Elections

Weinberger Raises $86K, Outpacing Tracy in Burlington Mayoral Race

By Courtney Lamdin on January 31, 2021 at 11:46PM

Weinberger raised about $7,700 more than he had at this point in the race three years ago. Tracy, meanwhile, raised about $9,600 more than had Carina Driscoll, who ran as independent with the Progressive endorsement during the 2018 campaign for mayor. Driscoll had contributions from 191 donors by the first filing deadline in 2018; with 383 donors, Tracy had twice as many.

Vermont voters at a polling location last year

Scott Signs Bill Enabling Mail-In Voting for Town Meeting Day

By Colin Flanders on January 19, 2021 at 1:00PM

State lawmakers rushed to get the bill to Scott's desk early this legislative session so that local officials had time to alter their plans ahead of important deadlines. Public warnings must be filed at the end of this month, while ballots must be finalized by February 10. Noting that the coronavirus is far more prevalent in Vermont than it was in November, some lawmakers wanted to mandate mail-in Town Meeting Day voting. But the legislature ultimately decided to leave it up to local officials.

A poll worker behind a sheet of plastic in August

Vermont Lawmakers Expect to Enable Mail-In Voting for Town Meeting Day

by Colin Flanders on January 5, 2021 at 5:06PM

"There are some things during the global health crisis that probably shouldn't be left to individual selectboards to decide, especially when people want to hold some of these customs even in the face of what might be insurmountable odds," Ashe said at Tuesday's meeting. But Condos said unlike primary and general elections, which his office oversees, Town Meeting Day votes are instead run at the local level, and so discussions about universally mandated changes would need to involve many other parties, including the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

At Caucus, Burlington Democrats Offer Counter to Progressives' 'Extreme Ideologies'

by Courtney Lamdin on December 6, 2020 at 7:44PM

In the night's only contested race, New North End resident Kienan Christianson won the Democrats' endorsement for the North District seat over Kerin Durfee, 162 to 97. Durfee, a self-proclaimed "proud Democrat," had tried to contrast herself with Christianson, who also won the Progressive nomination last week.

Tracy Wins Progressive Nomination for Burlington Mayor's Race

by Courtney Lamdin on December 3, 2020 at 11:22PM

"I'm really looking forward to being able to engage in the conversations to come," Tracy said, "around where our city is headed and our different visions, and draw a strong contrast to Miro." In a tweet after the results were announced, Weinberger congratulated Tracy and said he looks "forward to a substantive + spirited debate about the future" of the city.

Progressives Max Tracy (left) and Brian Pine

Pine and Tracy Make Their Pitches at Progressive Party Caucus

by Courtney Lamdin on December 1, 2020 at 10:35PM

Incumbents Jack Hanson and Perri Freeman were nominated for the East and Central districts, respectively. Burlington Democrats have not yet announced any candidates to challenge those seats. Voters also nominated candidates for ward clerks and election inspectors.

Pine Touts Experience in Formal Mayoral Campaign Announcement

by Courtney Lamdin on November 16, 2020 at 2:44PM

Christianson, an attorney and member of Burlington’s Development Review Board, told Seven Days last week he was “strongly considering” a run. In a press release Monday, Christianson said the pandemic solidified his desire to help his community.

Burlington Candidates Seek Open Council Seat in North District

by Courtney Lamdin on November 10, 2020 at 10:33AM

"It just seemed like a political decision and not what you'd expect from a body whose job it is to make sure the city functions efficiently and properly," Barlow said. He also questions whether proposals to ban no-cause evictions and reinstate ranked-choice voting were properly vetted.

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger Will Run for Reelection

by Courtney Lamdin on November 10, 2020 at 9:55AM

No other Democrat has thrown their hat in the ring, but at least one independent has: Patrick White, 29, a South End resident and insurance policy writer who is focused on affordability. There are plenty of rumors about other possible contenders, including City Councilor Ali Dieng (I-Ward 7), who has strongly hinted that he plans to run.

Burlington Democratic Party chair Sam Donnelly

Burlington Democrats, State Party Admit to Campaign Finance Violations

by Courtney Lamdin on October 26, 2020 at 4:03PM

In an emailed statement Monday, staff at Donovan's office said the AG "was walled off from this matter from the onset." The office assigned Sarah London, the chief assistant attorney general, to supervise the investigation into Donnelly — and Donovan's own party — "to avoid any appearance of a conflict," according to the statement.

Seven Days

Off Message

» topic: Elections