State of Vermont Office of the Secretary of State

Message from the Secretary

Our phones have been ringing off the hook with people preparing for Town Meeting. The questions mostly relate to warnings and notices and decisions about where to hold the voting – the many technical issues that govern our town meetings. But town meeting is more than just Roberts Rule of Order and technicalities. It is the moment when the people of our towns gather to visit and argue (and eat) and make some important decisions about the town. How to spend money – on a new defibrillator for the rescue squad - for new playground equipment for the park - or for renovating a town building. We decide whether we want to give our local officials our votes of confidence and install them for a new term or to give someone new a chance to serve the town.

Vermont’s tradition of participatory democracy is not just about Town Meeting day. In fact, the backbone of that democratic tradition is the many individuals who do the work of local government. Town meeting gives us an opportunity to say goodbye to some old friends, and to welcome new friends into the fold of local service.

To those local officials who will not be returning to office after March 2^nd we wish to say, on behalf of the people of Vermont, "thank you for your service to the town." We know that serving in local office can be challenging as well as rewarding. We know that many of you have devoted countless hours and personal resources for the public good. Most importantly, we know that our communities could not function without the service and commitment of its public officials.

To those of you who are newly elected this month, and to those of you who are veteran officials back to serve yet another term, we wish to welcome you. As you are called upon to do your jobs please know that we are here to be of assistance. We can answer your questions and direct you to other resources that might be helpful to you and your towns.

Here at the Secretary of State’s Office we have assembled a great team to work with the municipalities in Vermont. We have two attorneys available to answer your questions – myself and Deputy Secretary of State, David Grayck. We both have experience in a wide range of municipal and administrative law issues. In addition, Ellen Tofferi, our Director of Elections, is available to answer your questions about all aspects of preparing for and conducting elections, and Leslie Hight, Ellen’s assistant is also available to answer your election calls. So call us at 1-800-439-8683!

Deborah L. Markowitz
Secretary of State

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