JD for Charlotte Selectboard: FAQs

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are questions I have already heard residents ask. Check back for regular updates!

Why are you running for Selectboard?

From my conversations with community members and leaders, I’ve heard a consistent message. They want…

  • a more approachable Selectboard.
  • more productive and congenial meetings.
  • greater trust in appointed boards and staff.
  • improved transparency.

These are exactly the reasons I put my name forward as a candidate. I want the same things.

I am running for Selectboard because I truly care about our community and believe I can make a positive impact. I want to create an environment where everyone’s voice is heard with respect and civility, and where the board actively listens to all perspectives. I am committed to understanding the issues fully by gathering input from all perspectives and then making informed, decisive decisions that drive the best possible outcomes. I believe the Selectboard is a service to the collective community. My goal is to help our town move forward efficiently and effectively, with a focus on what’s best for all of us.

How will you bring transparency to the Selectboard?

As a member of both the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) and the Development Review Board, I worked diligently to increase transparency in the development review process in Charlotte.

Historically, deliberations by both the ZBA and the Planning Commission were held in closed sessions. However, during my tenure on the board, we made the decision to move all deliberations to open meetings in order to provide transparency on how our decisions were formed.

If elected, I would continue this approach, ensuring that Executive Sessions are only used when absolutely necessary. While I cannot control the actions of others, I am committed to refraining from any private communications with fellow Selectboard members regarding topics before the board, choosing instead to engage in open discussions during public meetings.

What is your commitment to the environment?

As a longtime advocate for environmental sustainability, I am committed to responsible stewardship of our natural resources and ensuring that Charlotte remains a beautiful and resilient community for future generations.

  • My experience as chair of the Energy Committee in my home town demonstrated my dedication to practical, forward-thinking solutions—I helped secure grants to upgrade municipal buildings, reducing energy consumption and lowering operating costs.
  • Here in Charlotte, I believe we must continue making thoughtful decisions that balance environmental responsibility with the needs of our community. Whether through supporting local conservation efforts, promoting energy efficiency, or encouraging sustainable development, I will work to ensure that Charlotte remains a leader in environmental responsibility.

Protecting our environment is not just about policy—it’s about action. I will bring a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to the Selectboard, collaborating with residents, town committees, and regional partners to advance initiatives that align with our town’s values and long-term sustainability goals. Together, we can ensure that Charlotte thrives while preserving the landscapes and natural resources that make our town such a special place to live.

What is your position on development and conservation?

Having served on the Development Review Board (DRB), I have extensive experience with development in Charlotte. I believe it’s crucial to strike a balance between respecting property owners’ rights and preserving the Charlotte we all cherish.

What is your position on the charter article on Land Use Regulations (LURs)?

It is my understanding that should the charter article pass, it still has a steep hill to climb to be approved at the legislature. However, what I understand is that the residents of Charlotte would like to maintain the practice of voting on the LURs. If the charter article is approved by the residents, independent of it being approved by the legislature, I endorse creating the Selectboard’s own policy committing to making all substantive changes to the LURs a public question for the annual town meeting.

It is also important to note, if the Charter Article does not pass at the town or state level, residents still have the right to bring any LUR change to town wide vote by petition.

What is your bio or background?

Since moving to Charlotte six years ago, I have been an active member of the community.

  • With a professional background in life sciences and technology, I bring a wealth of experience in strategic planning, problem-solving, and collaboration. 
  • A graduate of UVM, my career has included leadership roles in product development, business operations, and innovation management at companies such as BioTek (acquired by Agilent Technologies), Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Cell Signaling Technology.
  • I served on the Charlotte Development Review Board for three years and the Zoning Board of Adjustment for one year. In these roles, I worked to balance responsible development with preserving the town’s rural character and natural beauty.
  • Prior to moving to Vermont, I served as chair of my town’s Energy Committee, helping to secure several grants to update municipal buildings, reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.

I am committed to fiscally responsible, forward-thinking solutions that benefit the entire community.

What will happen to town union negotiations with new Selectboard members?

I have executive-level negotiation experience with multimillion-dollar contracts and have successfully run my own company managing health benefits and retirement funds, making me well-equipped to step into the process if needed.

Lee Krohn brings unparalleled experience to the table and is the ideal choice to bring union negotiations to a successful conclusion as a former Town Manager who negotiated three labor contracts with unions.

Where do you stand on the 25mph limit on the Ferry Rd hill?  Would you support that limit despite having no official speed study and against the device of Jr Lewis and the bus drivers who drive there?

The 25mph speed limit change has come up as a point of opposition to my candidacy, so I appreciate the opportunity to set the record straight.

From the beginning, I disagreed with the Selectboard’s process in evaluating the speed limit on Ferry Rd hill. The CCRPC report was incomplete and insufficient, lacking the necessary data and analysis to support a well-informed decision. While I personally thought 25mph was too low and was concerned about resident backlash, the larger issue is the Selectboard process all the way through. This is yet another example of how poor process in addressing town matters both big and small can lead to community division and lack of trust, which is one of the reasons I am running for Selectboard. Once the Selectboard made their decision, I did push for them to stick with it until a comprehensive analysis could be completed to ensure that section of road is truly safe. Having the speed bounce around every couple of months is going to cause confusion and decrease safety.

The safety concern raised by Junior about increased passing at the bottom of the hill should be seriously considered as part of a broader traffic study. More recently I have heard additional similar stories and experiences. That said, from my unique vantage point at the top of the hill, I have personally seen a reduction in unsafe maneuvers—such as passing, running the stop sign, and excessive speeding—since the change was implemented.

Moving forward, any changes should be based on a thorough and objective assessment, rather than the Selectboard making through decisions without proper data and incomplete information. One option to improve the process would be making the Road Commissioner’s input a required part of speed limit changes or even formally delegating that authority to them through Selectboard policy. I would want to check with Junior before proposing such a policy, but it’s another discussion worth having.

How can I help with the campaign?

Spread the word and encourage your friends and neighbors to vote!

  • Share this JD for Selectboard website with your family, friends, and neighbors and share why you support me.
  • Write a supportive Front Porch Forum post about why you believe I would be a valuable addition to the Selectboard. 
  • Write a letter to the editor with a local newspaper (The Charlotte News and/or The Citizen) in support of my candidacy.
  • Coordinate absentee ballots for your out-of-town family who are Charlotte residents.
  • Connect directly with me by email or phone (617-947-7797)—I would love to hear from you!

Please be in touch with my wife Damaris Herlihy to find out more ways to help.

What is candidate’s night and when is it?

Tuesday February 11, 6:30pm, Charlotte Senior Center

Candidates Night is coordinated by the Charlotte Grange in collaboration with the Charlotte Library and the Charlotte Senior Center. It’s your opportunity to ask questions and share concerns with the candidates on this year’s ballot! Learn more about each candidate, their priorities, reasons for running, and points of views. Moderated by Nina Regan.

When can I vote?

Voting day for town officials is on Tuesday March 4, 2025 from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm at Charlotte Town Hall. Early voting has begun so residents may vote anytime!

March 4 is also the day to vote for the school budget.