Burlington Progressives Select Candidates for Town Meeting Day
At a virtual caucus this past weekend, the Burlington Progressives made their mark by nominating three candidates to run for city council seats in the upcoming March elections. The races for the four “district” seats were uncontested, setting the stage for a showdown between the Progressives and the Democrats on Town Meeting Day.
Candidates and Contested Seats
The nomination of Kathy Olwell, a former school board member and social worker, for the East District seat sets up a face-off against Democrat Allie Schachter. In the South District, Jennifer Monroe Zakaras, a climate change researcher, will challenge Buddy Singh, a Democrat and loan officer. Meanwhile, incumbent Councilor Melo Grant will run unopposed for another term in the Central District.
The North District will see a shift in strategy for the Progressives as their original candidate, Zachary Overla, withdrew, leaving incumbent Councilor Mark Barlow without a challenger. The Democrats will now focus on finding a replacement candidate in response to this unexpected turn of events.
Progressive Vision and Priorities
The Progressive caucus emphasized their commitment to fighting for the most vulnerable members of the Burlington community. Highlighting the need for change in the face of current challenges, party cochair Nick Brown stressed the importance of bold leadership to create a city where everyone can thrive.
During the caucus, candidates discussed critical issues such as public safety, affordability, and housing. They addressed concerns about the high call volumes and internal issues within the Burlington Police Department, signaling a need for reform and rebuilding. Additionally, the candidates emphasized the importance of fair tax structures, housing agreements with the University of Vermont, and investments in housing at all levels.
Joining the Race
For those interested in joining the race, candidates without party labels have until January 27 to file paperwork and get on the ballot. As the election season unfolds, the Burlington community eagerly anticipates the outcomes of these crucial races.
As we witness the unfolding of these political dynamics, it’s essential to remember the impact these decisions will have on our daily lives. From public safety to housing affordability, the candidates’ platforms reflect their dedication to improving the city for all residents. Let’s engage with these issues, support our candidates, and make our voices heard as we shape the future of Burlington together.
