http://www.vermontjournal.com/content/carol-cole-running-select-board
Carol Cole Running for Select Board
Submitted by VT Journal on Tue, 02/17/2015 - 2:27pm
By LAUREN DRASLER The Shopper
SPRINGFILED, VT -Lifelong resident of Springfield and local real estate agent Carol Cole has decided to run for a seat on the Select Board. Cole is running against incumbent candidates David Yesman and Peter MacGillivary, and first-time candidate Walter Martone. Two seats are available on the Select Board and the election will take place March 3. Cole said that she decided to run for the Select Board due to a variety of reasons.
“I’ve lived in Springfield all of my life, and I’ve been involved the community in many different ways,” Cole said. “I was the Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and I been involved in town government as well. I love this town, and I feel that there has recently been a lot of negativity. We have been dealing with a lot of issues, but I feel that I can help solve the problems our town faces.”
Although Cole said that she doesn’t have a specific platform that she is using for her candidacy, she does have some specific concerns that she would address, should she be elected in March.
“I’m concerned with the tax rate in town, and I would like to raise the grand list,” she said. “I also want to work closely with Springfield Regional Development Corporation to help find ways to generate new businesses, and also expand the businesses we do have in town.”
Cole said that she also hopes to address the conditions of roads and sidewalks in Springfield as well.
“Our roads and sidewalks are a mess, and that’s not very inviting to someone who is looking to relocate to Springfield,” she said. “I have good feelings about our community, and I think we’re on the cusp of good things happening. I would like to see more positivity in Springfield, and I would be open to look outside the box for ways to help our town.”
Since Cole is a lifelong Springfield resident, she has been involved in many aspects of the community, and according to her, she truly cares about the town.
“I love Springfield and I would like to see it restored to what it was,” she said. “We can work on the problems we’re facing now, but we must collaborate with organizations and people. I want to work with people and really listen to what they have to say, and fix the issues that way.”
Although some people do see many negatives in Springfield, Cole said that there are many constructive things to look at instead.
“The Winter Carnival that was held at the golf course is a perfect example of the positive changes that are happening,” she said. “The Winter Carnival was put together in a short amount of time, and was very well-attended. I’m also impressed by the response the Steampunk Festival has gotten. If we can generate a more positive focus in our town, then I think there are many more opportunities coming.”
Many people may be intimidated by running against three other candidates for two spots on the Select Board, but Cole said that she is excited about the race.
“My opponents are all qualified for the Select Board, and I think it’s great that we have a race for these positions,” she said.
Cole said that although she may not have a polished campaign speech or platform to run on, she instead has experience in local government, and has many positive ideas for Springfield.
“I’ve run for a lot of different things in town, and even on the state level, so I’ve had a lot of experience and done a lot,” she said. “I’m ready and willing to take on the challenges this community is facing. So, instead of saying we can’t do it, I’m saying that we should approach this with a better attitude and say we can fix these issues.”
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I wonder if Carol has a good recipe for double chocolate brownies.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of anything else to ask her.
Good to see that sexism is alive and well in Springfield and on this blog. Must be election season and the blog administrator needs to pay his bills. Pageviews for profit, let the ad money roll in.
DeleteI would support Carol any day of the week over the newbie to Springfield. She has proven leadership skills in this town and I suspect she will win easily.
ReplyDeleteWell I disagree with you. If she has such great leadership skills and is such a valued member of the community then where has she been the past 10 years as we spiraled downward.
DeleteI give my vote to the newby BECAUSE he is new and those ideas are fresh and not yet tainted by his friendships or affiliations with others in town and THAT is what threatens everyone in this community. Everyone is so scared of change and that it may affect their cakewalk job security and that is far from the truth. We need someone who is younger and has a grasp on what is going on in the US and how that may affect us. We NEED someone with a fresh perspective, not someone who wishes we could revert back to the 1940's. We have already seen that type of leadership and where it has taken us.
Not to mention the good ol' boy system that basically enriches those who hold the reins of power. I remember one instance 20-30 years ago, when a major renovation had to be done. The contractor who got it was on the board that approved the deal. the justification was, "Let's keep the business local." But what was operating was, he was well-off, therefore he was regarded as a smart man, and when they asked his opinion on who should do the job, they agreed when he said, "Give it to me." In that one and at least one other, he made tens if not hundreds of thousands of bucks off the town.
DeleteNo question that he was a nice guy, but. . .
This election although it involves two seats is actually about one seat, namely David Yesman's seat. The other three candidates are change candidates, Yesman is the old timer machine shop candidate. So if you want to stick with the Machine Shop approach to Springfield's future, he is your vote.
DeleteMore loosey goosey anecdotal sniping by the resident envier of other's success. No specifics. No references. No facts. Just another whiny little story of how somebody allegedly got ahead who in Chuck's mind shouldn't have been allowed to. What a tortured, sad life of envy and resentment one man must lead...
DeleteAh! Then you must be aware of the details of the incident I mention. Please do share them with us. . .
DeleteThats a very strong accusation Chuck, do you have enough courage to name that contactor? Please do tell!
ReplyDeleteYou can look it up. People were questioned in the Eagle Times' "Man on the Street" about "Do you think Springfield money ought to be spent in Springfield?" Shouldn't be too hard to burrow back from there to get all the details.
DeleteIt would be irresponsible for anyone to name names without all the details, none of which are fresh in my mind after lo, these 20 years or thereabouts. But it happened.
I offered it as a reason for voters to consider the importance of impartiality in an elected official.
And it was probably reported on by cub reporter Brian Williams, who, like Chuck, appears to have a history of flawed memories.
DeleteDon't let dislike of the messenger get in the way of evaluating the message correctly.
DeleteIt has nothing to do with the likeability of the messenger, but rather the usual ineptitude of his message!
DeleteExplain, please, 3:10.
DeleteChuck's evaluation of the former Selectman in question is not without merit. As with that person, Cole has far, far too many conflicts of interest to be effective.
ReplyDeleteAs related months before, realtors purchased many large neglected homes turning them into low income housing. A selfish, greedy action that destroyed neighborhoods and filled our schools and streets with SPEDS, dropouts and addicts. Taxes on us responsible home owners and parents mushroomed into the highest in the state to accommodate these misfits.
As a realtor, Cole is very unlikely to enact necessary zoning to rectify the plague.
Chuck could it be the contractor your referring to gave the lowest bid, not to mention if it's who I think you are referring to, his company does the best work? Your right about the fact you did not have all the details.
ReplyDeleteI bet that contractor didn't even have to bid to get the job,
DeleteIt was not the lowest bid. I did not say which board the person was on.
DeleteDoes Springfield have a purchasing procedure?
ReplyDelete