, intelligent, levelheaded way, done the work, and continues to do the work even when it is hard. As a former Selectperson, I can testify that the work is far more challenging than anyone ever expects it to be, and if it isn't, you're not doing it. She does all this for a paltry stipend, without complaint, with honesty, care, integrity, and transparency.
I was further impressed that Ms. Chute cared enough to have thought about and created a lengthy platform that shares many of the goals and values I see as representative of Putney, as demonstrated in our town plan. Her platform includes that if re-elected to the Selectboard, she will continue to encourage out-of-the-box ideas; explore extra revenue sources beyond property tax; champion government transparency and access; ensure constructive public expression; advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion; seek out ways to decrease dependence on fossil fuels; promote alternative transportation; advocate for land-use planning that mitigates flooding; and support a compact, mixed-use downtown and energy-efficient housing.
She is committed to supporting the positive efforts of Our Future Putney taskforces, working with state partners to develop Putney as a walkable and bikable community, and working with community partners to capture funding for economic development. Lastly, she expresses her love for Putney and plans to continue being an active community member regardless of re-election.
Laura Chapman
Putney
This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.