PANTON — At the ballot box on Thursday, May 15, Panton residents will decide a three-way race for two newly created seats on the town selectboard. Town residents in March approved an expansion of their selectboard from three to five members.

Two candidates filed for one seat apiece. Family farm owner and former town planning commission and development review board member Kirsten De La Cruz filed for the available two-year term, and BJ’s Farm Supply co-owner Robert DeGraaf is seeking the available one-year term.

Meanwhile, Debbie Brace, an employee of both McGee Chevrolet in Middlebury and the Ferrisburgh Bake Shop and Deli, is running for both seats, throwing a bit of a wrinkle into the election.

According to Town Clerk Kyle Rowe’s research, if Brace wins election to both seats, she will be required to resign one of them. It will then be up to the resulting four-member selectboard to appoint a fifth member, with no legal obligation for the board to appoint the next highest May 15 vote-getter.

The candidates were already invited to speak at the April 23 selectboard meeting, which is available for viewing online at pantonvt.us; follow the Selectboard links on the left side of the home page.

There will also be an informational meeting on May 14 at Panton Town Hall that candidates are likely to attend.

That informational meeting will also address a proposed charter change that would allow town residents to petition for recall elections for elected town officials. Public hearings were held on that issue on April 9 and 16. Ultimately the legislature will need to add its approval to the charter change if Panton residents back it.

The Independent invited the three selectboard candidates to respond to five questions about themselves and town issues. Their answers are printed here.

1. Tell us about your background and your qualifications to serve on the selectboard.

Brace: I have lived here in Panton for 49 years. I am a 20-year past member of Vergennes Rescue and I’m still a lifetime member. I am a 15-year member of the Vergennes Lions club, being president two different terms. I have held many offices in these organizations. When I commit to something I commit 100%. I also worked for the Town of Panton many years ago on the road crew.

De La Cruz: I have been a proud resident of Panton for 30 years, raising my six children and managing a small farm. With over 15 years of experience serving on the Panton Development Review Board and Planning Commission, as well as representing Panton on the ANWSD School Board, I have been actively involved in our community’s growth and decision-making. Through these roles, I’ve gained a strong understanding of how our town operates and what it takes to serve our residents well.

DeGraaf: I was born and raised in Panton. My family owned and operated our farm at the corner of Basin Harbor Road and Panton Road until we sold it in 2019. My father built BJs Farm Supply store in 1988 and my wife and I, and our three kids, continue to operate it today as a general store. As a lifelong resident of Panton and current business owner, with a family, I am experienced with being financially responsible for running a home and business while the added cost of living keeps going up, for us, and our residents.

2. What motivated you to run?

De La Cruz: Several Panton residents asked me to run for the Selectboard. As we move from a three-person board to a five-person board, I know it may be a challenge to find people willing to step up. I believe our community knows and trusts me to bring level-headed judgment to town decisions. I want to help guide Panton with fairness and a steady hand.

DeGraaf: I wanted to run because I felt it was time for me to be involved in the town I grew up in, and help by filling the open positions available in the Selectboard.

Brace: I have been asked many times to run as a selectboard member and was asked at our Town Meeting. I feel (with) some of my knowledge in the town and of the town’s history it was time for me to step up.

3. What are your thoughts on the proposed Viridis solar array off Route 22A, and what position do you think the selectboard should take?

Brace: As far as the solar Issue I feel that it is up to the townspeople to decide what they want. I don’t feel that it’s up to the selectboard to make this decision

De La Cruz: At this time, I don’t feel I know enough about the Viridis solar project to give a full answer. I’m not opposed to renewable energy, but I recognize that this is a complex issue that needs careful consideration. If elected, I would take the time to learn more, listen to residents, and work to make an informed decision that’s best for Panton.

DeGraaf: I am happy to be involved in the progression of renewable energy but I believe it should stay local, with minimal environmental impact.

4. What other Panton issues do you feel strongly about?

De La Cruz: One issue I care a lot about is the way neighbors have become more disconnected. Years ago, if someone had a concern or question, they would go directly to their neighbor to talk about it. I feel like we’ve lost some of that personal connection and mutual respect. I want to help bring neighbors together again and build a stronger sense of community while also preserving the beautiful landscape that makes Panton so special.

DeGraaf: We, as a town, need to be mindful that the town’s income is from our locals that are financially strained already and we need to be doing our best to keep costs and spending as low as we can, while maintaining the quality of life that we enjoy here.

Brace: I feel there is a lot of issues in the town that the people of Panton know nothing about. I would like to see the selectboard be more upfront with the residents of Panton before they vote on issues that will affect the town. We need to cut our spending on equipment.

5. Why should people vote for you?

Brace: “You cannot put a fire out from the top. You have to start at the bottom.” I believe that my opponents would also do a good job. We just bring different things to the table.

De La Cruz: People should vote for me because I love our community and will do my best to listen to residents and make thoughtful decisions. I am committed to working for Panton’s best interests and making sure every voice is heard.

DeGraaf: Panton is my home, and home is where the heart is. I love this town and the people in it. I love helping people and believe I would be beneficial in maintaining the sense of community we have all grown to love.