Spring is just around the corner CANDIDATE Q & A

A lot of educators left the profession during the pandemic. Even though our district has a strong reputation, we need to continue to attract and retain the best educators and support staff. Finally, in order for students to grow academically, we need to ensure that all of our students are safe and feel as if they belong in our community.

Terry Macaig

Is there anything else voters should know about your candidacy?

I have professional experience with education from both inside, while teaching, and also working outside of schools in agencies that support students, children and families. I was a high school teacher for 15 years, have worked at Vermont’s Agency of Education, and currently work for the Agency of Human Services.

I have enough professional and personal experience to recognize the many things that CVSD does well and the places where we can continue to improve.

Two-year seat (incumbent) Selectboard Uncontested

Describe your personal connection to the Town of Williston.

My commitment to Williston began in 1974 with the family working with Cub, Boy and Girl Scouts followed by Little League and girls’ softball. I’ve spent 20 years on the Williston Historical Society with 13 as president, nine years on the Regional Planning Commission, over 30 years as either Deputy Health Officer or Health Officer and 21 years on the selectboard, seventeen as chair.

Why did you choose to run for a multiyear seat instead of for the seat with one year remaining on its term?

After Jeff Fehrs decided not to run again, I announced my decision to run for another two-year term. It’s very important to have the historical memory on the selectboard with two new members to be elected in March.

While Ted Kenney has many years of service on the board, my input will make a difference.

A new housing needs assessment for Williston suggests easing or eliminating the town’s growth management system to encourage more housing development. Do you think Williston needs more affordably priced homes and, if so, what strategies do you support to achieve that?

Williston absolutely needs more affordably priced homes. With the formbased code in place for the Taft Corners area, we have the opportunity to make that happen while still staying within the growth management bylaws.

The planning commission should take a close look at inclusionary zoning. Do you think the town has been effective so far in its efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion and what are your thoughts on the importance of this work?

The town, over the past two years, has made significant progress in its efforts to provide diversity, equity and inclusion. We have worked with the Racial Equity Partnership on these issues.

Williston was recently selected by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns to be a cohort in addressing diversity, equity and inclusion. Our Community Justice Center director received a grant to attend Cornell University remotely to address this.

We have also adopted racial equity value policy statements and will continue to receive input from these resources. What else would you like voters to know about your candidacy?

I look forward to a new experience with selectboard members with new ideas and continuing my service to the town.

Memorial Pet Service