This page features responses to this questionnaire by local candidates who are on the ballot for the March 2026 Town Meeting Day election, including for the positions of Select Board and School Board. Names are listed in the same order that they appear on the ballot.
Click on the arrow to read the full responses. Candidates whose names are bolded have submitted responses.
For Town Moderator, 1 year term AND for School Moderator, 1 year term
1. Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
I grew up in Wisconsin (Yes, I am a Packers fan!), then lived in New Jersey in a county that looks very much like Franklin County for many years before moving to Vermont. I have been involved in volunteer work my entire life in my kids’ schools, my church and the communities in which I have lived. In Fairfax I volunteered with the Four Winds program at the elementary school; sang in the choir and worked at the rummage sales and book sales at the United Church of Fairfax; served on the second school bond committee and have served on several search committees for the Town of Fairfax.
2. Background and Experience: What is your prior experience with this or other elected positions? If you have held this position before, what are you most proud of? If you haven’t held this position, what other experiences have you had that would inform how you approach this role? Are there other skills or experiences that you have that qualify you for this position?
I have many years of experience moderating/chairing meetings, from small boards to conferences of almost 1000 participants. I have also served as the parliamentarian for many meetings and conferences that use Roberts Rules of Order. I try to stay informed on Vermont Statutes that affect Fairfax through the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and attend their “Town Meeting Tuneup” for Town Moderators every year. I have been the Town/School Moderator since 2014. I try to attend as many Select Board Meetings and School Board Meetings as I can so that I know what is going on. I am most proud of the fact that, even though Fairfax has gone through some trying times, I have been able to keep the Town/School meetings civil and the participants respectful, if not happy.
3. Personality and Character: What are the character traits that you feel you are most known for? What personal values do you think will influence how you operate as an elected official?
Patience.
A sense of humor, including being able to laugh at myself.
I try to treat everyone with respect.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
a. To assure that each registered voter at the Town/School meetings has an opportunity to speak, if they so desire, so long as it is germane to the meeting.
b. That all who participate in the meetings are treated with respect and civility.
c. That the meetings are conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order and State Statutes.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
The Moderator must always remain completely neutral while conducting the meetings.
6. Other information: What else would you like Fairfax voters to know about you?
Although I have only lived in Fairfax since 2011, my great-great-great grandmother grew up in Fairfax in the early 1800’s so I really feel like some of my roots are here.
7. Contact info: If constituents want to connect with you, what is the best way to do so? (Feel free to share any social media or websites as well).
My email address is: rrodimer@myfairpoint.net, but, since it is “fairpoint” it does not always work so if someone does not get a response, try again, and then know that I am not ignoring you, your message just didn’t go through.
For Selectperson, 2 year term
1. Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
Greetings, Fairfax Community. My name is Tim Germaine Sr., and I have resided in Fairfax for the last 12 years alongside my wife, Carrie. Throughout my career, I have primarily worked in municipal roles, with my most recent position being the Fairfax Highway Foreman from 2014 to 2023. Additionally, I have been a member of the Fairfax Selectboard from 2024 to 2026 and am currently seeking re-election for another two-year term.
2. Background and Experience: What is your prior experience with this or other elected positions? If you have held this position before, what are you most proud of? If you haven’t held this position, what other experiences have you had that would inform how you approach this role? Are there other skills or experiences that you have that qualify you for this position?
I'm running for Select Board again because there is still much work to accomplish. I aim to keep stabilizing our finances, enhancing long-term planning, and ensuring that the Town makes responsible and transparent decisions. I have a thorough understanding of the issues and firsthand experience with budget constraints and projects, and I want to be involved because I genuinely care about Fairfax and the path our town is taking. We have made significant strides in stabilizing budgets, planning for infrastructure requirements, and enhancing long-term financial management. I wish to continue this effort and ensure that we make considerate decisions that safeguard taxpayers while preparing Fairfax for the future. My intention is to keep stabilizing our finances, advancing long-term planning, and ensuring that the Town is making responsible and transparent choices. I have a profound concern for Fairfax and the direction our town is moving.
3. Personality and Character: What are the character traits that you feel you are most known for? What personal values do you think will influence how you operate as an elected official?
I bring resilience, empathy, itegrity,and practical hands-on, real-world experience in municipal operations, budgeting, and infrastructure management. I focus on problem-solving, strategic long-term planning, and making choices that reconcile fiscal responsibility with maintaining the level of quality service our residents anticipate. Additionally, I prioritize transparency, teamwork, and effective communication with the public.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
If re-elected, my focus would be:
Municipal Taxes - Keep municipal taxes low while continuing to strengthen the Town’s long-term financial, operational, and organizational stability.
Infrastructure Planning - Fairfax needs realistic, long-term strategies for roads, bridges, and utilities, along with funding approaches that avoid expensive, reactive measures. I would continue to ensure the Town’s finances are accurate and transparent, responsible planning for infrastructure necessities such as roads and utilities, and supporting systems that safeguard public health and essential services, all while keeping our municipal taxes low.
Financial Stability - We have recently identified the need for reorganization in our financial management. My focus remains on strengthening financial systems, improving transparency, and upholding responsible budgets while reducing the burden on municipal taxes. My priorities include long-term financial stability and responsible budgeting, and addressing infrastructure needs before they escalate into emergencies, supporting efficient town operations and essential services, and_ managing growth in a manner that preserves Fairfax’s character while ensuring affordability for residents.
7. Contact info: If constituents want to connect with you, what is the best way to do so? (Feel free to share any social media or websites as well).
For Selectperson, 2 year term
1. Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
I am 65 year old retiree from the Federal Aviation Administration and an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Air Force. My wife and I have lived in Fairfax for 29 years and raised our three children here. My greatest joy is spending time with our 7 grandchildren.
I am committed to our community with a genuine desire to serve and improve the place we live with a responsibility to the future generations.
2. Background and Experience: What is your prior experience with this or other elected positions? If you have held this position before, what are you most proud of? If you haven’t held this position, what other experiences have you had that would inform how you approach this role? Are there other skills or experiences that you have that qualify you for this position?
I am currently a member on the Fairfax planning commission and working on updating the town plan. I am very willing to learn and ask questions. I respect diverse viewpoints and am thick-skinned. Throughout my career I had to communicate clearly, collaborate with the aviation community and follow all rules, regulations and policies that governed aviation safety.
3. Personality and Character: What are the character traits that you feel you are most known for? What personal values do you think will influence how you operate as an elected official?
My character traits I am known for are:
Accountability-Taking responsibility for choices, following through on commitments and being transparent about outcomes.
Practical judgement - Balancing big picture thinking with realistic workable solutions.
My personal values that will influence how I operate as an elected official are:
Frugality and Fiscal responsibility - Value wise spending with clear budgeting and efficient use of tax dollars.
Collaboration - Prioritizing team work with fellow board members, town staff, local organizations, and Fairfax residents.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
1. Maintain careful budgeting and clear explanations of finances so residents understand how tax dollars are spent and communicate the towns overall fiscal health throughout the year.
2.Instill clear communication between Select Board members, town manager and most importantly Fairfax residents.
3.Engage town residents in the town plan 2026 -2034 update to ensure community values are reflected in decisions about housing, land use, economic development and services.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
We need to look more closely at State legislature programs, as an example Tier1B, to make sure they will help rather than hurt our town reach the residents desired goals in our 2026-2034 update to our town plan. Some of these "one size fits all " plans may be detrimental rather than helpful to our community.
6. Other information: What else would you like Fairfax voters to know about you?
I'm running for Select Board to ensure Fairfax thrives with thoughtful planning, open communication, responsible governance and a true partnership between our elected leaders and the community. I believe in steady progress that honors our heritage, supports our families and prepares Fairfax for a resilient and vibrant future.
7. Contact info: If constituents want to connect with you, what is the best way to do so? (Feel free to share any social media or websites as well).
For Selectperson, 3 year term
1. Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
I graduated from BFA Fairfax, served the UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, Married the love of my life Johanna 51 years ago, some of you may know her in town, she has served the community as delinquent tax collector for 40yrs next month. A father to my son Joshua who you may also know sits on the select board today. Josh and his wife Erin, mother of my 5 beautiful grandchildren own and operate Blake Family Dairy.
2. Background and Experience: What is your prior experience with this or other elected positions? If you have held this position before, what are you most proud of? If you haven’t held this position, what other experiences have you had that would inform how you approach this role? Are there other skills or experiences that you have that qualify you for this position?
I have served 3 terms on the select board over the years, 1980 the first, the wastewater treatment plant came on line that year, a huge improvement for community. Water was the hot issue, the need for a better source, a better distribution system, treatment, all of which got improved over the years.
My first term was a three member board, My next two terms were five member boards.
Life experience:
Worked on the Alaskan pipeline when I was 22
7 years at J&L Foundations of Fairfax VT
2 years of experience with refrigeration...DICK SOULE INC.
25 years of owning and operating our family dairy farm with my wife and my son
7 years of experience of installing wastewater treatment with Dave Whitney of ECO SOLUTIONS, we installed wastewater treatment facility at the US Embassy-Berkina Faso, Africa, wastewater project in Tabago. storm water retention project Washington DC. Wastewater treatment -Kona Hawaii and a long list of local projects.
3. Personality and Character: What are the character traits that you feel you are most known for? What personal values do you think will influence how you operate as an elected official?
Fairness, equal application of requirements, consistency, accepting responsibility.
The select board business is tough, you're judged by family, friends, all that know you and all that don't. Thin skin has no place in this arena, if it's important enough, you have to be tough enough, to stand alone!
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
1. Water/waste water is my number one goal. This is serious business for the town. My goal is to bring my life experiences and my knowledge of the utility back to the board and to work along side with the entire board and town manager to do what is best for the users that are on the system.
2. Finances: As you all have seen either online or in person by attending the meetings, the lack of communication between finance dept/town manger/and the board is in need of dire change. Every 30 days there should be financial reports submitted to the select board, with out asking, to where each departments stands.
3. Public Relations/Communications: My previous time on the board we met with the other boards and commissions, at the very least say hello...how are things going...just keep dialogue open.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
My focus is on Fairfax at this time.
6. Other information: What else would you like Fairfax voters to know about you?
I just want everyone to understand that Lauri Bellows Fisher is literally my neighbor, not my opponent. At the time I submitted my petition there was no one running for the seat. We are both running to bring our best ability's to the town of Fairfax. I hear there are many concerns of conflict of interest of 'father and son' sitting at the same select board table could 'vote stack' the board. I assure you, my son and I have very different opinions on things politically and he is his own man and makes up his own mind as well as I do. There maybe many topics we agree on but many, we will not!
At the end of the day we are all here to make the best decisions we believe are the best for our town of Fairfax!
7. Contact info: If constituents want to connect with you, what is the best way to do so? (Feel free to share any social media or websites as well).
Email; blindog218@gmail.com
For Selectperson, 3 year term
1. Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
I am an 8th generation Vermonter from a dairy-farm family, graduate of BFA and married into a family that has made Fairfax their home for nearly 50 years. I am a two-decade trial attorney by trade and currently am the General Counsel for the Vermont Department of Corrections and former Assistant Attorney General; both carrying my public service to the State level. The most important things for voters to know is that I am from a long-line of public servants who love the Town of Fairfax; I want nothing more than a healthy community for all of us to live in and a sustainable tax burden that allows for growth and forward momentum.
2. Background and Experience: What is your prior experience with this or other elected positions? If you have held this position before, what are you most proud of? If you haven’t held this position, what other experiences have you had that would inform how you approach this role? Are there other skills or experiences that you have that qualify you for this position?
I sought and received election to the Fairfax Select Board for two terms in the mid-2010's after a previous time on the BFA School Board. I have always felt public service to one’s municipality is a vital investment to maintain a healthy community. My Mother was the Town’s Clerk for many years and she and my Father had served as Board members at various times; so they instilled public service in me at a young age and I such service in high regard.
My main platform during those two early terms was to get a Town Manager model in place. State mandates, land use pressures, overall increase in the complexities of personnel management and contract oversight was, in my opinion, too much for a lay Board who had full-time careers and families to manage. Once the taxpayers agreed this model made sense, I felt forward momentum as to capital expenditure planning, financial improvement and personnel expansion could thrive. I am a big proponent of the business management model; you need management boots on the ground every day to protect was has been built prior and to have consistent and simultaneous improvement of services, infrastructure and growth.
I believe the time is right now to stay in a Board role because since my appointment in August of 2025, we have secured a high-functioning and credentialed Town Manager, restored some civility we had lost and started to repair a number of discovered inadequacies in our financial health and operational structure. I do not want to lose momentum that we are building again; I have a great deal of hope and optimism we are getting the right people in the right positions and forward momentum will continue with continuity of members.
3. Personality and Character: What are the character traits that you feel you are most known for? What personal values do you think will influence how you operate as an elected official?
I believe I am most know for my trait of reason and logic. I also am called upon often for my analytical skills in trouble-shooting and problem solving and have a reputation for following through on promised work. I am loyal to the heritage that built Fairfax and try to exhibit the same worthy traits that my family has offered the Town for over one hundred years.
In the current political climate, personal values are often questioned more than applauded. If given the continued opportunity to serve the Town, I think my work ethic, commitment to being educated on all matters of municipal governance before making impactful decisions and overall desire for calm conversation, teamwork and civility will most influence my work for the voters. Credibility is earned, not demanded, and I believe I offer consistency in alignment of words and actions that can be relied up consistently.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
1. Stability of operational work model– getting the right people in the right positions and making the Town an attractive place that highly qualified personnel wish to work.
2. Fiscal Management – create a consistent system to provide a balanced budget, cost control and focus on all revenue sources available to attain the taxpayers’ priorities for Fairfax without raising their financial contribution more than necessary to sustain a high level of function.
3. Land Use and Development – promoting healthy and sustainable growth and commercial commerce avenues in the Town so that our residents are able to both “stay and play” here as a community while enjoying a well- funded tax base. We need to develop attractive incentives for businesses to want to be in our community while preserving the agricultural and rural landscape that attracted the 5,100 folks that live here now.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
Civility is a lost art, particularly at the national level. I would work to restore cooperation and compromise locally to insulate the Town from things that distract from progress and growth. At the state level, both land use and educational structure are at the forefront. I would address those two items through this position by engagement in town planning work, cooperative dialogue with our School Board leaders to provide support and forward movement and, most importantly, give Fairfax a leader they can be proud of having at the helm. It is imperative that we all work together, even with polarizing positions, to balance forward-thinking innovation with preservation of historical missions that served us well in the past. We need not re-invent the wheel, but we need to be open to help the wheel get an upgrade to meet the demands of a 2026 culture.
6. Other information: What else would you like Fairfax voters to know about you?
I want the voters to know that I will consistently show up to work hard for the Town. I live here, much of my family lives here and I am invested in making sure that at the end of a day's work, I return to a community that is financially healthy and strives to take care of one another. We are truly living in a superior Vermont community and deserve strong leadership that believes in the mission to preserve and continue to build-up the same.
Thank you for considering my candidacy and for appreciating all candidates for what they bring to the table in service.
7. Contact info: If constituents want to connect with you, what is the best way to do so? (Feel free to share any social media or websites as well).
Email is the most efficient - lafvt94@gmail.com
For Community Library Trustee, 3 year term
1. Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
As a long time resident of Fairfax and an avid reader, the library has always been central to my experience here. I've raised my kids to value the information, community and friendship that can be found there. Our weekly (and sometimes more frequent!) book hauls have reached legendary proportions.
2. Background and Experience: What is your prior experience with this or other elected positions? If you have held this position before, what are you most proud of? If you haven’t held this position, what other experiences have you had that would inform how you approach this role? Are there other skills or experiences that you have that qualify you for this position?
My experience as a patron and in developing programming at the library would inform the decisions I make as a trustee. When my kids were little I lead the craft for preschool story time. When there was a community interest in baking I taught a sourdough bread baking class. More recently I've brought in an all ages weekly sketchbook club. Building community and giving back to the library is an ongoing passion of mine. With your vote, I'd love to continue this as library trustee.
3. Personality and Character: What are the character traits that you feel you are most known for? What personal values do you think will influence how you operate as an elected official?
I enjoy listening to people and happily act as a moderator when there's conflict. This is a skill I've honed both working in retail and as a parent.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
I believe in free speech and appreciate that everyone can find their voice at the library.
7. Contact info: If constituents want to connect with you, what is the best way to do so? (Feel free to share any social media or websites as well).
For Community Library Trustee, 3 year term
1. Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
I grew up in Vermont, I have worked in Franklin County for over thirty years, and have lived in Fairfax since 2012. My family and I love to read and we are frequent users of the library. I think our library is a community gem, and a valuable resource for residents of all ages.
2. Background and Experience: What is your prior experience with this or other elected positions? If you have held this position before, what are you most proud of? If you haven’t held this position, what other experiences have you had that would inform how you approach this role? Are there other skills or experiences that you have that qualify you for this position?
I have served on many local, regional and statewide boards, but this would be my first elected role in Fairfax. I have served as secretary, chair and treasurer of other public boards. I have a thorough understanding of the open meeting law and public records laws.
3. Personality and Character: What are the character traits that you feel you are most known for? What personal values do you think will influence how you operate as an elected official?
I care about our community and strive to be kind and curious. As an elected official I would be committed to openness and fairness. I would bring spirit of collaboration, and a commitment to learning.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
My overall goal will be to learn as quickly as I can so that I can be a helpful member of the trustees. As a library trustee I would want to keep the library as a place where everyone feels welcome, support our talented library staff, and ensure the library has the resources to meet the changing needs of our community.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
I hope that national topics will not enter into this role. If they do, I am committed to making decisions that keep the library as a place where all are welcome, people can access the books they want to read, and find the resources they need to thrive.
6. Other information: What else would you like Fairfax voters to know about you?
I think we have a wonderful community and a top notch library. I had the opportunity to attend a recent Trustee meeting and see the commitment of the other members. I am excited about the possibility to join them in service as a Library Trustee!
Thank you for considering my candidacy and for appreciating all candidates for what they bring to the table in service.
7. Contact info: If constituents want to connect with you, what is the best way to do so? (Feel free to share any social media or websites as well).
For Community Library Trustee, 3 year term
No responses submitted.
For School Director (School Board), on ballot for 2 year term
1. Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
My name is Emily Aiken, and I am running for the two-year School Board Director position. I am currently earning my master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling and am a mother of two school-aged children. These roles give me both a professional and personal understanding of the importance of strong, supportive schools. I am committed to supporting students, families, and educators and to helping ensure our schools remain responsive, inclusive, and community-centered.
2. Background and Experience: What is your prior experience with this or other elected positions? If you have held this position before, what are you most proud of? If you haven’t held this position, what other experiences have you had that would inform how you approach this role? Are there other skills or experiences that you have that qualify you for this position?
I have served on the school board for the past four years, gaining a strong understanding of our district’s needs, strengths, and challenges. I am proud to have helped guide the school through a period of transition while keeping a clear focus on student learning, community connection, and responsible use of public resources.
My experience on the board, along with my professional and personal background, has strengthened my ability to listen, collaborate, and make thoughtful decisions. I remain committed to supporting high-quality education for all students and ensuring our schools reflect the values of the community.
3. Personality and Character: What are the character traits that you feel you are most known for? What personal values do you think will influence how you operate as an elected official?
I try to lead with thoughtfulness, honesty, and a strong commitment to our students, families, and community. I believe in listening carefully, being transparent, and working collaboratively to make fair, informed decisions. My values center on supporting strong public schools, using resources responsibly, and building trust through respect and open communication.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
If elected, my top priorities are supporting strong student learning and well-being, strengthening communication and trust with families and the community, and ensuring responsible, thoughtful use of public resources.
7. Contact info: If constituents want to connect with you, what is the best way to do so? (Feel free to share any social media or websites as well).
E-mail: ekimball23@gmail.com
For BFA Trustee, 5 year term
1. Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
I have lived in Fairfax most of my life and I am a graduate of BFA.
2. Background and Experience: What is your prior experience with this or other elected positions? If you have held this position before, what are you most proud of? If you haven’t held this position, what other experiences have you had that would inform how you approach this role? Are there other skills or experiences that you have that qualify you for this position?
I have held his position before. It is nice to be able to help the younger generation with school projects.
3. Personality and Character: What are the character traits that you feel you are most known for? What personal values do you think will influence how you operate as an elected official?
I enjoy volunteering within the community. It is a great feeling to give back and to help other people.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
To continue to help the student projects at the school and still be fiscal responsible.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
None.
6. Other information: What else would you like Fairfax voters to know about you?
I am happy to help if anyone needs any.
7. Contact info: If constituents want to connect with you, what is the best way to do so? (Feel free to share any social media or websites as well).