Middlebury voters face the task of choosing three of five candidates for three open three-year seats. The vote will be by Australian ballot at the municipal building between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 1. The three highest vote-getters will be elected.
Running for re-election are incumbents Nick Artim and Gary Baker. They are joined by former selectman Victor Nuovo, Richard Terk and Heather Seeley for a third seat vacated by long-time chairman Dean George.
Of the many issues facing the selectboard in the upcoming years, the Independent asked five questions of each candidate and asked them to limit their responses to 100 words or less per question.
The questions focused on: economic growth, the proposed Economic Development Initiative project behind the Ilsley Library, identifying the town’s shortcomings and strengths, and discussing any new initiatives the candidates would propose. We also asked them to identify “the biggest single opportunity in Middlebury in the next 5-10 years.” 
Current Work: VP and Project Manager of Engelberth Construction in Colchester for the past 20 years. Prior to that Terk was a project manager for JP Carrara & Sons in Middlebury for 22 years.
Family: Married to Isabelle for 45 years and have 2 grown children. They have lived in Middlebury for 40-plus years.
Community service: Member of Middlebury Planning Commission for approximately 10 years, and Chairman for many of those years. He served as Middlebury’s delegate to the Addison County Regional Planning Commission for three years.
Question #1 – Job growth: Comment on what the town is doing, and if you think the town is doing enough to attract new jobs to the town. What would you do differently, if anything?
The best way to maintain job growth is first to support the businesses we currently have and help them be as competitive as possible. This includes working to stabilize our taxes by controlling costs in local government and working with the school systems to control costs, despite the mandates that exist. Secondly, we should promote the quality of life we all enjoy to lure the right kind of businesses to Middlebury.
Question #2 – EDI Project: Concerning the proposed EDI project behind the Ilsley Library, do you agree with the idea of developing a critical mass of activity there as a way to stimulate the downtown? If not, what other approach would you take to add vibrancy to the downtown?
I do agree with developing a critical mass of activity for this project. However, it is essential that we get businesses in this area that will add to the grand list. This is a critical area and should be used for shops and businesses that complement the existing downtown.
Question #3 – What shortcomings does the town need to address; what strengths could it enhance?
Middlebury’s greatest shortcoming is our high taxes. Many businesses and residents are struggling and we need to do whatever we can to stabilize this. We need to make all town and school departments as efficient as possible. We have an incredible town and enjoy a quality of life that many envy, but we need to be able to control costs so residents and businesses can be successful. We also have the infrastructure to support reasonable growth. We need to protect one of our biggest assets—our water supply—and spend wisely to take care of our infrastructure.
Question #4 – What new initiatives, if any, would you like the town to undertake?
I do not have any specific new initiatives other than doing the best we can for the people and businesses of Middlebury to keep the quality of life we have and do the best we can to keep costs under control.
Question #5 – Tell us what you think is the biggest single opportunity you see in Middlebury in the next 5-10 years?
Ironically, I think one of our biggest opportunities is right in front of us with the railroad project. Despite the pain we will all go through during the construction process, the end result will enable Middlebury to possibly have a train station that will bring people to Middlebury and will put people right in our downtown area and should bring tourist dollars to Middlebury as well as provide a valuable means of transportation for Middlebury residents and Middlebury College.
I am currently the business manager at Seeley Earthmoving, Inc. I manage the financial aspects of the business and also assist my husband, John, on the job by running equipment and driving dump truck. I have been a part of Seeley Earthmoving since 2000. We have two kids together, Benjamin and Rebecka. Ben is a 4th grader and Becka is in kindergartener at Mary Hogan. I have served on the Public Works Committee since 2014 and I have been the Development Review Board Alternate since July 2015.
Question #1 – Job growth: Comment on what the town is doing, and if you think the town is doing enough to attract new jobs to the town. What would you do differently, if anything?
 
 I have been encouraged by Middlebury’s efforts to attract new jobs. Although, I feel we have made some progress, the results are not as significant as I had hoped. I think we are at a good point for a thorough re-evaluation. I would like to explore what other changes might result in more obvious job creation. From my own experience, Vermont can be a difficult place to start and maintain a successful business. I would encourage more effort and coordination with our Montpelier representatives to make Vermont as business friendly as it can be.
Question #2 – EDI Project: Concerning the proposed EDI project behind the Ilsley Library, do you agree with the idea of developing a critical mass of activity there as a way to stimulate the downtown? If not, what other approach would you take to add vibrancy to the downtown?
 I believe in the idea of a critical mass of activity as a benefit to the downtown and I think events like the Chili Feast, Very Merry Middlebury and The Festival on the Green are great examples. I am not convinced that the current EDI property proposal will encourage new activity. The last developable downtown property must become something new, fresh and exciting. I hope it isn’t just new space for existing businesses. I hope we seize the opportunity to create something exciting; something that brings people downtown. Then we will be closer to reaching that critical mass of activity.
Question #3 – What shortcomings does the town need to address; what strengths could it enhance?
Our aging infrastructure and the need for more storage space are two immediate shortcomings I feel need to be addressed. Another pressing issue I’d like to see addressed is the decommissioning of the old waste water treatment plant. The old treatment plant land is great asset I’d like to see used to benefit the Town. I think Middlebury has numerous strengths; the Ilsley Library and MCTV come to mind quickly. Our Town Staff is also an important strength and I’d like to continue to see them supported and encouraged.
Question #4 – What new initiatives, if any, would you like the town to undertake?
I think Middlebury has a very full plate for the next 3-5 years with the replacement of the railroad bridges, potential EDI property development and furthering its economic initiatives. I think continuing to support and maintain a vibrant downtown should remain a top priority. I would also like to undertake some planning initiatives regarding our aging infrastructure and maintaining our current assets. An important part of that planning will be how to pay for it.
Question #5 – Tell us what you think is the biggest single opportunity you see in Middlebury in the next 5-10 years?
I think there are several great opportunities coming up, like gracefully weathering the railroad bridge construction, possibly expanding the Ilsley Library and the potential EDI property development. Hopefully there are also more opportunities in the next 5 to 10 years that we haven’t even envisioned yet. Although, it is hard for me to pick just one, I think the biggest opportunity is the development of the EDI property. I am hopeful that the potential developers and the community can work together to create the best possible outcome for all involved.
Bio: Born and raised in Middlebury. I have lived and worked in Middlebury and surrounding towns in the insurance business for 50 years as of June 1, 2016. I am divorced and have a son and daughter. I have served Middlebury variously, since 2003, on the Planning Commission, Development Review Board, Board of Listers and currently as a member of the Select board.
Question #1 – Job growth: Comment on what the town is doing, and if you think the town is doing enough to attract new jobs to the town. What would you do differently, if anything?
 
We have two development offices in town: The Middlebury Business Development Fund with executive director Jamie Gaucher and the Addison County Economic Development Corp. run by Robin Scheu. I think they are doing an adequate job and would continue to support those efforts.
Question #2 – EDI Project: Concerning the proposed EDI project behind the Ilsley Library, do you agree with the idea of developing a critical mass of activity there as a way to stimulate the downtown? If not, what other approach would you take to add vibrancy to the downtown?
 
I support the EDI project so far. We have asked a responsible group of local business people for site development ideas. The ideas, if properly executed, could provide a combination of medium income, in-town residences, retail space and professional offices, parking and also possibly house CCV. I think proper growth in town — be it Route 7 South, Exchange Street or downtown — is going to contribute to the vibrancy of the downtown.
Question #3 – What shortcomings does the town need to address; what strengths could it enhance?
Strengths: We have an excellent Town Manager with a great staff, including our superior police and fire departments. We have new buildings that will reduce maintenance costs dramatically. We have an excellent recreation program. We also have superior elementary and secondary schools. In addition we have great mental health facilities with attendant substance abuse programs.
 
Weaknesses: We have a housing shortage in the median income range as well as for down-sizing seniors. We also have a drug problem.
Question #4 – What new initiatives, if any, would you like the town to undertake?
 
No new initiatives are needed; current list is long enough including an upgrade of the town’s water/sewer system, some of which is over 50 years old. We also must prepare for a major 20-year upgrade of our sewer plant in 2020. We are starting to consider the realignment of the Rt. 7/Monroe St./Charles Avenue intersection to help solve traffic problems there. We must get through the next few years of the railroad bridge replacement with a minimum of disruption to the downtown. We have many good people working on this and I am confident we can pull it off and that the town will be much better for it. One other thing: We need an independent grocery store to replace Greg’s Market.
Question #5 – Tell us what you think is the biggest single opportunity you see in Middlebury in the next 5-10 years?
 
The biggest single opportunity for Middlebury in the next 5-10 years is to somehow get the roundabout at Route 7 and Exchange St. completed. This will allow for complete development of Exchange St. with attendant buildings and job growth.
I was born in New York City during the Great Depression, and have lived in Middlebury since 1962. I taught philosophy at Middlebury College from 1962 until 1994. Since then I have been an independent scholar and have published books and articles on the English philosopher John Locke. I am married to State Rep. Betty Nuovo. We have two sons and four granddaughters. I served on the Middlebury Selectboard from 2005 until 2013. I am running for the SelectBoard because it is my civic duty and because I have deep respect for our system of government. 
Question #1 – Job growth: Comment on what the town is doing, and if you think the town is doing enough to attract new jobs to the town. What would you do differently, if anything?
 
Middlebury is a market town and county seat, and as a center of public education from kindergarten through community college, it is well prepared to train a work force. Its wellbeing depends upon the well being of surrounding towns. We prosper together and so we should work together to produce good jobs close to home. For example, I suggest cooperation between the Town’s economic development office and Planning Commission, ACEDC, the Planning Commissions of surrounding towns, and the Regional Planning Commission. The goal should be a master plan for economic development whose chief goal is sustainable and long-term job growth; the plan would identify types of industry that are mutually sustaining, promising development sites, and a collaborative marketing scheme. 
Question #2 – EDI Project: Concerning the proposed EDI project behind the Ilsley Library, do you agree with the idea of developing a critical mass of activity there as a way to stimulate the downtown? If not, what other approach would you take to add vibrancy to the downtown?
I support the EDI project. It is a work in progress. The consortium selected to submit plans for the development of the site consists of responsible local businesspersons, who have long-term interests in the project. Still, it requires careful oversight by the Select Board and permitting agencies. If done right it will prevent sprawl, provide affordable in-town residences, as well as new offices and retail opportunities downtown, and overall contribute to a vibrant downtown district.
Question #3 – What shortcomings does the town need to address; what strengths could it enhance?
Strengths: The Town is well managed by a dedicated staff; we have new facilities for town government, a new gym, and an excellent recreation program.
Weaknesses:  we have not succeeded in overcoming poverty or providing sufficient affordable housing for hardworking families of modest income. There is a danger that the town will become over-gentrified. We have a drug problem threatening health and public safety. We have an aging infrastructure that needs attention; and we must be always diligent about our water supply. We have lost the memory of our distinguished past, which fosters local pride and public commitment: Emma Willard’s founding of women’s higher education and the struggle against slavery that led to the founding of the party of Lincoln.
Question #4 – What new initiatives, if any, would you like the town to undertake?
We need two new roundabouts: at the intersection of Exchange Street and Route 7 for safety, but also better access to our industrial center. For similar reasons we need a roundabout where Route 7 meets Creek Road to facilitate safe access to the new Town Gym. We need more sidewalks and well marked bicycle lanes. Finally,we must insure our clean energy future and be diligent in making responsible adjustments to climate change; these are not new, but always-renewable opportunities.
Question #5 – Tell us what you think is the biggest single opportunity you see in Middlebury in the next 5-10 years?
I fear the potential harm the town faces over the next 5 years, unless the railroad bridge project is completed with minimal disruption to local institutions—in particular, to our Town Hall Theater, retailers and restaurants. We have the opportunity to do it well, without delay, with sensitivity to the integrity of the downtown. This will be a great achievement.
Beyond this, we should strive to be the sort of town that anyone who loves peace and friendliness would long to dwell in. And, finally, we must endeavor to make this town affordable to all, especially to working families. These are constant challenges and opportunities.
Work: President of an international consortium of independent fire protection and security engineers that specialize in the protection of cultural heritage properties.  These include numerous local, national and international museums, libraries, and historic sites.  One of these is the building that is on the back of the U.S. nickel.  I have been doing this for 30 years.
Community service: Before serving on the Select Board I served for several years on Middlebury’s Public Safety Committee, and was a member of the fire department’s Battell Hose Company board.  I have been involved with several volunteer projects including helping to manage the restoration of Mary Hogan’s Kids Space in 2000.  On the Select Board, I continue to serve in Public Safety, as well the Local Project Management Team for the upcoming bridge replacement project, the Economic Development Initiative (downtown development) and Director of Economic Development oversight board.  
Family: I am married to Diane Hermann-Artim who is an Assistant Academic Dean for the Community College of Vermont and is based at the Middlebury site. We have two children who were raised in Middlebury’s school system.  David graduated from the University of Vermont’s Engineering School and is an airframe engineer with Cirrus Aircraft Company in Duluth, Minnesota.  Christine graduated with a Chemical Engineering Bachelors Degree from Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute and is now a Chemical Engineering PhD graduate student at Cornell University.  
Question #1 – Job growth: Comment on what the town is doing, and if you think the town is doing enough to attract new jobs to the town. What would you do differently, if anything?
In cooperation with Middlebury College, we established the position of Director of Business Development and Innovation, and now after a few years of effort, the benefits are about to be realized.  Importantly, the entire town staff realizes that they have a role to play in Middlebury’s ability to attract and retain jobs by providing  clean water, good recreational and library opportunities, safe streets and sidewalks, and reliable emergency services. 
With respect to “are we doing enough?” the answer must always be “No” because we can always do better and if we ever stop reminding ourselves of this, we risk complacency and missed opportunities.  Therefore it is not so much a matter of what should be done differently, but how we must stay focused on achieving success.  This means constant monitoring of our efforts, making adjustments and refinements when appropriate.
Question #2 – EDI Project: Concerning the proposed EDI project behind the Ilsley Library, do you agree with the idea of developing a critical mass of activity there as a way to stimulate the downtown? If not, what other approach would you take to add vibrancy to the downtown?
Since I have been closely involved with this project, the answer to this question is absolutely “Yes.”  This is a valuable and underutilized parcel of land that provides an incredible opportunity for a town center enhancement that adds to Middlebury’s vitality. 
With input from many individuals, we worked to create a general vision for the parcel and then underwent an extensive effort to find a developer who could make the vision a reality.
 
This project demonstrates how we are a dynamic town willing to address present and future needs, while retaining the quality character of Middlebury’s town center. 
Question #3 – What shortcomings does the town need to address; what strengths could it enhance?
An important aspect of Middlebury’s economic needs is to insure there are good employment opportunities close to home.  We need to continually do what we can to help our employers thrive.
Our citizens should not have to work multiple jobs and commute to distant places in order to live here.  These are also some of the same people who give countless volunteer hours serving on volunteer emergency services, coaching children’s sports teams and scouting groups, and are active in may ways that make Middlebury a better place.  They are only able to provide these benefits if they can work close to home.
 
With respect to strengths, I repeat that we should always assume that we can do better and never become complacent.  
Question #4 – What new initiatives, if any, would you like the town to undertake?
 
A number of initiatives have been started that strengthen Middlebury while retaining its character. These have included the establishment of the Director of Business Development and Innovation, enhancing the town’s infrastructure, improvements to Middlebury’s public buildings, updating the Town Plan, working to improve transportation and recreational opportunities, and continuing the excellent working relationship with Middlebury College. At this point, I do not believe that we need to start new initiatives, but rather focus our efforts on making sure that the initiatives we have are properly done, making adjustments and refinements to insure success.  If, however, a viable new initiative is presented, we should not miss an opportunity. 
Question #5 – Tell us what you think is the biggest single opportunity you see in Middlebury in the next 5-10 years?
The continued transition of this wonderful town from those of us who have been caretakers to our next generation of stakeholders.  Some of these are our children who grew up here and seek to be fully employed so that they can contribute to the town’s success, and raise their families here, and some are the many new residents who value Middlebury and want to contribute. I see incredible ideas, innovativeness and solutions coming from them and, if allowed, they will do great things — and the great things should have a “Made in Middlebury” label on them.