BRATTLEBORO-I recently ran into a statement that hit home: "The opposite of chaos is community."
This is relevant to the Democratic primary in the Windham-1 Guilford-Vernon district, where there is a race for the House seat being vacated by Sara Coffey.
Running as a real Democrat is Zon Eastes, a true community builder. I've worked with Zon in many capacities for 40 years. During that time, I've watched Zon build community as executive director of the Brattleboro Music Center, as conductor of the Windham and Juno orchestras (if ever a community needed to win over chaos, an orchestra is a great example), as director of outreach and advancement at the Vermont Arts Council in Montpelier, and as Selectboard member and chair here at home in Guilford.
His record, reputation, skills, and experience present a person of honesty and integrity, a builder of consensus, hard at work for the good of his community.
His opponent is Jason Herron, posing as a Democrat by his own admission. Jason specializes in chaos. Over the last several years, Jason has caused disruptions at Selectboard meetings, preventing the town from going about its normal business.
Jason has caused the town to spend tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees (nearly $50,000 at last count) plus untold numbers of hours of board and staff time to defend against more than a dozen unfounded allegations that have all been dismissed, all the way up to the Vermont Supreme Court.
He makes ridiculous claims of conspiracies and ulterior motives, with no proof. There were efforts to sit with him and have two-way conversations. The upshot is that he demonstrates an astonishing inability to listen or learn.
His candidacy itself, on the Democratic ticket, should be read as nothing more than an excuse to cause chaos.
As a part-time resident of Guilford, I can't vote in the primary on Aug. 13. I hope those who can vote realize what is at stake for both towns, and how clear the choices are.
Gail Nunziata
Brattleboro
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