Dear Editor,
At the special election on May 28, I am running for the 2-year seat on the Killington Select Board.
An incredibly diverse group of people call Killington home; my partner Mary Furlong and I included. After years of renting a ski house, we purchased our first Killington home in 1995. In 1997 we started a business, the Birch Ridge Inn. Our latest chapter began three years ago when we sold the inn and bought a home for retirement. We are very familiar with the challenges Killington residents face.
My goal should I be elected is to focus on three core principles within town government: respect, transparency, and sound management.
In a changing world, Killington must stay current. Yet Killington must also stay true to itself for people to continue to call Killington their home. Key to managing change is insuring all are heard and respected.
One measure of respect is how government communicates with citizens. Vermont’s Open Meeting and Public Records laws set minimum requirements. Killington should do better. Whether it’s seeking advice and consent, reporting on projects, or answering simple questions, town government should be transparent.
Finally, to provide the necessary tools for respect and transparency, Killington needs to reinvigorate sound management practices in town government.
Killington uses a “Town Manager” form of government. Unfortunately, the town manager’s office has featured a revolving door of late. While the reasons for the position being unstable are many, Killington is in a unique position to reinvigorate the office. With a newly hired town manager, and four new Select Board members (two in the last election, two in the upcoming special election) the time is now to promote sound management practices in town hall.
Killington has a bright future. I ask voters to cast their ballot for me for the Killington Select Board.
Bill Vines, Killington
