By Stephen Seitz
posted
Jan 31, 2013
KILLINGTON - Patty McGrath, co-owner of the Inn at the Long
Trail on Route 4, and E.J. Willis, longtime Killington resident,
are challenging incumbent Selectman Jim Haff for his seat on the
board of selectmen.
McGrath said she wanted to foster dispassionate thinking and
better collaboration between the town government and its citizens,
adding that any ideas should be looked at in a clear and analytical
manner.
"I don't look at changes as much as changing direction in some
way," she said. "I'd like more respectful dialogue. We've fallen
short in those areas... It's not about who's right and who's wrong,
but about getting everybody involved."
McGrath said she'd like to see the Killington Road commercial
corridor made more attractive.
"Curb appeal is vital," she said. "In the long run, we should
encourage long-term economic growth for everyone. We can do it
while keeping everyone's interests in mind and without breaking the
bank. We have to balance the long term and the short term before we
can move forward."
Part of the solution, McGrath said, is to improve the sense of
arrival as travelers go into Killington on Route 4.
"That is one of the areas which could use improvement," she
said, "and we should take care of Killington Road as well. If it's
done in unison, it'll have a greater effect than if it's done
separately. But that becomes a financial issue as well. The project
could be made more cost-effective through the use of grants.
Killington Road is extremely important, and Route 4 serves
everybody."
McGrath said she was not running because she has a grand vision for
the town's future.
"I'm not running on great ideas," she said. "We have town
employees whose job it is to have great ideas. I encourage them to
do what's possible and what's affordable. The town plan creates a
great framework for where we want to go. It helps organize the ways
in which we can move forward."
If elected, McGrath said she would dedicate plenty of time
and energy to the job.
"I will work hard for this town," she said. "I'm a good
listener, and I'm good at making thoughtful plans. I literally want
to make things win-win for everybody. I like it when we move
together as a group."
McGrath said this was her second run for the board of
selectmen.
Also in the race is longtime Killington resident E.J. Willis,
who said she wants to bring some common sense to the board of
selectman. In the past she has served on the school board, the
Board of Civil Authority, and she is a justice of the peace.
"I want to bring some stability to the board," she said. "It's
time to have a different perspective. I'd like to work with the
rest of the board to lower taxes, solve the golf course debt and
the other issues facing the town."
Because three-candidate races are rare in Killington, Willis
said she plans to reach out to some of the newer residents.
"I have to get my name out there to those who don't know me that
well and answer their questions," she said.
Jim Haff submitted his petition for re-election, Monday, and
said he was pleased to see others interested in the seat. "I had
heard a few others were interested in running too, but they didn't
submit petitions, which is disappointing, I think… it's good to see
folks interested… it's good for voters to have a choice."
According to the town clerk's office, the only other contested
race is for first constable. Mark Fiore and Whit Montgomery are
vying for the two-year position vacated by Scott Bigelow.
Nominating petitions were due on Jan. 28. Town Clerk Lucretia
Wonsor said no one has proposed any petition articles for the town
meeting warning this year.
REGIONAL CONTESTS
BRANDON-Three candidates seek two seats on the Select Board.
Newcomers June Kelly and Blaine Cliver will challenge incumbent
Ethan Swift. Devon Fuller, who held a one-year seat on the Select
Board, is running for a three-year seat, as incumbent Mitch Pearl
is not seeking re-election.
Gerry McGraw is challenging first
constable incumbent Gigi Corsones for the position.
CASTLETON-Seven residents are running for the Select Board this
year. Patricia Graziano will seek re-election facing challengers
Patrick Eagan and John Hale for a three-year seat. James Leamy and
Edward O'Shea seek re-election facing challengers Thomas Kurns and
Wenger Rehlen for a two-year seat.
PITTSFORD-Selectman Alan Hitchcock seeks re-election for his
two-year seat facing challenger Cathy Rider.
PROCTOR-Select Board Chairman Eric "Rick" Anderson is seeking
re-election, he will face challenger Richard Horner, a former town
selectman, for a two-year seat.
RUTLAND TOWN- Don Chioffi and Chris Kiefer-Cioffi are vying for
a three-year seat on the Select Board, vacated by James Hall.
Chittenden, Clarendon, Poultney and Mendon have no contested
races.
