The candidates vying for two open spots on the Board of Selectmen discussed their perspectives during a forum held on March 4 at the Millstream Community Center, which was moderated by Edwin “Smokey” Smith. This event, despite the inclement weather, saw local residents gather and participate both in-person and remotely.

Five candidates are competing for the three-year terms, comprising Alex Duso, Jessica Green, James McDonell, Steve Diorio, and Donna Whittle Sabin. Throughout the forum, candidates collectively recognized significant challenges facing the community. These include the rising tax burden, outdated infrastructure, a pressing need for modern housing, and a slight decline in the town’s population. The discussion revealed that the future growth of Hinsdale depends on careful land-use decisions and improvements to sewer capacity, which are critical for attracting new residents and businesses.

Duso, a lifelong resident with expertise in business management and non-profit finance, emphasized that growth is crucial for stabilizing taxes. He pointed out that the town’s infrastructure, particularly sewer and water systems, must be expanded to facilitate development. His experience on the Budget Committee and Planning Board informed his belief that now is the time to bolster the town’s fiscal practices and tax base before the approaching property revaluation.

Green, who has been a resident for over 30 years and works as a special education teacher, underscored the importance of community listening and youth engagement. She advocated for prioritizing infrastructure upgrades to pave the way for future growth. Her extensive involvement in local committees illustrates her commitment to understanding residents’ needs through personal connections. Green also highlighted the need for responsible land management and warned against neglecting state grant requirements regarding the town’s bridges.

McDonell, a former tax collector with a strong background in financial oversight, focused on fiscal stability and responsible land management. He articulated the necessity of selling any developable town-owned land to return it to the tax rolls, concurring that better sewer and water capacity would fundamentally improve the town’s attractiveness for new businesses.

As an incumbent and chairman, Diorio highlighted his extensive experience in public service spanning over nine years. He argued that attracting businesses is vital for expanding the local economy, while exploring alternatives like wastewater management with neighboring Brattleboro could potentially increase sewer capacity. Diorio also discussed budgetary challenges stemming from state policies, underscoring the critical need for civic engagement and unity within the community.

Sabin, unable to attend the event due to weather, contributed written responses reflecting her background in banking. She stressed her focus on leveraging her financial management experience to enhance community development, emphasizing the significance of operational oversight in local governance.

The forum encapsulated a crucial moment for Hinsdale as candidates shared their visions, aiming to foster community engagement and address pressing local issues.