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Tim de la Bruere throws in hat for Newport City Council |
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Thursday, 31 January 2008 |
By CHRISTOPHER ROY
Express Staff Writer
After serving a year on the North Country Union High School board, Tim de la Bruere is running for Newport City Council. He will face off against current members John Wilson and Charles Elliott for one of the two open seats. The election will be held on Town Meeting Day in March.
During an interview Tuesday, de la Bruere said running for city council
was a decision he made a while ago but he first wanted to build a
better foundation.
“I didn't think I was ready out of college,” said de la Bruere, who
added he had three years to think about it. “I think my interest and
talent would be best used in local government.”
De la Bruere also sits on the Vermont State Commission for Native
American Affairs, a position he plans to keep. He wants to use the
networking he has in Montpelier to bring opportunities to Newport. He
said he meets with the state archaeologist, the Department of Historic
Preservation and other offices.
“I think I would be foolish not to use my ties in Montpelier for the city,” he said.
De la Bruere has been the treasurer for the Sons of the American
Legion, Newport Post #21. For the past year he has also been a member
of the Global Peace Initiative on Women and Minorities.
“That is part of the United Nations,” he explained. “We go every year
to a different country, write a peace accord and hand it to the United
Nations.”
De la Bruere, who was a history major at St. Lawrence University in
Canton, N.Y., is very interested in the local historical societies. He
said celebrating the past is a good way to work toward the future.
De la Bruere, who has been a city resident for three years, has seen
his property and sewage taxes increase every year. He agrees with Gov.
James Douglas when it comes to leveling or lowering taxes.
“It's about time to do that,” he said. He would encourage the school
boards and city council to think about that. He also said the economic
climate in Vermont is not frightening, but feels it will take an effort
for everyone to feel it's survivable.
“I think the school boards and city government have a responsibility to do that,” said de la Bruere.
“I know everyone on the boards works really hard in creating these
budgets, but as a school board member, I don't think it's an insult for
the voters to turn down the budget and encourage us to crunch the
numbers a little better." He also said that creativity is needed to
address increases in city expenses.
De la Bruere, at 25, isn't worried about running against candidates who are older than he is. He is ready for the challenge.
“I don't see a problem,” he said. “I am running, campaigning and
talking to people. I know it's going to be a tough race, it always is.”
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Last Updated ( Monday, 04 February 2008 )
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