Janelle Sahutski
for Hartford Selectboard
Meet Janelle
I first came to Vermont on a road trip with my mom who is trying to visit every state — she’s getting close! We ate at Molly’s in Hanover, hiked the Quechee gorge, and admired Simon Pearce’s glassblowing studio. While visiting my cousin brought us to the Upper Valley, it was the beauty and serenity that had me thinking it would be a wonderful place to live. Luckily, years later my wife, senior rescue pup and I had the privilege to choose to settle in the Upper Valley for its unparalleled amenities, lifestyle, and beauty within the state of Vermont.
Someone once likened Hartford to a miniature version of Vermont complete with a “big city” with great retail, restaurants, and resources, a “resort” town, and suburban neighborhoods that roll into bucolic pastures and productive farms. What unique diversity for a town of around 10,000 people! There is so much to see and do and getting to know Hartford through participation in a range of civic activities has helped to reaffirm my initial adoration of the town. Through volunteer work on a diversity, equity, and inclusion council I have worked collaboratively with residents to make the Upper Valley a more welcoming place for all. Additionally, volunteering at the Haven has given me insight into the struggles of some of our most vulnerable residents and I have witnessed what can be accomplished when positive, helpful people come together with a common goal- it’s quite inspiring! Participating in events like the Pride Parade, Green Up Day, and Quechee’s Frederick Douglass event has created a sense of belonging and connectedness for me and I hope everyone feels the same about the town I love and call home.
It is a privilege to be endorsed by Rights and Democracy (RAD) whose mission is to build healthier communities by having the values of our communities guide policy. Their campaigns are affecting change for Hartford by way of economic, housing, and environmental justice, as well as working to end the overdose crisis. By countering the influence of money in politics and holding elected officials accountable, RAD fights for the well-being of families, single people, and retirees by improving the policies that affect us all.
Why am I seeking this position?
Volunteerism was instilled in me at a young age as a Junior Girl Scout. I find serving others as extremely rewarding and truly enjoy listening to people share their lived experience. We all lead such different lives and identifying first and foremost as an empath allows me to connect with others more deeply. We all want to be heard and respected and to be part of something larger than, and outside of, ourselves. Non-profit and mutual aid volunteering is highly rewarding and I would like to expand that impact further by contributing to my community in a more formal capacity as a Selectboard member for the two-year term seat. I am willing to commit significant time and energy to the position and would be honored to represent the future of Hartford.
How will I Lead?
Active listening and leaving space for reflection are necessary to fostering honest, just dialogue. All people’s experiences are different and should be affirmed and respected.
Create momentum with actionable goals and stated deadlines.
I believe that co-governance is the only way to make policy satisfactorily work for residents. It is the responsibility of elected officials to do the work of the people, incorporating the voices of the people, as their representative. We must therefore co-govern with transparency and integrity to arrive at decisions that best support and reflect service to the greater good.
It’s imperative to do what’s right even if it’s unpopular and especially when nobody is watching.
With a Bachelor’s in Building Construction and a Master’s in Historic Preservation, I will use my knowledge and experience with the built environment to maintain the historic integrity of our town while leading Hartford into a more sustainable future with a just and equitable outlook.
Town Matters
As a Hartford citizen I have born witness and heard constituents concerns on the following primary issues:
*Housing: What are some quick fixes? What are long-term solutions to an increasing problem? How do we create and maintain affordable housing? How do we attract developers?
*Infrastructure: How should this be funded in the future? How do zoning requirements affect affordability?
*Town Staff: Hiring a Town Manager; How can we best present our town to attract and retain talent? Can a more accurate job description be created to get us the right candidates?
*Communication: Promote clear communication and increased transparency
Core Message
Every individual affects the health, vitality, and vibrancy of our community, and the resources, infrastructure, and policies must meet the varied needs of the people that comprise our town.
Problem solving in a just, equitable manner that creates an affordable, economically sustainable, and healthy town for Vermonters to thrive, not just survive, is my objective.
I look forward to hearing from you! You can find me on
Facebook Janelle for Hartford VT Selectboard
or email me info@JanelleforVT.com