By Doug La Rocque
This November residents of Grafton are being asked to choose a person to fill out the remaining one year on Ingrid Gundrum’s Board term that was vacated when Gundrum became Town Supervisor on January 1 of this year. [private]At the new board’s first regular meeting they appointed former Supervisor Alison Kirchner to the empty seat.
Kirchner was chosen by the Republican party to be their nominee. On Monday night, the Democrats picked current Deputy Town Clerk Vicky Burdick to oppose Kirchner.
The Republicans made their choice by nominating petition, while the Democrats held a party caucus.
The Eastwick Press asked both candidates four identical questions. Here are their answers, in no particular order: •
What is the primary reason you decided to seek election to this position?
Kirchner: “I want to make Grafton a better place and I care about the people of Grafton.”
Burdick: “I just want to get involved in politics and try to make the Town what I feel it used to be.”
• Are there any particular goals or ideas you would like to enact if elected?
Burdick: “I would like to see the Town work more cohesively together. I would also like the process for new houses or families trying to split properties improved. It is one of the things I have seen issues with.
Kirchner: “My major goal, as it has been for the past year, is to keep everyone united and on the same page and to move forward for the growth and the betterment rather than what has gone on in the recent past.”
• As you are out talking to people, what would you tell them about you, and what would you do if elected to the Board?
Kirchner: “I would be perfectly honest, I have lived here my whole life, I care about the people. I try to do things for the right reasons, not political reasons. I will work with the Board to try to make sure we do everything the right way, that there are no missteps and follow procedure.”
Burdick: “I am a lifelong resident, I love the Town as much as they do and I will be here for them. I am not going to be a puppet for whatever, I will be here for the people.”
• Is there anything financially with the town that you think needs particular attention, adjustment or change?
Burdick: “I think we need to invest a little bit in our fire company and ambulance to where they have the equipment that they need, and hopefully that would help lure more people to service. Taxes of course are always an issue for the people.”
Kirchner: “I do wish we could get more funding. Right now most of our income is from property, sales and mortgage taxes, but I wish we could generate some other kind of revenue into the town without having to put the burden right on the taxpayers.”
Election day is Tuesday, November 8. [/private]