The Democratic Caucus was held January 5 at BHS. Hinda Miller beat Andy Montroll for the Democratic nonimation by a vote of 550-511. Bob Kiss, not Jane Knodell, will run for the progressives. Kevin Curley was nominated by the Republicans over Kevin Ryan. Loyal Ploof is running as a Green.

 

The election is in two days, and it seems that Hinda Miller is going to win it, which is good. Mainly becuase Kevin Curley would be the most incompetant mayor Burlington has ever had.

 

election night 2006 quotes

“The people of Burlington are optimistic about the city.”-Mayor-elect Bob Kiss


“We took the high road. Always the high road. I can't say that for my opponents”-Hinda Miller

 

In other news I found out that my Mom's cousin by marriage Florence, married Ellie Blais's brother Joe. Isn't that just so Vermont?

 

11 Comments
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Blogger Daniel said...

As a resident of Ward 3, I have a couple of questions for David Cain. I generally tend to vote Progressive, but I'm open to listening to what he has to say. Here is what I would like to know:
a) Are you running as an Independent or under a Party Label?
b) What can you bring to the City Council that Tim Ashe can't already address?
c) In light of the recent scandals, such as the Adam Cate investigation, what would you do as a City Councilor in response?
d) Who do you support for Mayor in this coming election?
e) If elected, and in case Kurt Wright is elected Mayor of Burlington, who would you support to be City Council President?
f) Specify one issue that needs to be addressed immediately that affects residents of Ward 3 and what you would do on that topic.

December 23, 2008 9:27 AM
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Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yeah, what is his party affiliation?

December 23, 2008 11:04 AM
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Blogger Haik Bedrosian said...

I think David Cain is a Dem. But I should let him speak for himself.

If we could get an actual candidate on here in a discussion, it would be such a step in the right direction.

David?

December 23, 2008 11:13 AM
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Blogger David said...

Thanks so much for the questions Daniel. I hope my answers help you understand me as a candidate.

a) I am running as a Democrat. I approached the Progressive Party about the possibility of running on a fusion ticket but their party bylaws don't allow for me to run with another party label.

b) First, I want to say that I think Tim has done a good job for our ward and our city. Tim hasn't declared whether he is running again or not. I believe that it would be very hard to simultaneously serve both roles of State Senator and City Councilor, especially when the state government is facing its huge budget challenges.
That said, I can be an extremely dedicated representative for our ward and bring a great level of professionalism and compassion to the position. I’m trained as an engineer and as an attorney; my experience in these fields gives me an insight and approach to issues that delivers exceptional and efficient results. I also have seen the ills of society and worked hard to repair them through my work representing abused, neglected, and special needs children. I believe the combination of ability and compassion enables me to adeptly serve our ward and protect the vulnerable members of society.

c) The City Council’s first priority in scandals such as the Adam Cate investigation should be to ferret out the failing policies in place that allowed such reprehensible employee activities to occur. Personnel matters are matters for the mayor’s office, but the mayor’s office cannot withhold information about failing policies that have allowed for abuse. The Cate situation clearly demonstrates that certain accounting, property, and privacy policies are wholly inadequate. While the mayor is entrusted with managing city employees, it is the council’s duty to ensure that these sorts of abuses never happen again.

d) I support Andy Montroll for Mayor. He is an intelligent, dedicated individual who always puts the City first. I was honored to be invited to a caucus of the city council democrats recently, at which Andy Montroll truly impressed me. Not once during the meeting did Andy discuss his campaign or how any upcoming city council vote would affect his chances; the entire focus of the meeting was on the issues and ensuring that the caucus voted in the best interest of the City.

e) I can’t say precisely who I would vote for. There are a number of councilors who would be great and I will mention only a few of those here. Bill Keogh is an extremely bright person, whom I greatly respect and would be excellent at the helm. Also, Jane Knodell has always impressed me as being very innovative and knowledgeable, and while not technically in my party I would certainly consider supporting her.

f) I will briefly discuss two issues affecting Ward 3 that need the immediate attention of the City Council: the economy and our schools. With both issues Burlington needs to invest now to ensure continued success.
I know personally that the failing national economy is hitting us here at home. My wife recently lost her job when her company closed its Burlington branch. Economic expansion will be sparse in this climate and cities will be competing hard to keep local jobs, which is why Burlington needs to create incentives to attract and retain businesses.
As for education, a modest bond is needed to modernize our schools. Good schools attract families, maintain housing prices, and attract employers. Right now Burlington spends the fewest dollars per student in Chittenden County and we are wasting money on heating because our schools are not energy efficient. The previously proposed bond was too high but that should not deter the council from issuing an appropriate bond to support our children.

If you have more questions please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
David Cain

December 28, 2008 1:26 AM
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Blogger Daniel said...

Thank you David Cain for taking the time to answer my questions. It certainly is appreciated and I consider myself better informed so I can decide who to vote for on Town Meeting Day. It certainly is good to be able to have a dialogue with local pols on this blog. Keep up the good work Haik, I consider this website a valuable resource to keep up on local politics.

December 29, 2008 3:53 PM
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Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am very concerned about David's opponent for Ward 3, Marrisa Caldwell, for these reasons:

1. Marrisa's children do not attend school in Ward 3 - they attend school in Ward 5, at Champlain Elementary. Marrisa's actions on the school board regarding the Lawrence Barnes school did not affect her own children. It's questionable whether she would have voted as she did if her own children had been affected.

2. Marrisa has been on the school board as it voted to increase the budget by 9% last year and 10% this year. She has stated that she does not want to increase property taxes as a City Councilor. However, what does her record say about that position? Actions vs. words.

3. The actions she says she wants to take as a Councilor all involve increasing costs to the city.

4. She does not own property in Burlington and therefore is perhaps not as invested in property tax issues as property owners.

5. She has a history of conflict with the Progressive Party and troubled relationships with key members. It's unclear how she would work with the party in a position as important as Councilor.

It's unclear how invested Marrisa really is in her Ward and in Burlington in general. I hope David asks her some tough questions in a public forum,so voters can know about these issues.

January 26, 2009 11:41 AM
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Anonymous Ivan Jacobs said...

Whoa man (or lady)-
A bit late to the discussion aren't we? This conversation died a MONTH ago! but, of course, it is high up on Google for 'david abair cain' and linked directly from the front page of Mr. Cain's website... I digress.

You seem to have some pretty interesting insider information. It does, however, make one wonder if you live in the ward. Your 'concerns' don't line up with the facts, and that's really not cool.

Seriously, This is a small town, let's not play games. Have you talked to Marrisa about this stuff?

I'm gonna see if she can't come here and address these issues for the voters who may read this.

(Full Disclosure: I live on N. Champlain St. and am volunteering on Marrisa's campaign)

February 01, 2009 6:25 PM
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Anonymous Marrisa said...

First--Thanks, Haik, for offering a forum for conversation in Burlington. I think people being involved is the best way to make our city strong.

I am glad that people are asking questions, though it puzzles me that someone would question my motivation, when my record speaks clearly.

On the school board, I have voted against increases where necessary. I was one of only two commissioners who voted against the recent $226 million bond. Last year, I voted against adding the director of operations position to the administration. I was one of only a few board members who kept an eye on the track and field program, holding the administration accountable for cost overruns.

The school budgets I have voted for have all been passed by voters, overwhelmingly so in Ward 3. Even in tough financial times, I felt that it was necessary to put the budget the schools need in front of the taxpayers. If they feel they cannot afford what is there, then cuts will obviously have to be made. I support looking at administrative cuts, not cuts to programs for our children.

I always have my eye on affordability. I grew up in rural Vermont in a working class home. I know what it is like to live without health insurance. I know what it's like to wonder how to afford the rent. I also know that educating our kids is the most important, and most fundamental thing a society does. It is how we fight poverty, fight crime, build strong communities, keep from repeating mistakes of the past, and so much more.

Regarding the personal attack: my children live part of the time a few blocks away from Champlain Elementary with their dad, are not "varianced" anywhere, and that has absolutely nothing to do with how I will lead as a city councilor nor with any decisions I have made on the school board. As a commissioner I've always worked hard for ward 3, for the whole city, in fact, and I will continue that as a city councilor. Raising non-issues like these anonymously or through whisper campaigns is exactly what keeps so many people from running for local office.

I would be happy to talk with anyone on this blog, or in the city, but especially folks from Ward 3, who have questions or concerns. Please feel free to be in touch.

All the best,

Marrisa Caldwell
578 7325
citycouncil [at] marrisacaldwell.org
marrisacaldwell.org

February 01, 2009 10:38 PM
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Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ward 3 Voters -

As you can see for yourselves, Ms. Caldwell has not answered the direct challenges to her candidacy posed above:

All her ideas are about how to spend more taxpayer money, not reduce costs. She did not provide any details about how she would reduce budgets in these times of economic crises. Her platform is about spending money on: universal health care, affordable housing, mass transit, and taking on debt to buy renewable energy. Who is going to pay for that? Evidently not Ms. Caldwell, who does not own property in the city.

She has not addressed the well-known issue of her history of conflict with the Progressive Party leadership.

She has not stated why her children go to school in Ward 5, not in Ward 3, when they live only "part time" with their father. Why did she fight to keep Barnes open when her own children benefit from attending what many Ward 3 voters see as a better school?


Ms. Caldwell has called these points "non-issues" and "personal attacks." This is an evasion tactic. As a Ward 3 voter I want to know the answers to these questions, and we deserve answers. We can't afford to elect someone who 1. proposes to increase spending and 2. won't answer relevant questions.

February 02, 2009 3:10 PM
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Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow. I'm amazed by this attack against Marrisa. It's actually pretty disturbing. And since when has being a property owner in the city been an indicator of how invested one is in making the community a better place. How short-sighted to believe that.

February 02, 2009 10:01 PM
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Anonymous Ivan Jacobs said...

Was posting her phone number an evasion tactic too?

News Flash: We all pay property tax whether it's through our rent or directly with a check. I can't believe you would try to make a point of Marrisa not owning property when so many (most?) residents of the ONE do not own property in Burlington.

Do you think everyone in the Progressive Party should agree? If she's disagreed with the leadership and still earned their endorsements (strong ones at that) I'd see it as a plus.

(Full Disclosure: I live on N. Champlain St. and am volunteering on Marrisa's campaign)

Learn more at: www.marrisacaldwell.org

February 03, 2009 12:17 AM
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Ward 3 city council candidate David Cain asked me to post this, which I am doing most happily. Remember- I'll publish just about anything any local candidate or office holder sends my way. And with dozens of local visitors everyday, BurlingtonPol.com is the perfect venue for your message!

Now without further ado, I present Mr. David Cain...

************************

Hello Neighbors!

My name is David Cain. I'm running for Burlington City Council in Ward 3 and I wanted to introduce myself to those of you I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet.

I love Burlington because it has been such a wonderful place for my family and me; now I want the opportunity to serve Burlington in the best way I can. As a City Councilor I would focus on reducing our city's energy consumption, raising our standard of education, and improving civic efficiency to reduce the city's budget. I would also ensure that the City Council does everything in its power to support President Obama's initiatives and agendas, such as creating green jobs, expanding alternative energy, supporting small businesses, and building better schools. Further, certain City issues will require special attention in the coming years: Ward 3 has unique public safety needs that require thorough analysis and City Hall's level of transparency needs to be scrutinized. The City has challenges ahead of it in uncertain economic times but I will strive to grow Burlington's prosperity.

As your representative I promise to always be attentive; responding quickly and thoughtfully to any concerns you bring to me, to guarantee that the needs of Ward 3 are always heard.

My background is in engineering and law but my true passions lie in community service. In the past I've served the public through representing abused and neglected children in family court and representing troubled youth with school discipline issues; currently I serve on the Burlington Telecommunications Advisory Committee.

My wife, Sandra, and I live on Park Street in a home that we renovated ourselves with the help of our friends and family. My family is deeply rooted in Burlington; I am a fifth generation Vermonter and my Grandfather was mayor of Burlington in the 60s and 70s.

I will be walking around the neighborhood introducing myself in the next few months and I look forward to meeting you in person. I encourage you to contact me at abaircain@gmail.com with any questions. I promise to always work hard to serve our community and I hope I can earn your support.

Thank you,
David Abair Cain

posted by Haik Bedrosian at 8:24 AM on Dec 22, 2008

 

Montroll accused of conflict of interest

By John Briggs • Free Press Staff Writer • February 12, 2009


With less than three weeks remaining before Burlington voters select a mayor, Chief Administrative Officer Jonathan Leopold has accused candidate and Democratic Councilor Andy Montroll, who sits as a member of the Board of Finance, of having a conflict of interest in his legal representation of Valley Net, a White River Junction telecommunications company.

Montroll is the attorney of record in Valley Net’s July application to the Public Service Board for a certificate of public good to operate a cable television network. Leopold said Valley Net is at least a potential competitor of Burlington Telecom, the city-owned telecommunications network.
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“It is clearly not appropriate for him as a member of the Board of Finance to have access to confidential, proprietary information while working simultaneously for a competitor,” Leopold said. “It is particularly distressing that this was never disclosed. Had it been I would have asked him to recuse himself from any executive sessions related to Burlington Telecom, and I will, going forward.”

Leopold said Montroll’s position on the Board and Finance and his representation of Valley Net was “a clear conflict of interest.”

The Board of Finance, made up of Mayor Bob Kiss, Leopold, and three city councilors, scrutinizes financial questions and makes legislative recommendations to the full City Council.

Montroll responded angrily, saying Leopold was engaged in an untruthful political smear.

Montroll said he told Leopold of his work for Valley Net and met with him in early May to discuss conflict-of-interest issues. Leopold raised no objections, he said. “We met in his office,” Montroll said, “and then we walked up Church Street.”

He provided the Free Press with an e-mail making the appointment to meet with Leopold. The e-mail didn’t mention the subject of the meeting.

Montroll said he called the meeting because he was friends with an individual who had previously worked for Burlington Telecom, whose name had come up during a Board of Finance meeting that week.

That friendship created a conflict with his work on the board, Montroll said, and he wanted to make clear to Leopold that he should recuse himself if the board discussed the individual. He said he also made clear he was going to represent Valley Net as it applied for Certificates of Public Good for telephone and cable television service.

“So we talked about that,” Montroll said, “and Jonathan was quick to agree there was no conflict because (Valley Net) is an entirely separate entity and there is no connection to Burlington.”

Montroll said Amber Thibeault, Burlington Telecom’s attorney, phoned him in late January to ask that Burlington Telecom be put on the mailing list for any future Valley Net filings before the Public Service Board. He said she made no mention that his work for Valley Net was problematic.

Montroll said he had not mentioned his representation of Valley Net to the rest of the Board of Finance because he thought the disclosure to Leopold was sufficient.Burlington Telecom General Manager Chris Burns said that because BT operates in a “very competitive space,” proprietary information about pricing strategies, “market strategies around bundling our services” and other business information was closely held.

“We’re sharing information with all those councilors that if referenced in another situation could hurt BT,” he said.

“Honestly,” Burns said of Montroll’s work for Valley Net, “it makes me uncomfortable. Not knowing and not having control over the information is concerning.”

Burns said Thibeault’s call was routine and that given her duties, she wouldn’t have raised a question about a conflict of interest. “There is no conflict,” Montroll said, responding to Leopold’s remarks. “They’re not a competitor. It’s a totally different business. It’s a consortium of separate communities. If conflicts arise in the future, you have to deal with them when they come up, but,” he repeated, “there is no conflict now.”

Montroll said recently in the campaign that Mayor Bob Kiss had been remiss in not working to expand Burlington Telecom’s reach to other communities.

Leopold mentioned that suggestion. “When he talks about BT missing opportunities, is he talking as a member of the Board of Finance, as a city councilor, as a mayoral candidate, or as the attorney of another telecom company and a potential competitor?”

Montroll, a former City Council president, responded that his years as a regulatory attorney made him aware “how to make these things work. I was encouraging BT to reach beyond our borders, because I think there are some tremendous opportunities there,” he said. “And the mayor’s office has clearly said no.”

Montroll said Leopold’s comments were an intentional smear.

“I never would have believed Jonathan would so conveniently forget that type of meeting,” he said of the Church Street conversation in May, “and then raise the issue, so conveniently, two weeks before the election.

“If Jonathan is saying we didn’t have a meeting, then he is lying,” Montroll said. “Given that he’s lying on this, you can only imagine what else he might be misrepresenting to people. If this is the way the Kiss administration operates, it raises questions about honesty in city government. It’s shameful that they’re out to destroy someone’s career and reputation just to win re-election.”

Leopold recalled the Church Street meeting with Montroll but said that it dealt with Montroll’s personal friendship with the former Burlington Telecom employee. He said he became aware only last week that Montroll was representing Valley Net.

Later, he called the Free Press to acknowledge that Montroll did say during the meeting that he would be helping that individual.

“To the best of my recollection,” Leopold said, “I didn’t understand that he was going to have an ongoing relationship with Valley Net.

“His conclusions about lying are misplaced,” Leopold said. “I have not lied about that meeting. To the extent he feels that he disclosed this relationship (with Valley Net), I can understand his frustration.”

Contact John Briggs at 660-1863 or jbriggs@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com