As we do each year, iBrattleboro.com is interviewing each of the Selectboard candidates. The first interview is from Daryl Pillsbury, who is running for a one year seat. Read on to hear what he has to say about his candidacy and the issues.

1. What made you decide to run at this time? In what ways do you think you'd be helpful on the Selectboard?

Basically, my life is going well right now so I have time. And generally, I like to be part of the decsion-making process. I have a lot of experience in government and community activism to bring to the table. I was in state government, but the local stuff interests me more now. I really don't like the two party system. What's important isn't party politics but local issues.

First, I would point out that the board did a good job of level-funding the budget this year, but that comes at a cost. Three people lost their jobs — I wouldn't have done that in this economic climate.

But I have a lot of ideas. Look at parking — what is the cost of upkeep for those spaces in Harmony Lot? I would think about giving that back to Chase [the adjacent property owner]. I would also hold off on future construction projects. I'm in favor of the combined Police-Fire Station but not now. I mean, I'd like a new bathroom in my house but hey, I can't afford it.

For me, a lot of the budget savings are cost shifts. I live in this community partly for the services, and I really feel that when you start nickeling and diming there, you lose your soul as a community. I'm willing to pay a little more in taxes to help my neighbor. The Town needs to have a heart.

3. In the current economic climate, people are feeling the pinch. What can the Selectboard do to make things easier for residents to get through these tough times?

This is a tough question. Of course, you try to reduce the budget, but as I said, that comes at a cost. Most people can't really afford more taxes.

One thing I would like to see happen to help the state and local governments afford social programs is to legalize and tax marijuana. Look, the Gathering Place might shut down, other services may be cut due to lack of state funding. But still, no one wants to talk about legalizing marijuana.

Other than that, I think the Selectobard needs to listen and do what it can at the local level to help people out.

4. What can the Selectbaord do to help businesses that are already here, as well as to encourage new businesses to start?

Well, first of all, I'm fine with sandwich board signs that don't interfere with people's right of way.

I'm against collecting parking fees on Sunday.

I'm not a guy who favors business incentives because they come on the backs of the taxpayer.

Mainly, I think we just have to be open arms, and let businesses know that this is a good area to be. We have a good labor force, good location. I would prefer socially responsible busineses but I would take almost anything at this point. I don't like big box stores though because they compete with local stores.

5. Respond to the following "true or false" statements:

- The driver of Brattleboro's economy is money.
- The driver of Brattleboro's economy is people.

People.

6. Tell us about your ideas to help Brattleboro thrive despite the larger economy.

So many ideas — the waterfront has got to happen. We need to try to find funding, which I think will be easier in a year or two, and get going on that. The skatepark — done right, it would bring in people from around the area. Believe it or not, kids have money too. We need to stop being afraid of youth.

I think it would also be good to designate all the areas in town that are buildable, so when a potential new business comes along, we can give them a good presentation.

I'm surprised by the lack of support the Strolling of the Heifers folks got from the Selectboard. We can't say we support business if we're not going to support this type of event. We should also be promoting the Harris Hill Ski Jump. Like it or not, we count on our tourists.

Speaking of tourists, I'd like to look into the piggyback gas tax. I doubt it will happen, but I don't think anyone would really notice 4 cents a gallon, and it would be a way to get a little revenue from tourists who just come through here to gas up.

7. Pay As You Throw — are you for it or against it, and why?

I'm against Pay As You Throw. I think it's a huge cost shift. In the end, I think most of us would be paying more for Pay As You Throw than we'd save in taxes.

That said, if elected, I'll vote the will of Town Meeting on this. If they want it, I'll support them.

8. Do you feel it's the Town's role to own and manage certain public properties such as parks, museums, and other recreational spaces? Would you be in favor of more or fewer such Town-owned facilities in the future?

I'm ok with what we have. As for the Route 30 park and the skatepark, I support both those projects.

9. Do you currently support relicensing of Vermont Yankee Nuclear Plant?

No. Once you get this kind of misinformation about safety issues, issues that affect not just the state but all of New England, and you have this leak into the Connecticut River, you're done as far as I'm concerned. Shut it down immediately.

10. What's the most impressive thing you've read recently?

Two things that I've read recently really impressed me. The story about Brittany, who was the young girl who lived through the earthquake down in Haiti, was amazing.

I was also really impressed, again, by the Vermont Yankee leak story. It obscures everything I've ever thought about VY management and the NRC. I'm not talking about the workers here. But management and the NRC have shown they can't be counted on or trusted.

Thanks for participating in the iBrattleboro Selectboard Candidate Interviews!