Northfield’s town election is on Tuesday and there is a race for Selectboard. I want to share some information about one of the candidates.

Barbara Brassor grew up in Northfield and graduated from PVRS. Her brother and sister and niece and nephew still live in town, and she and her husband Dave raised their two girls here. They keep a garden and brought their girls through 4H, and Barb continues to help the kids with 4H at their daughter’s dairy farm in Gill. She spent many years working and volunteering in the community and has walked in Greenfield’s Relay for Life for 25 years to raise money for cancer research — a quiet act of care and commitment. Her broad support, across lines of income and politics, comes from a lifetime of showing up: in schools, neighborhoods, and through the relationships she’s built raising her family here.

Her widespread support is emblematic of her demonstrated care for the community, but it is not the primary reason I believe Barb would be an excellent addition to the Selectboard. What sets her apart is her experience, and her courage. Barb has spent 37 years working in town halls — first in Bernardston as town clerk for six years, then in Northfield in various roles: town clerk, treasurer, tax collector, and election worker. She brings a wealth of knowledge about the history of Northfield’s municipal structure and finances, along with a hands-on understanding of the nitty-gritty details and day-to-day operations of town government. Her knowledge would be an invaluable addition to the board.

I also admire Barb’s courage. She has shown composure under duress and handled herself admirably in the face of harassment, standing up without breaking down. As someone who has experienced such behavior firsthand, I admire her ability to keep her composure, stand her ground, and not be overrun.

This courage to stand up, extensive knowledge of town workings, and willingness to be accountable to the people of Northfield would make Barb an excellent addition to the Selectboard, and that is why I entreated her to run.

Please join me in considering Barbara Brassor for a seat on the NorthfieldSelectBoard.

Sarah Kerns

Northfield