Ken Fay is running for a three year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.
Introduce yourself. Who are you and what would you say are your qualifications for the job?
I’m Ken Fay running for the 3-year term on the selectboard. I believe that my qualifications for the position can be divided into two sections – what I have done professionally throughout my adult life as well as my life experiences. As a CPA with an MBA who has worked in finance and accounting and as a finance director for nonprofits as well as for an Alaskan municipality, I have hands on experience with municipal government. The towns in Alaska while smaller in size than Brattleboro had many of the same fiscal challenges – including that of doing more with less. Since graduating college in 1983, I have had 49 life events – 29 moves and 20 changes in employment. Having no children and never been married has allowed me that flexibility.
I have also experienced alcohol use disorder throughout much of my adult life, averaging 7 drinks a day in the 6 years from 1/1/2018 through 12/31/23, including averaging almost 10.5 drinks during the 28 days of February 2021 – 5 years ago. I have been sober since July of 2025. I mention this because I’ve said that I’d rather think than drink and I’d like Brattleboro to benefit from that clear and unique thinking.
Finally, I’ve been an athlete throughout my life as a walk-on Division I baseball player who earned a scholarship and was all conference. Upon graduating I’ve completed 4 marathons and over 30 half marathons or greater distances. I mention this since it shows my dedication as well as familiarity with teamwork, camaraderie and competition.
What’s the board got right recently? What’s been a mistake?
The Board got the One Brattleboro concept correct. I would say that the Bratt team is a right decision but funding it has put the budget in a precarious position. I believe that much of the budget issues started with the decision to get rid of Rescue Inc. While I’m generally for doing things inhouse vs. subcontracting, that is because of the profit motive of most subcontractors which is not the case with the nonprofit Rescue, Inc. In addition, the transition out of our long-time trash hauler was not done effectively. As a member of a citizen focus group that met with town staff during the transition who worked for a recycling firm bought by Casella, I was chomping at the bit to provide assistance in the negotiations but no input was solicited by the town. In addition, BDCC was a resource that the town could have used but wasn’t on this issue.
What impresses you most about Brattleboro?
Brattleboro impresses me as a forward thinking, relatively well-rounded town. The citizens who are engaged, care about the town. Also, the arts community has a strong and positive presence in town. The downtown business alliance (DBA) is a fine organization working tirelessly and successfully to enhance the downtown atmosphere. Full disclosure – I try to help and volunteer any chance I get for their events.
What gives you the most worries?
The fact that a large majority of people in town don’t vote really irks me. It seems incongruous that many comment on our positive civic engagement even though our voter participation is generally less than 1 out of 4, usually 1 out of 5 and sometimes 1 out of 6 for our local elections. I also get pseudo heartburn about the lack of civility and kindness in our town. This is evidenced on Facebook which I rejoined after a 20+ year hiatus with terms such as libtard and Magat. It is also evidenced by what I view as a NIMBY attitude towards people – those who may be addicted, have mental illness or are destitute and unhoused. While I don’t necessarily agree with NIMBY about an incinerator, transfer station or other physical object, I can somewhat understand the sentiment, but I do not understand NIMBY about another human being. I feel that there’s too much of that in our town.
The fact that rising health care costs will undoubtedly lead to budget challenges in the immediate future also concerns me.
Do you have a brilliant idea for solving what worries you?
My idea is to increase voter turnout by a very large magnitude. If we have more people engaged by voting that would increase the number of ideas that are brought to the table in addition to setting Brattleboro apart from every other town and city looking for good paying jobs and responsible development. We have the natural beauty in our trees, mountains and water, let’s make the beauty of the citizens shine through via voting and civil, kind discussions on issues and respect for all people. Have the whole town try to give Brattleboro a strong differential advantage so that it becomes the short-, medium- and long-term destination for individuals, families and businesses alike. In a nutshell – vote and be kind!
What are the top issues the town should be spending time and resources to address?
I feel the top issues need to be gathered from all the citizens and addressed accordingly. Personally, I am a sap for underdogs as well as those who have been dealt a horrible hand. While I probably lean towards the “bleeding heart” vs. the “tough love”, I would listen to the citizens as to what they would want, and govern accordingly.
Are budget resources being allocated correctly? If not, what would you change?
I think that the prior selectboard put the town in a very precarious position and unintentionally united the town against the board – evidenced by the 2 incumbents finishing last in last year’s election. The increased police and fire budgets without increased revenues nor decreased expenses disappointed those who consider themselves as “fiscal conservative but social liberal”.
What do you consider the essential services of the town?
Administration, Police, Fire, Public Works, Recreation, Library and Human Service Agencies.
What’s a luxury the town budget could do without?
If it were that simple it would have been done already. I don’t think that the budget has luxuries.
What’s your preference and why? RTM, OTM, AB or something else?
My preference is for RTM since it is a very good check and balance against the Selectboard. It appears that people opposed to RTM state that it isn’t representative of the town. I would whole heartedly agree. It is way too engaged. The RTM members show up. If they were to be representative of the town, then of the ~150 RTM members only ~30 would attend the meeting since that is 20%. I can’t wrap my arms around the assertion that more people will take the time to learn and make an informed decision/vote on a > $20 million budget with its nuances than who take the time to learn about 8 candidates for 3 seats. I would like the vote on the Articles to be NO, NO and YES. Hopefully there will be a significant number of new or returning voters and I would implore them to vote to keep RTM, see how it works and revisit the question next year if desired.
As stated at the 1st debate/forum, I am the only candidate for the 3-year term that wants RTM to continue.
Answer a question that no one asks you about…
Who’s my favorite baseball team? I don’t have one, instead I root for individual players and myself. Rooting for myself means that if I am going to spend 2-3 hours to watch a game, I want it to be interesting. I’d like to see an exciting game. I also somewhat judge the owners and if I don’t particularly like them then I don’t want my entertainment dollars and attention going to them.
Best way to find out more about my campaign.
I ran for state office so there are profiles of me online on Digger, the Commons and the Reformer from 2024 on. Also, I answered the Ballotpedia questionnaire that outlines some of my stances. Finally, I can be reached at kenfayvt24@outlook.com or stop me around town at any time.
Thanks for spending time with iBrattleboro.
