First, a disclosure: Fred Baser is my brother-in-law and has been for over 40 years. I’m happy to support him as he starts his campaign to represent the towns of Bristol, Lincoln, Starksboro and Monkton in the Vermont Legislature.
I do this with a total disregard for those descriptive letters D, R or I, which unfortunately pigeonholes anyone running for an elected position. I candidly and sadly admit that all too often in the past I, too, have limited my vote to one of these descriptive letters and to this I say mea culpa. Times are “a-changing” and “party loyalty” as the be all and end all will hopefully go the way of the dinosaurs.
Fred Baser is an excellent example of what our representatives should be. He is honest, intelligent and well rounded. He is someone whose dedication, hard work and awareness of the need for consensus have made him a success. He has earned the respect and trust of those who have worked with him. His ample and varied services to the community, his financial acumen, knowledge and experience in the area of health insurance all demonstrate his ability to work with others in a positive manner. He has set an admirable benchmark regarding what is needed in Montpelier.
I urge voters to ask Fred and others seeking election the questions relevant to our times and elicit their opinions and not just the party line, which to date, in my opinion, has given us less than desirable results.
Yes, Fred Baser is my brother-in-law and I like and respect him. More than this, I believe he is an exceptionally qualified candidate who deserves your vote this November.
Frank Buonincontro
Bristol