By Brett Yates
On Dec. 16, the Pittsfield Select Board nominated Sandy Begin to become the town’s health officer, effective upon confirmation by the Vermont Health Commissioner. By state law, every Vermont municipality must have a health officer; the position in Pittsfield has stood vacant since Sept. 30, when Rebecca Steward declined a fourth consecutive appointment.
According to the Vermont Dept. of Health, municipal health officers bear responsibility for “investigating possible public health hazards and risks within the town or city,” “taking action to prevent, remove, or destroy any public health hazards,” “taking action to lessen significant public health risks,” and “enforcing health laws, rules and permit conditions, and taking the steps necessary to enforce orders.”
Begin has, by her account, served in this capacity twice before in Pittsfield, “quite a few years ago.” She encouraged the board to search for other interested candidates for the position next year.
“I’m old, you know,” Begin pointed out with a laugh.
Pittsfield is also currently looking to hire a custodian and an assistant town clerk and treasurer, and to appoint a new energy coordinator.
