WELD — Municipal elections this year were initially thought to be a simple process with no contested races, but that changed with announcement of a write-in candidate.

Voting will take place 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Weld Town Office, 23 Mill Street Tuesday, March 5.

In mid-February Town Clerk Carol Cochran told The Franklin Journal Dina Walker had taken out papers for another three-year term on the Select Board. Carol Conant was seeking another term on the Planning Board while Rebecca Scott and Laureen Pratt were looking to retain their positions on the Budget Committee, she said. Regional School Unit 9 board of director Debbie Smith was elected to a three-year term last year, she added.

The elections had been held the Friday prior to the annual town meeting but were changed in 2020 to align with the March Presidential primary election, Cochran noted. The annual town meeting this year is 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9, at the Weld Town Hall, 17 School Street.

Facebook posts recently announced a write-in campaign for the Select Board seat.

“I’m running a write in campaign for WELD Selectboard,” David Rackliffe, whose full name is B. David Rackliffe Jr. posted on his account Monday. “It has been a while since I have been involved with Town business, but I’m ready to jump back in. I’m not one to stand on the sidelines and watch, so I want to be involved on a weekly basis to help keep our town the great small place it has been my whole life. Service to others has been my life’s mission.

“I want to turn that focus and drive to serve the people of my community here in Weld. If you are a Weld resident, I would appreciate your write in vote on Tuesday, March 5th. Please note my full name is B. David Rackliffe Jr. That is how you should cast your write in vote if you choose to support me. Thank you and I look forward to hearing about your concerns for our town.”

The Franklin Journal sent questions to Rackliffe and Walker Tuesday seeking more information about why they are running. As of press time Rackliffe, who is a Lieutenant in the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office had not responded.

The questions with Walker’s replies are below.

Why are you seeking the seat?

I am seeking another term as selectman of the Town of Weld to help complete the many ongoing proposals we are currently working on, as well as to lend my assistance to future needs as they arise.

What do you feel are the most important issues facing Weld and how would you work to resolve them? 

I think Weld is doing well, although of course we face the same issues all Americans face.  At the municipal level I see our job, as selectmen, to represent all the citizens of Weld, even those that do not come regularly to meetings. In my three years on the board, we have had many great suggestions proposed by citizens regarding projects or deals to pursue, or new rules to enact.

I think it is a vital part of our job, as selectmen, to energetically respond to such proposals, but in a thoughtful and organized manner so that we can make proposals to the town, as a whole, that are well-researched, clear and legally effective. I think it would be a failing of the board to simply place proposals before a town for a vote before we have done this.

If such things are not well-researched, the town can’t make an informed decision; if such things aren’t clear, the town can’t be sure what they are voting on; and if such things aren’t even legally effective, we have simply wasted the town’s time and resources. I believe my legal background, as well as my desire to energetically learn new skills, has helped me to carry out my responsibilities as selectman.

Please share a bit about your professional background and how it would help if you are elected. 

I practiced law for many years, at home and abroad. My experience working with people of diverse backgrounds making successful deals, and preparing clear and effective contracts, has been invaluable in helping me research and prepare proposals for the town.

Please share a bit about yourself and your connections with Weld. 

My husband and I moved to Weld five years ago after he retired and we have never looked back. We have met so many lovely people. I enjoy walking, skiing, exploring, and just socializing, with all the wonderful friends I’ve made in town.

I spend my free time writing, teaching myself to sketch and paint, and attempting to train my curly-tailed Norwegian Elkhound the important lessons of doghood. It has been a pleasure to contribute to the town as a selectman and I look forward to continuing to serve the town in that or some new capacity.

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