We often talk about the merits of "thinking outside the box," yet the reality is, we live within the confines of culture, experience, and tradition. And the law.
David Gartenstein is one of those unique individuals who can think creatively while both recognizing those boundaries and working to change them in meaningful ways.
This is particularly evident in the area where criminal justice and mental health issues intersect.
In a "difficult case" of a defendant facing "more than 80 charges" David Gartenstein, as the assistant state's attorney, was able to navigate an interim resolution.
While the defendant was "discharged from the Vermont state psychiatric hospital," he remained in a "secure residential treatment facility" ["Local man to finally get in-patient mental health care," Brattleboro Reformer, May 19, 2023].
I have personal knowledge of a less-sensational case that occurred some years ago, when David spent the time to work on a disposition that took into account the safety of the community and the needs of the defendant. From his involvement in such cases, David has articulated principles that promise to effect legislative change.
David has also articulated housing, taxes and public education issues.
We, as voters in Brattleboro District 9, should leverage his 20 years of thoughtful consideration to these issues of concern and give him our vote.
Robert A. Oeser
This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.
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