This page features responses to this questionnaire by local candidates who are on the ballot for the March 2025 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.
I try to treat everyone with respect.
A sense of humor, including being able to laugh at myself.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
Assure that each registered voter at Town/School Meetings has an opportunity to speak, if they so desire, as long as it is germane to the meeting.
That all who participate in the meetings are treated with respect and civility.
That the meetings are conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order and Vermont State Statutes.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
No. 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?
I have lived in Fairfax for 42 years. Been a dairy farmer my whole life. I also owned my own snow plowing business for 20 years. Worked for a large dairy farm in Berkshire VT for 14 seasons harvesting 5,000 acres of corn silage and 5,000 acres of grass to feed 10,000 cows. Excavation for a year in Sevierville, Tennessee. Done excavation in Vermont for many years and still do today part time. Today I focus on my family my farm and community.
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 NO experience actually sitting on any kind of board as an elected official. Need to start some where right? So here I am ready to help ,ready to learn and ready to listen to the people and make the best decisions we can as a board. With 40 + years of experience on the farm you learn a lot of things what to do and Not to do cause with the equipment and animals someone could get seriously hurt if your not on your game. Owning my own farm I run the book. I pay the bills I know what’s going on and base my decision on the finances. These factors will be good for characteristics for a board.
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 do what I say. I am not easily influenced or persuaded without facts and evidence. No quick decision is a good decision. If you want a quick answer from me it will be no. Let’s take the time to do the research and develop solid ground.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
To make Fairfax: Financially responsible, safe, efficient. One goal of mine to change on the board would be the warrants. Currently the board rotates the warrants (authorizing payment of invoices and wages) to individual select board member each week. So it’s 6 weeks before it’s your turn to see the invoices again. I want to see them every week all the bills. All 5 members should all see the warrants every week together for increased transparency. Every year in Fairfax with crime has been a big concern. Traffic cameras, increased policing, neighborhood watch, what ever it takes to make Fairfax feel safe again is a must. Efficiency with all departments is a must. Our largest department is the highway crew. In 2025 plow trucks, fuel ,salt, sand all the large equipment grader, loader ,salary and wages, insurance premiums are at an all time time high! The crew the town manager and the board need to work together to make the highway crew as effective and efficient as possible. Even if it means investing in gps systems for the trucks to monitor plow routes to see where we can design routes to shorten mileage to save fuel and material and labor.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
NO
6. Other information: What else would you like Fairfax voters to know about you?
I’m the guy on 104a with the National Lampoons Christmas display 😁
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).
Face book messenger for now
For Selectperson, 3 year term
No responses submitted.
For Cemetery Commission, 5 year term
1. Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
Our family came to town in 1797, so I have deep roots in the community. I graduated from BFA, worked for 20 years at New England Telephone Co. in Burlington, worked at the Country Pantry and have been a lister for the town. I am active in my church and help with Rummage Sales, Bazaar and Bake and Book Sale. I am also a BFA Trustee. I volunteered for many years with the Vermont Maple Festival prior to COVID.
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 over 30 years of experience as the Sec/Treas of the Fairfax Cemetery Association dba Sanderson Corners Cemetery. I have experience of selling lots, handling money, and marking out lots and graves as well as being involved in the maintenance of the cemetery. I think what is most noticeable with the town cemeteries are the new signs for all of them. Cleaning the stones in the various cemeteries it is also quite evident and stunning.
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 treat everyone fairly and I enjoy helping people whenever I can. If I start a project I intend to complete in a timely fashion if possible.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
To continue to keep the cemeteries in good condition for everyone to be proud of. It is an ongoing process to keep the stones repaired and the cemeteries properly cared for.
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 Cemetery Commission, 4 years remaining of a 5 year term
No responses submitted.
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 taught high school English at BFA Fairfax. Prior to that, I worked for the government and before that I was the Worldwide Education Manager at the Bank of America and the same position at Apple Computer.
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?
At the Bank of America I was responsible for a staff of ten with a budget of about five million dollars. At Apple I managed seven trainers with a ten million dollar budget. Steve Jobs asked me to work on a project with him because the army taught me to speak, read and write fluent Russian. Steve Jobs got the education minister in Russia to put an Apple II in every classroom.
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?
Some of my character traits are loyalty, caring, ability to work with others, kindness and excellent communication skills to include the opinions of others. Those trait's and more will help me learn the position quicker.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
Since I have never held this position one goal will be to learn as much as I can as quickly as I can. I would also like to see a list of banned books. I don’t believe many of those books should be banned. Two of the banned books are To Kill a Mocking Bird and Catcher in the Rye. Neither should be banned.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
No policies, local, state or national issues should be involved, but that is unrealistic.
6. Other information: What else would you like Fairfax voters to know about you?
Teaching in Fairfax was not only the best job I have ever had it was the most rewarding. Because of that, I would like to give back to the Fairfax community to say thank you.
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 came to Fairfax in 1998 as pastor of the United Church. i am retired from the ministry now. I enjoy being involved in the life of the community, and being a trustee of the library is one way to do that.
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 been a library trustee before, having served two terms and part of one. I believe in the value of a library to the life of the community. We have a fine library and I want to be part of its life.
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?
Ha! This is an interesting question. I can’t honestly answer the first question, but I think my values of community engagement, concern for others, the importance of learning and literacy influence the way I do things.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
Strive to strengthen the library as it serves the community; help the library navigate the challenges of being a place of literacy in a world where reading is no longer much valued; keep it strong and engaged.
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 me at pastorliz@earthlink.net
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?
I’m a mom of 3 who believes in the importance of being involved in the school and our community. I am a social worker by trade. I will be finishing my Masters in Social Work, with a focus on policy and procedure. I am currently an assistant director at a non profit in Vermont. I’ve been working for 15 + years in a system advocating for people and communities while understanding the financial restrictions and limited resources. I also hold a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). I understand the financial impacts and work in a way that views the big picture while considering any impacts it may have on individuals.
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?
While I am new to the school board, I am not new to the school system. I have been involved in school meetings that impact some of our most vulnerable students. through individualized education programs (IEPs). I’m developing an understanding of policy within our state, which can be applied to the school board position. Also, within my role as an assistant director, I hear many voices and opinions. I prioritize advocacy and plan to meet the greater good.
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 have a strong commitment to my community. Throughout my work in human services, I have supported our youngest to those at the end of life. I have a strong sense of empathy, compassion, and will be a voice for individuals that may not be at the table. I am a listener. I appreciate hearing people’s stories and building connections.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
I have several goals if I’m granted the opportunity: 1) Working towards creating an environment of fiscal responsibility. I understand the financial constraints we, as working individuals, may be facing. But also, the obligation to create a strong educational foundation for the students. I take the approach of looking at the big picture and the impact something may have.I believe in transparency when a person’s hard-earned income is involved, and will continue with that commitment. (2) Creating an environment for students that encompasses strong academics while considering the social and environmental factors that influence positive educational experiences I believe in the continued investment in our community, which starts in our public education system. (3) My final goal is to create a productive environment with differing opinions. As a community we should share different perspectives, with the hope that the common goal is to create an atmosphere that supports future generations.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
The educational system is in the process of a major transition. I am hoping to provide a voice for our school system through this process. I want to make sure the impact is beneficial to our BFA Fairfax Community.
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).
Best way to contact me is through email: gearyscialdone@gmail.com
For School Director (School Board), on ballot for 3 year term
1. Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
My family and I moved to Fairfax in 2018 and in 2020 I joined the Planning Commission. Noticing the sporadic growth throughout the town, we worked to update our development regulations and zoning map, so as to encourage development in strategic locations while preserving the pastoral beauty that makes our town special and that continues to attract new families. I’m now finding, however, that it is time to transition into a new kind of planning and support for our community. It is for this reason that I’m running for school board—to ensure our schools grow and evolve alongside our town, providing the best opportunities for our students and the residents 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?
This is my first time running for elected office, and I’m excited for the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity. I graduated from St. Mike’s in 2010 with degrees in Political Science and Religious Studies. During my time there, I was an instructor in the Wilderness Program—an experience that sharpened my ability to stay cool-headed in high-pressure situations. I spent nearly a decade as the marketing manager for a law firm. Now, as a lobbyist in Montpelier, I hope to bring valuable insight into how state policies impact our school system.
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?
These questions are always a difficult test of self-examination. “Think before you speak” is a mantra I often come back to—both professionally and personally. I prefer to give space for all of the facts and emotions before forming or voicing an opinion. It is from this place that I always strive to listen intently and approach issues with objectivity and fairness.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
a. Ensure responsible investment in education. At the center of this campaign are the students and school staff. I’m committed to making thoughtful, strategic decisions about investments in the school system to support a growing community. By balancing the need for modern facilities, quality programs and staff support with fiscal responsibility, my goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability and success for students and families.
b. Bringing legislative insight to the table. With a deep understanding of legislative priorities and decision-making, I can provide valuable insight into how state policies will impact our school system.
c. Balancing community needs and affordability. I recognize the importance of balancing our educational goals with the broader community’s concerns about property taxes and affordability. By fostering transparent communication and exploring creative solutions, I will always aim to meet the needs of the students while also respecting the financial realities of residents.
5. Political positions: Are there any statewide or national political topics that you feel influence your vision for the role?
Like many Vermonters, I find myself comfortably in the purple and uncommitted to a single political party. Perhaps a bit too idealistic, but I support candidates that are committed to the people, for both their social and economic wellbeing. I hope that I can be that for the voters of Fairfax.
6. Other information: What else would you like Fairfax voters to know about you?
I believe it’s important for voters to know that I am a mother of two—a kindergartener and a second-grader. Just as importantly, I want to be transparent that they do not currently attend Fairfax schools. During the pandemic, we sought out a preschool program for our daughter that was closer to our workplaces in Burlington. We appreciated their approach to the pandemic, and when our son was ready for school, we chose to send him there as well. We became part of a strong school community that we’ve grown to love. However, our goal is to have our children return to Fairfax for high school. Ultimately, I want Fairfax to be known not only for its pastoral beauty but for a school system so strong that it becomes a driving force for families choosing to move 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).
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 grew up in Fairfax and chose to raise my kids here. I care about the education system and the community as a whole.
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 started in the role of BFA Trustee in 2022, when a former member of the board resigned prior to the end of their term. The 5 year term is up for re-election and I chose to run again. Before sitting on the Board of Trustees, I was on the BFA School Board for 6 years (2 - 3 year terms). This is a small way to participate in and give back to my 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 am reliable, honest, empathetic, and organized. I feel these qualities are beneficial in all facets of my life.
4. Goals if you are elected: Please specify your top 3 priorities if you are elected to this position.
If elected, I will collaborate with the fellow board members to ensure the BFA trust is utilized in a way that benefits the students/BFA community and remains viable for future needs.
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).