Staff report
On Wednesday, May 28, Killington residents will vote on who will fill two new seats on the Select Board. A measure to expand the Select Board from three to five members was approved at Town Meeting Day. Polls for this special election will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Killington Town Office. Ballots are also available in advance at Town Hall.
Bill Vines and David McComb are running for the two-year seat while Jon Wysocki and Jay Hickory are running for the one-year seat.
The following are short answers to questions posed by the Mountain Times to help voters better understand each candidate’s motivations and qualifications for being on the board as well as their intentions to address both opportunities and obstacles facing the town if they were to be elected to the board.
Jay Hickory, 1-year seat
1. Why do you want to be on the Killington Select Board? What do you feel best qualifies you to represent the residents of Killington?
Honesty, leadership, fiscal responsibility
Common sense, no nonsense, cooperative
2. Are there specific problems or concerns that are motivating you to run now?
I am tired of being lied to by certain people. We need the truth to come out so we can move on with the important issues that face the town.
3. What are the biggest obstacles the town faces and how do you plan to address them as a select board member? What are the town’s biggest opportunities?
The biggest obstacles are to make sure the town is financially sound, and we have enough money until tax revenues come in again.
The biggest opportunities are to make the Town of Killington a safe and welcoming place to raise a family.
4. How do you see your role on the Select Board under our town manager form of government?
I see the board supporting as well as guiding the town manager. Creating policy, enforcing current policy, and overseeing the Town’s finances.
5. How do you feel about the town’s “Killington Forward” initiative and the TIF funding that helps support it? What experience do you have that may aid in future discussions about development?
I support the village and the water project and affordable housing. I spent most of my adult career as a construction supervisor as well as owning my own business. I believe that experience will be very beneficial.
6. What are your thoughts about the new town recreation center plans?
In light of our current financial situation, I don’t believe that it would be feasible to move forward with this at this time.
7. What, if any, role should the Select Board play in helping remedy the current housing/workforce shortage? How do short-term rental regulations help or hurt?
I believe they go hand-in-hand. Airbnbs eliminated all of the long-term rentals so there is no housing for full time workers.
8. Conflict of interest has been a hot topic. Do you have any current conflicts of interest? If so, what are they? How will you handle those, or others that may arise, if elected to the board?
I do not have any conflicts of interest, but I feel that there are some conflicts of interest. I think the answer is clear, that we enforce the policies that are in place.
9. Many are concerned about taxes and the affordability of Killington. Would you advocate for cuts to the municipal budget or planned future projects? If so, which ones? Would you advocate for spending for the future betterment of the town? If so, which ones?
I think the tax issue is mostly driven by the state education tax and is a statewide issue as well as a local issue. I think we will have to be selective and thorough when moving forward with future projects.
10. Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
I grew up in Bridgewater, Vermont. I moved here after my wife and I were married and we raised three children here. I worked in the construction industry for over 45 years. I am currently semi-retired and work at the town transfer station.
Jon Wysocki, 1-year seat
Jon Wysocki
1.Why do you want to be on the Killington Select Board? What do you feel best qualifies you to represent the residents of Killington?
I believe in volunteerism, what better way to help guide our community through its challenges/opportunities both today as well in the future than to serve on the Select Board if provided the opportunity by my fellow townspeople.
I have a unique background and skill set that I believe can benefit our community. I have a firm knowledge of costing, project management/scheduling, staff management, and marketing from my corporate background, as well as an intricate knowledge of negotiations, sales and acquisition, land use, permitting, development, and construction, through my real estate services business.
2. Are there specific problems or concerns that are motivating you to run now?
My objective is simple: I intend to serve the residents/taxpayers of Killington to produce the highest and best possible outcomes for all matters which the board interacts. Our town has a unique profile, with 1,300+/- residents. We are a small town. However, our business and commerce are that of a small city. It takes a unique skill set and personality to contribute to the board in such a way that meaningful and productive outcomes can be produced. If my fellow townspeople have been watching Select Board meetings (links available on the town’s website if you have not been able to attend) over the past 6-12 months you know there has been rift brewing over a number of issues, some of these are management related and some appear to have become personal. I am concerned that my counterpart may be more focused and motivated by personal grievances than actually looking out for the residents and taxpayers of Killington. We have a lot going on; there is a need to stay focused on things like the TIF management, Killington Forward, and other large capital projects; we have no time for distractions. Killington needs team players who want to produce results.
3. What are the biggest obstacles the town faces and how do you plan to address them as a Select Board member? What are the town’s biggest opportunities?
One clear obstacle we have had as a town has been in the leadership role. A revolving door of sorts, resulting in a lack of structure with how we operate the business of Killington. I believe with the addition of David Atherton as the town manager, we finally have an equilibrium in that space. Allowing the town to develop a proper organizational structure, policies, and procedures will result in a more productive organization and reduce the board’s interaction with day-to-day activities. Looking forward, let’s state the obvious: we are literally the most incredible place to live in the Northeast, with that comes endless opportunities and risks. We need to strike a balance between maintaining our sense of community and the necessary growth of the future. The Village presents a tremendous opportunity to showcase our community, but we need to properly and sustainably fund the infrastructure that goes along with it, we must support the young people in our community by finding creative ways to develop affordable housing for workers, we need to retain the children we raise here who may be our future entrepreneurs, we need to ensure the Access Road businesses are able to thrive in the face of the Village retail center. Our opportunities are endless, but we must have measured planning to produce the best outcomes.
4. How do you see your role on the Select Board under our town manager form of government?
The voters of Killington decided the “town manager format” was the way we will manage our government. I concur. We are all familiar with the term “stay in your lane,” the town manager is compensated to run the daily affairs of Killington, generally they should have the latitude to do so, it is the Select Board’s role to establish policy that the manager then executes. I see my role, and the board’s at large, to establish policy and counsel the town manager accordingly.
5. How do you feel about the town’s “Killington Forward” initiative and the TIF funding that helps support it? What experience do you have that may aid in future discussions about development?
As I previously mentioned, we have a unique profile, the “Killington Forward” initiative is a key component to the future of our community and its businesses. Would I love to maintain status quo forever, sure, but it is unrealistic based on the real needs of our community, so I support the initiative. I am not going to lie, TIF funding has a very mixed result in the state of Vermont, I think we have a good plan, but we must manage it vigorously, it must NOT become a burden of the taxpayer.
My experience and knowledge in the area of costing, scheduling, planning, project management, marketing, permitting, land use, etc. all will be drawn upon to varying degrees to aid in future discussions about development.
6. What are your thoughts about the new town recreation center plans?
What is a community without a place to congregate? In the winter, we have the resort to recreate, but that does not embody the community in the same way as our 4th of July celebration! Our children need a place to grow, our more mature population needs a place to socialize. It is clear the facilities are aging, there was some great foresight to see the eventuality of this matter and begin funding in 2018+/-, we have a pretty substantial balance that we need to grow to help bring the project to fruition. I firmly believe we have little option but to address the issue. I support a plan that will produce a beautiful place that we can all be proud of and I know the folks spearheading the initiative will bring the right options to the table. We need to formulate a strategic plan to properly fund the rec center whilst minimizing the burden on the taxpayer. I am certain we could generate more income through our summer programs etc., as well as find grant money and private donations to help make this happen. As they say, “It takes a village…”
7. What, if any, role should the Select Board play in helping remedy the current housing/workforce shortage? How do short-term rental regulations help or hurt?
Without housing, who will operate our businesses? Without young people, what is the future of our community? Do I think this is the responsibility of the town, not 100% but I do feel the Select Board should be heavily engaged with the businesses in our community to understand the true need and work hand in hand with the goal of finding solutions to the problem. We can assist with establishing public funds, grants, etc., but these businesses will need to play a strong role in the process.
Clearly short-term rentals (full disclosure, I do own STRs outside the Killington region) have a negative effect on affordable rental housing supply and affordable ownership for young families. I also feel they can have a negative effect on quality of life in our residential districts. I feel we should look at the fee structure associated with our regulations and should consider raising the fees, perhaps even adding a specific local tax (if applicable under law) but not to add to the General Fund, specifically to fund workforce housing in our community. The owners of STRs benefit from the community therefore the community must have workers to provide the support services to the STRs and their guests in order to provide an optimal “Killington” experience.
8. Conflict of interest has been a hot topic. Do you have any current conflicts of interest? If so, what are they? How will you handle those or others that may arise, if elected?
I do not have any conflicts of interest. The only property I own in Killington is my primary residence. I do not own a business that operates locally. I am not invested in any local business. If a conflict of interest were to arise, I would publicly acknowledge said conflict and recuse myself from the business at hand. The upside of the five-person board is there should be enough in the instance of a recusal to both establish quorum, as well enough input to allow for thorough examination of the business.
9. Many are concerned about taxes and affordability of Killington. Would you advocate for cuts to the municipal budget or planned future projects? If so, which ones? Would you advocate for spending for the future betterment of town? If so, which ones?
Am I concerned about taxes, absolutely!!! They are a primary concern. I am concerned for the elderly who did all of the right things in their life to eventually own their home, only to be taxed out of Killington. I am concerned about the younger people who want to raise their children here, but can’t afford the tax bill coupled with their mortgage.
This is far less a local issue and primarily a state issue in the way we fund education. The state education tax component is nearly 5x the local tax. We need reform in Montpelier.
As it relates to local budgets and the resulting tax, these are the things we can control, I feel the local budget has been reasonably responsible. I do feel our payroll has grown a lot in town over the recent years, again, we are not really as small a town as our census would imply. I think it would be disingenuous for me to sit here and say, cut X and Y without being deep in the realities of the conversation, but what I will say is I am a fiscal hawk, who understands the need to have proper resources to do the job properly today as well plan for tomorrow as “kicking the can down the road” usually cost more than sound planning.
10. Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
For those who do not know me, my passions run deep, I am the proud father of 18-year-old twin boys Jonas and Zev, who I would like nothing more than for them to be able to call Killington home when they raise their eventual families. I am beyond fortunate to have the most incredible wife Jennifer who is my best friend. We have made our dream a reality, living and raising our children in Killington. If you agree with my thoughts as stated here, great, if you do not, let’s discuss them as a room full of like minds is a boring place.
Now please, get out and VOTE!
Bill Vines, 2-year seat
Bill Vines
1. Why do you want to be on the Killington Select Board? What do you feel best qualifies you to represent the residents of Killington?
When I announced my candidacy, I said that my goal would be to focus on three core principles within town government: respect, transparency, and sound management. Killington is a multi-dimensional entity. It is a town, of course, and a source of pride for many residents… it is a resort we enjoy… it is a source of revenue for the state of Vermont. It is also experiencing rapid change with the village development, changes in short-term rental practices, and population changes in response to Covid. The Killington Select Board needs to keep up. To be successful, process matters; or the town’s future could be at great risk. Process starts by having a Select Board that operates based upon being respectful to all, transparently communicating town activities, and working with the town manager to make sure sound management practices are followed. Should I be elected, that is what I want for the Killington Select Board.
My personal experiences have given me the tools for success. I’ve worked as an engineer at Raytheon; I’ve traveled the world as an international marketing director for Motorola promoting American products around the globe; I’ve sat at the table with the town, resort, and business community while president of the KPAA; and I have successfully managed the transition to personal retirement after owning and running a Killington small business (Birch Ridge Inn). All these experiences have prepared me to represent the residents of Killington on the Select Board.
2. Are there specific problems or concerns that are motivating you to run now?
First and foremost, we must reinvigorate town government if the town is to be successful going forward. Killington uses a “Town Manger” form of government. Dave Atherton, the recently hired town manager, has his job cut out for him to reign in all the projects that are managed out of his office. Providing Dave with the support he needs to put in place sound management practices at town hall is a big concern of mine and a huge motivating factor for me to run for the Select Board.
3. What are the biggest obstacles the town faces and how do you plan to address them as a Select Board member? What are the town’s biggest opportunities?
The biggest obstacle the town faces is balance. A lot of people, including many Vermonters who do not live in Killington, have this image that anyone who lives here is wealthy. And while many second homeowners are people of means, Killington itself is run by regular Vermonters who are often overlooked when others think of Killington. This obstacle is also Killington’s biggest opportunity.
In addition to feeding the fascination people have with the resort, new projects must also respect the needs of residents so they will continue to willingly welcome guests to Killington. Finding balance for both residents and guests is the key opportunity for Killington to get right going forward.
4. How do you see your role on the Select Board under our town manager form of government?
There are several… In the near term, as I said previously, I am committed to see the Select Board provide the necessary support to allow the town manager to put in place sound management practices at Town Hall. The practices need to provide transparency so that residents can be kept informed about activities taking place, and they also must show respect for all.
In the long term, I think the town of Killington would be best served with the Select Board resuming its traditional “advise and consent” role with the town manager handling the day-to- day management of town departments.
5. How do you feel about the town’s “Killington Forward” initiative and the TIF funding that helps support it? What experience do you have that may aid in future discussions about development?
In a changing world, the town of Killington must change to stay current. The fact investors see opportunities in town recognize that Killington’s future potential is bright. Both the “Killington Forward” and TIF funding programs reinforce that at the local level.
In my pre-Killington days, I managed many large projects for multinational corporations. I respect the strength of listening to project stakeholders and creating processes to manage projects thru to successful completion. That is a big reason why I believe in making sure our town government puts sound management practices in place. Both “Killington Forward” and the TIF funding are keys to Killington’s future success. But they must be soundly managed to minimize risk, especially financial, to the residents of the town.
6. What are your thoughts about the new town recreation center plans?
The need to replace the pool at the recreation center is well known. It is a shining example on how capital investments made 50 years ago can still benefit the community. It’s time to be replaced.
Other elements of the recreation center plans are very forward thinking. I would like to see further analysis on how the facilities could be financially sustained by town residents, second homeowners, and Killington Resort visitors directly, versus taking a “build it and they will come” approach. But in general, I am a supporter.
7. What, if any, role should the Select Board play in helping remedy the current housing/workforce shortage? How do short-term rental regulations help or hurt?
Killington is facing the same problem that many resort communities are facing. Unfortunately, over the years, lip service has been paid to the problem under the belief that local workforce housing would naturally develop outside the resort in the surrounding cities and towns.
The work housing portion of the ‘Killington Forward” project is a good start. A longer-term solution requires working with planning and zoning. Developing housing and transportation projects to sustainably support the local workforce is a challenge that needs to be addressed for Killington to be successful.
Short-term rental regulations neither help nor hurt the workforce housing situation. While forcing some short-term rental properties to become long-term housing for workers sounds good, market forces must be in place to make it work. The current cost to build and maintain properties in Killington, combined with real estate taxes, currently push many owner-investors towards short-term rentals in the absence of any encouragement to provide long-term housing.
8. Conflict of interest has been a hot topic. Do you have any current conflicts of interest? If so, what are they? How will you handle those, or others that may arise, if elected to the board?
My only conflict of interest is that I love living in the town of Killington. When we moved out of corporate life 30 years ago, my partner, Mary Furlong, and I chose to move to Killington. Our small business plan specifically targeted eventually purchasing property in Killington with the intention of retiring here. And we successfully achieved that three years ago.
We are not investors in the private group which purchased the resort. Nor, since we retired, are we business owners in any Killington related business. Should an unforeseen situation arise where I was to find that I did have a conflict of interest in performing my Select Board duties, I would recuse myself to cure the conflict.
9. Many are concerned about taxes and affordability of Killington. Would you advocate for cuts to the municipal budget or planned future projects? If so, which ones? Would you advocate for spending for the future betterment of town? If so, which ones?
Key to respecting town residents, second homeowners, and Killington businesses is operating the town in a fiscally responsible manner. As a Killington property owner, I am concerned about the trajectory of local taxes. I am also concerned about potential liabilities with major projects occurring around Killington with implicit town guaranties. And then we have state of Vermont education spending.
I am not in a position yet to advocate for municipal budget cuts. The impact of Covid, inflation, and potential tariff cost increases are still working their way through town spending. When you combine these costs, with a new town manager who has only just begun to study the town budget, our only recourse is to make sure that sound management practices at Town Hall are in place. Town government needs to be positioned to harvest cost saving opportunities when identified and minimize unplanned spending increases.
The same holds true of the potential liability exposure the town may have to major projects the town has guaranteed. Here it is critical to take a disciplined management approach to prevent mission creep, cost overages, unplanned expenses, or vendor short comings.
On future projects, we need to coordinate future bond requirements with current bond retirement. Given concerns on affordability, we should be very cautious about taking on new bonded liabilities until we understand that the town has its fiscal house in order.
Education funding is another matter. Somehow the town of Killington needs to get a seat at the table during the state-wide education funding conversation. Killington needs to be a constructive participant in the discussion. Supporting our schools and educating future generations of Vermonters is one of the highest priorities current residents have. But it needs to be accomplished in an affordable fashion.
The town of Killington runs itself using regular Vermonters being paid regular Vermont wages. The median income of Killington residents is very close to the median income of Vermonters at large. The mere fact that Killington is home to the largest resort on the East Coast and has a tax base supported by many second homeowners of means, does not change the financial facts for many Killington residents. Killington must be an affordable place for people to call their full-time home.
10. Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
I believe in Killington. The people who call Killington their home bring a richness of experiences to town that transcend economic means. I believe Killington’s future is bright, and I look forward to doing whatever I can to assure Killington’s success.
Dave McComb, 2-year seat
Dave McComb
1. Why do you want to be on the Killington Select Board? What do you feel best qualifies you to represent the residents of Killington?
I’m running for the Killington Select Board because I care deeply about Killington’s future. As a town, we’re facing big decisions right now, including infrastructure, housing, staffing, fiscal responsibility, and especially how we balance growth with what makes Killington special. I want to make sure residents have a strong voice at the table.
What best qualifies me to represent the residents of Killington is a combination of real-world experience and local investment. I’ve run companies, built teams, served on boards, served on the Planning Commission, and navigated complicated regulatory and budget challenges. I’m a full-time resident, a parent, and someone who’s active in town life. I understand what it’s like to raise a family here, to run a business here, and to worry about where the town’s headed. I work hard, I show up, I listen, and I try to ask good questions. I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo when I believe it’s in the town’s best interest.
2. Are there specific problems or concerns that are motivating you to run now?
Yes, a few.
First, I’m glad the town voted to expand the Select Board from three to five members. The scale of the projects we’re taking on from Killington Forward to major roadwork to new infrastructure, demands broader representation and oversight. It’s just too much for three people to manage well.
Second, I’ve heard concerns from town staff about workplace culture and communication. When people working for the town don’t feel supported or heard, it affects everything, from day-to-day operations to long-term planning. I think we need to make sure leadership is fostering a healthy, professional environment where people can do their best work.
And finally, we need to bring stronger fiscal discipline to the table. I’ve reviewed the budgets and sat through the meetings. We’re making big financial commitments, and I want to make sure we’re asking the right questions, avoiding waste, and being smart with taxpayer money.
3. What are the biggest obstacles the town faces and how do you plan to address them as a Select Board member? What are the town’s biggest opportunities?
One of the biggest challenges is execution. That is, translating plans into real results. We’ve got major infrastructure projects in motion, and if we don’t manage them well, we risk cost overruns, missed deadlines, or outcomes that don’t meet residents’ needs. As a Select Board member, I’d bring project management experience and a focus on accountability, making sure we stay on track and that the public is kept in the loop.
Another obstacle is community trust. Whether it’s questions about budget decisions or how staff are treated, we need to rebuild confidence in town leadership. That starts with transparency, better communication, and more listening.
Killington has huge opportunities. We’re in a position to shape what kind of town we want to be — not just a resort destination, but a sustainable year-round community. We’ve got the chance to improve housing options, grow our recreation economy beyond winter, and invest in infrastructure that supports residents and local businesses alike. If we get it right, Killington can be a model for how to grow without losing what makes a place feel like home.
4. How do you see your role on the Select Board under our town manager form of government?
The Select Board sets the direction, including big picture priorities, budgets, and policy, and the town manager carries out the day-to-day operations. I see my role as providing oversight, asking the right questions, and making sure the town manager has clear guidance and the support they need to succeed. It’s not about micromanaging, it’s about setting standards, being accessible to residents, and ensuring decisions are made in the best interest of the whole community.
5. How do you feel about the town’s “Killington Forward” initiative and the TIF funding that helps support it? What experience do you have that may aid in future discussions about development?
I’m a huge proponent of “Killington Forward.” It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our town’s future through better infrastructure, a stronger year-round economy, and a more livable town. TIF funding is a useful tool, but we have to manage it carefully and transparently. I bring experience in business, project management, and real estate, which means I can help ensure the project stays on track, the TIF is well-managed, and the benefits reach our local community.
6. What are your thoughts about the new town recreation center plans?
I’m really encouraged by the strong community support we saw at the public meeting. People clearly want this, and I agree that it would be a great asset for the town. We need to be smart about how we build it. I think a phased approach makes the most sense. We start with what we can afford, make sure it’s used and maintained well, and then build on that over time. If we plan it right, the recreation center can serve residents of all ages, support local events and programs, and strengthen our year-round community.
7. What, if any, role should the Select Board play in helping remedy the current housing/workforce shortage? How do short-term rental regulations help or hurt?
The Select Board has a real role to play. Securing 70 acres for workforce housing was a great move by the previous board. Now we need to follow through and make sure that land becomes housing that full-time workers can actually access.
Killington is a resort town with a lot of second homeowners who use and rent their properties. Short-term rentals are part of our economy. I support fair, safety-focused regulation, but overreaching could hurt locals and responsible owners. The real fix is building more housing, not just restricting existing use.
8. Conflict of interest has been a hot topic. Do you have any current conflicts of interest? If so, what are they? How will you handle those, or others that may arise, if elected to the board?
I don’t have any current conflicts of interest, and just to be clear, I have no financial ties to Killington Resort, which I know has been a concern for some. That said, I take the issue seriously. If any conflict ever did arise, I’d disclose it immediately and recuse myself from the discussion and vote. I also support the adoption of a formal code of ethics policy for the town. It sets expectations and builds trust, and we need more of both in local government.
9. Many are concerned about taxes and affordability of Killington. Would you advocate for cuts to the municipal budget or planned future projects? If so, which ones? Would you advocate for spending for the future betterment of town? If so, which ones?
Affordability is a real concern. I think we need to take a hard look at the budget and ask where we can tighten things up without cutting essential services. That might mean delaying or scaling back certain capital projects, or being more disciplined about staffing and operational costs.
At the same time, I support spending where it creates long-term value. I support investments in infrastructure that improve water, roads, and housing access. I also think community-focused projects, like a well-planned recreation center, are worth funding if they’re done with strong budget controls. The goal is to build a town that’s more livable and sustainable, not just more developed.
10. Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
I’m deeply connected to the Killington community, not just as a resident, but as a business owner, a volunteer, and a neighbor. My family lives here full-time. We’ve established roots here. My wife has served on the library board for years, and I currently serve on the Planning Commission. I run a local business with a great team, who live right here in the area. We do our best to contribute to the local economy and support the people who make Killington home.
I’m running because I want to make sure that future works for all of Killington. I bring experience in business, planning, and local government, and I’m committed to listening, asking the hard questions, and representing this community with integrity.
