Issac Evans-Frantz is an incumbent running for a one year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.
Introduce yourself. Who are you and what would you say are your qualifications for the job?
My name is Isaac Evans-Frantz, and I’m the clerk of the Brattleboro Selectboard, running for re-election for a one-year term. I was born at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and raised in West Brattleboro.
I bring a strong understanding of municipal finances and a willingness to dig into the details. I’ve consistently asked hard questions, advocated for responsible budgeting, and stood up for democratic processes, including voting against budgets I believed placed an undue burden on taxpayers.
As important, I listen deeply and take community concerns seriously. I work to bring those voices into the Selectboard room, which builds trust in local government. In a polarized national climate, I believe local leadership matters more than ever. Brattleboro can model civil discourse, respectful disagreement, and participatory democracy, starting with Town Meeting and continuing throughout the year.
Why are you running for a seat on the selectboard? Is there something in particular you’d like to accomplish?
I am running to stand up for everyday people in our community. I plan to keep working to make our town affordable, financially stable, and safe for all. Serving on the Selectboard is hard work, and with the support of Brattleboro voters on March 3, I can continue to work for a town that residents can afford, and that is vibrant for years to come.
My top priority is to ensure that every member of our community has a real voice at the table, that we listen to one another, and that local government is responsive to the public we serve. I have seen the way that members of the public have been dismissed at Selectboard meetings, and I want to change that.
What’s the board got right recently? What’s been a mistake?
The board accepted my proposals to make housing and financial responsibility top priorities. The Town has issued a record number of permits for new construction of homes, and we’ve adopted policies I’ve put forward for financial planning and stability. The board’s mistake: Early in the budgeting process the board should have agreed to a limit to the increase in municipal property taxes and an overall strategy for curbing the tax hikes.
The board also has mistakenly invoked emergency powers for political maneuvering. This happened both before and since I joined the board. At a time where we are seeing the federal executive branch of government consolidate power, we should work actively to avoid doing that locally.
What impresses you most about Brattleboro?
I love the natural beauty and sense of community.
What gives you the most worries?
I worry about what the federal executive branch is doing to our country – including our town.
Do you have a brilliant idea for solving what worries you?
Standing up for one another, and making sure the people who are most affected by policies are at the table and heard – these things will help.
What are the top issues the town should be spending time and resources to address?
Affordability, Infrastructure, Housing, Shelter, and Parking,
Are budget resources being allocated correctly? If not, what would you like to see change?
I’d like to see an overall curbing of the budget.
What do you consider the essential services of the town?
In Brattleboro, each of the services is essential to some community members. My approach to curbing tax increases is by reducing across departments so that we don’t have to eliminate any service residents expect and enjoy.
What’s a luxury the town budget could do without?
I don’t see luxuries in our budget, but we need to plan for reductions in the future. We need to make cuts fairly and with minimal harm. For example, I’ve successfully advocated refraining from adding new staff positions to the budget the town is currently considering.
What’s your preference and why – Representative Town Meeting, Open Town Meeting, Australian Ballots, or something else entirely?
Representative Town Meeting. Representative Town Meeting has helped me better understand the hopes and concerns of a broader array of residents than I would normally hear. It’s helped me do a better job as a selectboard member. By being a fairly stable body in size and knowledge, Representative Town Meeting can be efficient and effective in addressing the needs of residents of all three of Brattleboro’s legislative districts.
Answer a question that no one asks you about… : )
I love all the trails around Brattleboro – the West River Trail, the Retreat trails, the Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center trails, and so on. I am so lucky to be home in Brattleboro.
Can you recommend anything for us to read, watch or listen to?
Town Meeting!
What’s the best way for people to find out more about your campaign?
Social media: @IsaacForVT
Thanks for spending time with iBrattleboro.
Thank you!
