Dawn Butterfield Resigns Seat
On Selex To Avoid Conflict
By M. D. Drysdale

Calling her two years of service on the Randolph Selectboard an "amazing privilege," Dawn Butterfield nevertheless resigned her position Tuesday evening to avoid a perception of conflict of interest.

Her husband, Peter Butterfield, last month began serving as town manager.

Dawn Butterfield had earlier said she had considered the question carefully but had been advised there was no formal conflict according to Vermont statutes and she was convinced she could serve as long as she recused herself from votes related to her husband's job.

At the beginning of Tuesday's meeting, however, she read a letter to board members and citizens that "with great sorrow," she had decided to resign.

She said later that she hopes to continue her involvement with the Recreation Advisory Committee, on which she has been active for eight years.

Her letter continued:

"Serving on the Selectboard has been an amazing privilege. Over the last two years, I have learned so much about the way our Town works from roads and bridges, to dog licenses, to emergency management, and all of it has brought me a deep sense of appreciation and personal satisfaction.

"I am so proud to tell you that the people who serve this town as elected officials, as volunteers on boards, or as staff members are thoughtful, committed people who, while not always infallible, try every day to do a good job for Randolph. I hope that my contribution, as well, has been a good one.

"However, now that Peter is your Town Manager, I feel it’s best for me to step down. Our Town has some challenging issues coming up in the near future. While I am confident that my own sense of integrity would enable me to avoid conflicts of interest, I do not want there to be any question in people’s minds that might deflect attention away from dealing with the real issues at hand. Concerns about 'tag-teaming' would be detrimental to both my family and my community, and I love both of them too much to let that happen.

"I knew when I began on the Selectboard that the decisions I’d have to make wouldn’t always be easy, and I was right, but I still say that public service is worth the effort. I urge citizens interested in filling my spot to contact the Chair of the Selectboard. Thank you for allowing me to serve this community."

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