Burlington Taxpayers, Pay Attention: Letter to Editor

Letter to the Editor

Of critical importance to all Burlington taxpayers is a serious decision that each voter must decide.

Two of the current members of the Board of Selectmen are town employees.

Thus, they personally benefit from salary increases, health care costs decisions and pension benefits that they vote on. One of the candidates for Selectmen is also a town employee which means that, if elected, three (3) of the five (5) votes on the Board will be from town employees with a vested interest in these major decisions which directly impact overburdened taxpayers. Is that truly representative government? Joan Kennedy Constant's announcement to run for the Board of Selectmen provides opportunities that the town has lacked for several years.

Burlington’s voters have not had the privilege of enjoying a truly contested Selectmen’s race for several elections cycles. Voters have been deprived of hearing dialog with regard to new ideas, and our citizens will share a chance to embrace a genuine discussion with regard to the direction of the community. Joan is already stimulating discussion of new ideas.

She’s bringing fresh perspectives and offering to fill voids that her opponents as well as the existing board members do not address. There isn't a single member of the board with legal experience. Many issues have come through the Board of Selectmen over the course of the term that presented potential legal repercussions. An attorney on the board will be capable of complementing the backgrounds that the other members bring, as well as the opinions of the town's own legal counsel. Furthermore, most members of the current board share similar backgrounds and points-of-view whether it be their professional backgrounds or opinions. One of her opponents who is vying to join the board seems to also be offering more of the same.

It's important to elect the most qualified individual, and Joan is that person.

She would also represent Burlington as the first female to serve on that board in close to a decade. Let's give a fresh face a chance and elect Joan Kennedy Constant to the Board of Selectmen this April 8.

Gary B. Kasky

Town Meeting Member Precinct 6