Byron Coley: Shores Ness for Select Board

Blake Gilmore wants my vote to serve on the Selectboard in Deerfield. So I asked friends and neighbors what they knew about the candidate, and where he stands on the issues in the town — subsidized senior housing, senior center, road repair funding, school funding, etc. The only thing I learned is that “he cares about the taxes.”

His campaign calls for “a safe and positive environment” to join committees, yet the town website homepage lists 14 vacancies that are open to any volunteer who wishes to be considered. He doesn’t seem to know that our schools’ budget increases are well below the norm in the valley or that the senior housing project costs are paid by the developer, not the town. He does not serve on any elected or volunteer committees in town, yet he wants to jump straight to the top of town government?

We cannot afford to replace a public servant as experienced as Carolyn Shores Ness, who represents Deerfield on multiple state, regional, and town committees, with someone who hasn’t invested the time necessary to understand all the work that goes into running our town. Democracy depends on the willingness of individuals to devote personal time and energy to address community needs and challenges, so Mr. Gilmore’s interest in serving Deerfield is to be commended. But before I consider voting to put him in the top slot in town, he needs to spend time in the trenches and serve on some committees.

I, for one, am investing in the future of Deerfield. I am voting for Carolyn Shores Ness on May 6, and I urge everyone to join me. Carolyn has the experience, knowledge, commitment, and passion our town needs.

Byron Coley

Deerfield