I have been a moderating voice on the Bristol Selectboard

To The Daily Sun,

My fellow residents of Bristol: Allow me to share my reasons for running for re-election to your Selectboard. There are two significant projects facing Bristol in the coming years: Sewer extension to the lake and police space needs. My experience and knowledge will be very valuable to decisions regarding these projects. In casting your votes for the two positions open in this election, please consider a vote to retain the experience I bring.

At last year’s vote on the wewer project, I, along with the board, made the promise that not only does the project need a minimum of 50 percent grant financing, it also needs to be correctly funded and affordable before the project would move forward. To me, correctly funded means that current users will not be paying for the new service area and that the cost to new users will be comparable to other options they will incur to correct failing systems. Additionally, my profession and experience as a mechanical engineer enables me to better understand the technical and cost aspects of this project.

Regarding the space needs of Bristol: In my 16 years of living here, I have been on several police space needs committees. The committees have produced several proposals over the years. I was not in favor of the proposals nor was the town, as they did not pass. The underlying problems, however, have not gone away so we still need a path to solving the issues. Here again, I offer my knowledge and experience to make sure the project is done to the best advantage of cost and performance with the least tax impact.

The elephant in the room is always taxes so allow me to give you my perspective. My experience includes three years on the Budget Committee, nine total years on the Selectboard and 13 years on the CIP Committee. I also own a property that is assessed above the average value for Bristol, so the tax rate has a high impact on me. Too many people focus only on cutting spending. This is a short-sighted approach because spending is only one part of the equation. Keeping taxes stable and limiting increases involves proper spending but it also includes good utilization of other revenues to the town, and good planning (CIP).

I believe my record shows that I am thoughtful and research the facts rather than making opinionated statements or presenting sensationalized numbers. In making decisions on the board I always consider my own research and knowledge of the topic, the opinions given to me by my fellow citizens and points made during discussion by the other board members. I am proud of being a moderating voice on the board with the good of the town as my only priority. I hope you find value in my continued contribution to Bristol and will support me with your vote on March 10.

Don Milbrand

Bristol