Although Richmond, VT has a population of just over 4,000 residents. The town is capable of influencing change where it needs to occur. Green and Haines referred to Max Weber’s definition of power “as the ability to influence others, despite resistance” (Green & Haines, 2016).

Richmond’s most recent town meeting and election results, held on March 1, 2016, determined the outcome for several town official positions, three budgets, and the presidential nominee. The section for the United States presidential nominee determined that most of Richmond shares likeminded democratic views with the majority of Vermont. A total of 1,271 votes were casted for the four presidential nominees, whereas 449 votes were casted among the ten republican nominees. (Richmond, VT, 2016).

Richmond’s three primary budgets being considered upon included the:

• Town Budget of $3,459,091
• East Main St. Storm Water & Curbs of $650,000
• Mount Mansfield Modified Union School Budget of $43,168,293

The town budget was determined by a floor vote as yes. The budget for repairing the curbs and storm water systems on main street was ruled by the majority of voters, 1,277 yes, against 420 no, to begin construction. The most financially demanding budget was an increase in the school budget. The majority of voters, 4,304 were in favor of increasing 2016-2017 fiscal year budget, whereas 1,821 voters were opposed to the budget increase (Richmond, VT, 2016).

The approval of the school budget is intriguing due to the fact that Richmond isn’t the only town participating in funding the budget. The Mount Mansfield Modified Union School District (MMMUSD) was established on November 4, 2014. The MMMUSD is comprised of multiple towns including Bolton, Jericho, Richmond, and Underhill (Town of Bolton, 2016).

 

References

Green, G. P., & Haines, A. (2016). Asset Building & Community Development (4th Edition ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA, U.S.A.: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Richmond, VT. (2016, March 1). Richmond VT Annual Town and School Results. Richmond, VT, U.S.A.

Town of Bolton. (2016). Mount Mansfield Modified Union School District. Bolton , VT, U.S.A.

 

 

Tags: Alyssa Johnson, CDAE 102, Fall 2016, Political Capital

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