In this November 8thelection,  Woodstock voters only get choices on the Board of Education, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Board of Assessment Appeals. All other open seats are uncontested.  Where you have a choice, please take the time to learn about the candidates.

I am actively supporting PZC candidates Earl Brazeal and Jeff Gordon.  Earl brings a deep commitment to thoughtful long range planning for Woodstock’s growth and development. He has been active for several years behind the scenes by diligently researching  and respectfully advocating for regulations which will help ensure that Woodstock’s historic and rural character can be maintained in the face of development. I know him to be thorough and fair. Of the six candidates running for five seats on PZC, Earl is the only new candidate. It is vitally important to bring new ideas and fresh perspectives in order to have an effective board. New membership can  ensure that entrenched processes, approaches  and interests are challenged from time to time, even as institutional memory and expertise are retained through the older members. Earl Brazeal will bring additional energy and diversity of thought to the Commission.

Jeff Gordon has served on PZC for four years and has capably chaired the Commission for the past three of these.  He brings a high degree of professionalism and civility to the Commission and to its deliberations. He ensures that the Commission’s discussions are respectfully  grounded in the regulations, reflect broad input and perspectives,  and bear  in mind overarching objectives for our town. Jeff is comfortable with the technical aspects and complex land use and regulatory considerations often at issue in PZC.  Jeff strongly believes that better decisions result when all parties have a voice, and I have always admired his efforts to be fair while balancing the tension between sometimes competing interests. Our PZC should retain his experience and leadership.

Woodstock will benefit from the addition of Earl Brazeal and the reelection of Jeff Gordon to the PZC.

Respectfully, Lindsay B. Paul