Annual elections are here. Bob Bourke and Brian DeVriese are running for Heath Select Board. Both have dedicated much time to Heath. How does someone choose? Actions speak louder than words. Here are a few memories. Last year, Heath struggled with the decision to sell our school. The rumor mill incorrectly said Brian was opposed. At three different public meetings, I witnessed Brian act in favor of moving forward with the negotiations, knowing it was the only way to accurately access the benefits. I like his cautious, thorough approach. Bob spoke strongly in favor of selling the former school. Two weeks after the negative vote, he resigned from all non-paying positions in town and wrote a letter to the editor referring to the “self-righteous moral indignation” of the ‘NIMBY’ (not in my backyard) crowd. For me, this indicates a serious lack of understanding and respect for those who have different views from him. In October, he notified Select Board that he would not attend a Broadband meeting being held at the former school site because he didn’t approve of using the building. Broadband is costing us over $1,000,000. It was part of his job. How does this support the best interest of the taxpayers? The State currently has $1,000,000 earmarked for a Heath Safely complex. Brian is lending his architectural expertise, gratis, to create the shovel-ready plan required by the State before we can apply. This plan could be accomplished with no taxpayer expense. Three years ago, Bob worked on plans for over $3,000,000 complex, half of which would have been carried by taxpayers. I want my Select Board to be thorough, thoughtful and respectful. Actions do speak louder than words. My vote goes to Brian.
Susan Lively
Heath