In a high-stakes election that could shift the balance of power in Burlington, Vermont, voters are gearing up for Town Meeting Day to determine the majority party on the city council. With only two contested races, the South and East districts are at the center of intense competition between Progressives and Democrats, setting the stage for potential historic changes in the city’s political landscape.
Stakes Are High
Currently, Democrats hold a narrow 7-5 majority on the 12-member council, but the upcoming elections on March 4 could tip the scales in favor of the Progressives. If the Progressives secure victories in both contested seats, it would mark the first time in Burlington’s history that they control both the council and the mayor’s office, providing crucial support to first-term Progressive Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak.
The alternating election system in Burlington has spotlighted the South and East districts this year due to the departure of long-standing Democratic Councilor Joan Shannon and the resignation of Democratic Councilor Tim Doherty. With these vacancies, newcomers have stepped up to the plate, hoping to shape the city’s future and address pressing issues ranging from substance use crisis to housing shortages.
Josh Wronski, chair of Vermont’s Progressive Party, emphasized the importance of a potential majority in advancing their agenda while maintaining collaboration with other parties. He envisions a 6-6 split on the council to foster true collaboration and move forward on critical issues facing the city.
Competitive Races and Diverse Candidates
In the South District, Progressive Jennifer Monroe Zakaras and Democrat Ranjit “Buddy” Singh are vying for a seat traditionally held by Democrats. Zakaras, a remote worker for the University of California San Francisco, sees the election as a pivotal moment for Burlington, emphasizing the need for policy choices that foster a thriving, equitable city. On the other hand, Singh, a mortgage broker, aims to strike a balance between collaborating with the mayor and ensuring a diverse focus on key issues such as affordability, housing, and community safety.
Meanwhile, in the East District, Progressive Kathy Olwell, a former social worker with a background in education, faces Democrat Allie Schachter, head of development at The Flynn. Olwell, a supporter of Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak, hopes to provide a solid base of support for the mayor’s initiatives on the council. Schachter, on the other hand, emphasizes the urgency of addressing crises like housing costs and struggling businesses by transcending partisanship and working together for the city’s betterment.
Engaging in the highest-stakes race, the East District is viewed as a pivotal battleground where Democrats have held the seat for two terms. The competition between Olwell and Schachter highlights the contrasting approaches to governance and the urgent need for collaborative leadership in a city grappling with multifaceted challenges.
Financial and Political Dynamics
As the election draws near, candidates on both sides have been actively fundraising to support their campaigns. Schachter has outpaced Olwell in campaign contributions, signaling strong financial backing. On the other hand, Singh has also garnered significant support in the South District, reflecting the intense competition and high stakes involved in these races. The financial dynamics of the election underscore the strategic importance of securing resources to effectively communicate with voters and rally support for each candidate’s vision.
In the midst of mounting pressure to address critical issues such as housing shortages, substance use crisis, and police department reform, Burlington’s City Council elections are poised to shape the city’s trajectory for years to come. The outcomes of the South and East district races will not only determine the balance of power on the council but also set the tone for collaborative governance and innovative solutions to the city’s most pressing challenges. As voters prepare to cast their ballots on Town Meeting Day, the city stands at a crossroads, awaiting the decisions that will define its future.
