Endorsements

“I wish to offer my support for the election of Bob Stone, Underhill Selectman. Bob knows this town. He is fair and honest. We need leaders like Bob.”

-John Connell, Krug Rd

“I appreciate a lot of things about our current Selectperson Bob Stone!

Recently, Bob posted a candidate statement in Front Porch Forum introducing himself and describing his interests, his accomplishments, and his intentions as he runs for re-election to the Underhill Selectboard. I appreciate Bob’s taking the time to let the greater community know more about himself. If you ever attend the Selectboard meetings or watch the archived videos at Mt. Mansfield Community Television, you’ll see what a committed, concerned, thoughtful leader Bob is.

I interfaced with Bob in the design and construction industry over the years, and what I appreciated most about Bob was his approachability, his friendly manner, and his desire to reach creative, but workable solutions to problems. Bob is a team player: he listens, he contributes, and he builds consensus.

I have to think that being on any Selectboard is a thankless job – a ceaseless stream of challenges that demands a tremendous amount of a Selectperson’s time and energy. I appreciate Bob’s great dedication to our community and his willingness to put himself back on the front line again.

Bob has my vote!”

Penny Miller, Bridle Trail

“While I am no longer a dues paying member of the Town of Underhill I was for thirty years up until November of last year. During my last 2 years living in the Town I had the good fortune to work closely with the Town’s Selectboard as its HR consultant. As a result, I saw first-hand Bob Stone’s commitment to Underhill. Not only is he dedicated to making sure Underhill retains its quintessential charm he is equally committed to ensuring that it remains a safe place to live and recreate. In addition to serving on the Selectboard Bob is also a volunteer member of the Underhill Jericho Fire Department and has been since 1989. He currently serves as a Captain and is a proud recipient of both the UJFD Firefighter of the Year and Officer of the Year awards.

While I can no longer cast a vote for Bob’s reelection to the Selectboard I surely would if I could. He is exactly the type of resident the Town needs to serve its best interests. He does so with a great sense of humor and a depth of knowledge about Vermont and Underhill; he is a 6th generation Vermonter with strong ties to the area.

For the sake and well-being of the community I hope the residents of Underhill return Bob Stone to the Selectboard on March 1, 2022.”

Dean Haller, Evergreen Lane

“I was very happy to see that Bob Stone is running for re-election to the Underhill Selectboard. He has been a steady and thoughtful member of the Selectboard during his current term, which has certainly seen some challenges!

As Chair of the Underhill Recreation Committee, I have worked with Bob on numerous occasions and I have appreciated his thoughtful and patient approach to governance. He has consistently shown that he supports our town and our town employees. Bob approaches challenging issues with integrity. He is a dedicated public servant, and his commitment to managing and improving our town has been admirable.

Thank you, Bob, for running again, you will have my vote!”

Anton Kelsey, Pleasant Valley Rd

“Have you noticed the re-elect Bob Stone signs around town? Bob Stone, Selectboard incumbent, is being challenged by Peter Duval for a 3-year seat. Peter Duval was recalled in a landslide by Underhill voters, in October 2021, from his Selectboard seat.

On October 4, 2021, prior to the recall vote, I wrote the following to FPF regarding the role and responsibilities of a Selectboard member:”

“The role and responsibilities of the Town Selectboard include overseeing the general affairs of the Town (not already designated to other officials, board, and entities), setting the annual budget and tax rate, keeping Town highways in repair, authorizing expenditures, hiring and discharging employees, setting staff salaries, appointing individuals to Town commissions and committees, and enacting ordinances and policies. The role has become complex due in part to state mandates.

Selectboard members must identify conflicts of interest, avoid ex-parte communications, and never act independently of the Selectboard. The Selectboard may act only by concurrence of a majority of its members. 1 V.S.A 172. A board member who acts independently and disparagingly creates conflict within the Board and Town staff.

As the Vermont League of Cities and Towns notes in its Selectboard Handbook, ‘the key to effectively navigating the complexity are communication and cooperation… Conflict on any governing board is inevitable, but it is imperative that Selectboard members take the lead in fostering communication and cooperation in town government, not only with each other, but also within and among the town’s other officers and boards.'”

“Since the recall vote, the town and staff have been moving forward, working collaboratively, with open communication and mutual respect. I would hate to see us move two steps backwards. Please help us re-elect Bob Stone to the Selectboard.”

Sherri Morin, Town Clerk

“The official ballot for Underhill’s Annual Town Meeting shows that we are voting for two people for positions on the Selectboard. One is for a 3-year term (following the expiration of Bob Stone’s first term) and the second is for the remaining 1-year term of an unexpired 3-year term (due to the recall of Peter Duval last October). Bob Stone is running for re-election to the 3-year term and Patricia Richards, who has been on the Selectboard since her appointment last November, is running for the 1-year term. I urge voters to elect Bob and Patty. 

Selectboard Chair. I found him to be straightforward, thoughtful, informed, and willing to hear and consider the opinions of others. My opinion of him is unchanged. Bob’s first term on the Selectboard illustrates that he has one agenda – to do the right thing for the Town, its residents, and its employees. Unlike the other candidate running for the same seat, Bob clearly understands the Vermont League of Cities and Towns’ admonition that, to effectively manage the complexity of local government administration, ‘selectboard members take the lead in fostering communication and cooperation in town government, not only with each other, but also within and among the town’s other officers and boards.’

While I have not worked with Patty, the attached link is to an article that explains her recent work experience and accomplishments.  https://vtdigger.org/press_release/washington-electric-co-op-general-manager-patty-richards-to-depart-january-2022/ Underhill will be lucky to have someone as accomplished as Patty on the Selectboard. 

Anyone who has attended Selectboard meetings in person or remotely since last October’s recall election knows that the current Selectboard members work more effectively, constructively, and efficiently. Let’s keep it that way. Please cast your ballots on or before March 1st and return Bob and Patty to the Selectboard.”

Pat Sabalis, Irish Settlement Road