Dear Editor,

Today I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Mayor Billy Giblin for a second term as mayor.

Like many of my community members I had not been actively engaged in BOT meetings. I did my research to vote for the candidates I felt would best serve my needs and then essentially checked out of my job of participation.

All of that changed during the Spring of 2023 when Mr. Ron Mitchell made a request to change the zoning of 100 East 1st Street.

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to not change the zoning, YET the BOT voted to change it. Myself and my neighbors worked quickly to use the petition process and were successful in keeping the zoning of that lot High Density Residential. This began my commitment to attending BOT meetings regularly either in person or online.

As the result of engaging in these meetings I can say with complete certainty that Nederland needs Mayor Billy Giblin to be reelected.

Billy is the real deal. I have been impressed by Billy’s consistent composure, transparency, kindness, and consideration for the needs of all town residents. Billy is a clear communicator with respectful boundaries.

Like many of us, Billy recognizes that change and development is coming to Nederland. Billy is interested in smart and sustainable development that will enable Nederland to continue to support small local businesses along with maintaining our town’s unique character.

During the recent Mountain-Ear candidate’s forum Billy shared how he has spoken with Mr. Ron Mitchell regarding Billy’s concerns that Mr. Mitchell’s redevelopment project will create higher business rents and that the only businesses that would be able to afford the rent would be non-local franchises.

He truly represents the concerns of all socio-economic sectors of our town.

Over the past year, I have also had the opportunity to observe the other candidate running for mayor in his role as BOT trustee/Mayor Pro Tem, Tom Mahowald. I have witnessed Mr. Mahowald consistently voting to support the agenda of Mr. Ron Mitchell.

In a past meeting, I was shocked to hear Mr. Mahowald’s response to Miranda Fisher, our town administrator who was expressing her challenge in finding a developer to work with for a town project - Mahowald responded, “I can introduce you to more developers.”

During last week’s Meet the Candidate’s forum, when asked about his personal and professional relationships with Mr. Ron Mitchell, Mr. Mahowald responded that “he had no affiliation with Mitchell professionally” yet omitted any mention of any personal relationship with Mr. Mitchell. The other candidates were very specific to transparently answer that question, some with great detail.

So, Nederland, do you want a mayor that is EVERYONE’S Mayor? Or someone who is very pro-development and most likely will rubber stamp Mr. Mitchell’s projects?

Please join me in checking your voter registration status and then voting to reelect Mayor Billy Giblin for a second term.

Teresa Robertson

Nederland