Oscar Heller needs to be the new young member of the Brattleboro Select Board. Some people run for positions such as this because they think they can do a good job and they believe their experience in unrelated sectors qualifies them. Not so.

Oscar has been engaged directly in town activities for many years as a member of the Finance Committee as well as the Energy Committee. In fact, when I ran for Select Board last year Oscar was the first person I asked to help me understand town finances.

He was extremely patient and helpful and this young man became a mentor to a much older man and for that I have been very grateful. Oscar is smart and he has the kind of temperament that is needed on a five member board where there is a difference of opinions on most matters.

If voters want a selectboard member who will help build consensus from a foundation of intelligence, experience and common sense Oscar fits the bill.