Vote Nicole Pelletier for City Council, Ward 2
Vote on March 3 at H.O. Wheeler School
On January 9, 2009 I was asked by a current member of City Council to run for the open seat on the Council in Ward Two. After careful consideration and an honest evaluation of what I could bring to the Council, I have decided to run for this position. I am very excited about running for office and look forward to meeting and speaking with as many neighbors as possible to hear their concerns so we can ensure the interests of Ward Two are strongly represented.
I first became aware of a building project that Champlain College was planning over the winter and this sparked my interest in the Council and the very real impacts their decisions have on our neighborhoods. The meetings I attended on the Champlain College expansion highlighted the shared concerns of many of the people in my neighborhood regarding the plan to erect a large dormitory in place of the quiet and unobtrusive Ethan Allen Club. As a decade-long Burlington homeowner, I have a vested interest in making sure local development is suitable for the neighborhoods in Ward Two and in ensuring the preservation of attractive and appropriate housing throughout the ward, particularly in the downtown area.
If elected to the Council, I will work to improve the dialogue between the city, the developers, and the people to ensure that appropriate and palatable plans are established through true and valid community input rather than empty lip-service. I want to reconcile longstanding differences between the college population and the people who've resided here for years. I am young and this is an asset. I can see things from both sides. I was a college student in this city; now I'm a homeowner. I will work with traditionally divergent viewpoints to bring about consensus and positive change.
In addition to preserving this specific quality of life, I'm also invested in supporting an eco-friendly and sustainable Burlington. I will look to improve our city environmentally and encourage green business. By promoting responsible green alternatives we can attain a variety of positive environmental goals.
Of course, these are not my only priorities and I recognize that Ward 2 is extremely diverse. Our ward is an excellent cross-section of all Burlington's demographics and I'm committed to resolving the serious issues that face our community. I hope to focus on:
I am highly motivated to represent my neighbors in Ward Two on the City Council and would be honored to receive your support. I'd love to talk with you about any questions you have. You can reach me at 578-8944 or takinganhour@gmail.com.