Via Community News Service, a VTSU-Castleton internship, for Rutland Herald
RUTLAND — Tom Donahue was officially sworn in as Rutland’s new mayor on March 15 following former mayor Mike Doenges’ resignation midway through his two-year term. A former Rutland City alderman and long-time CEO of BROC Community Action, Donahue said he feels confident that he is the right person to “get Rutland winning.” (Responses have been edited for length and clarity.)
Q. You have been a member of the Rutland City Board of Aldermen for a while, but what made you decide to run for mayor?
A. Originally, it was not on the radar, but with Mike Doenges’ abrupt resignation, it became a thing instantly. Gordon Dritschilo, reporter for the Rutland Herald, called me on that Thursday, and after that, it kind of started turning the wheels as to what was next, and next was then resolved that Friday night. I looked at the timing of the projects in the city and what my experience is, and I felt inspired by good groundwork that’s been laid for some potential opportunity in the next year. I felt qualified with my skill set and time spent on the board to be a candidate for the office, and I do feel like I am the right person for this job at this time.
Q. Since you are stepping into the middle of a term, what has the transition been like for you, and how has it shaped your first steps in this new role?
A. That has got to harken back to my experience of playing many active roles within the city for the last year. It made for a simpler transition because I am up to speed on all the current projects, budgets, et cetera. I just wasn’t the person steering the ship while I was on the ship, but now I am steering it. So, transition-wise, it has been pretty smooth.
Q. Are there any specific projects that you hope to launch, or complete within this short time frame of being mayor?
A. One of those things I thought was important for me to be able to do was the budget passing, which it did, thank goodness, because that could have tied us up for the first couple of months, which would have shrunk the window for time I had to get things done before my term is up. So, I was able to start doing projects last week. We are going to have an application — and hopefully be approved in June — that would give us the Tier 1A exemption in Act 250 under Act 181, meaning, we will have local control with all the things that go into whether a business can develop here or not, and gives you an exception so you don’t have to go to the state, helping save time, save money and offer a more predictable outcome.
Another project is a big, giant project on the corner of Wales and Center Street called the hotel, along with all of the infrastructure projects that were approved in the bond issue for the tax-increment financing district, and all of those have to occur somewhat simultaneously. Nothing is done until it’s done, though. Seeing some of that occur in the next year would be exciting for me, and I want to celebrate all of it. Lastly, identifying what the plan is for our Walmart and the development of the supercenter in Rutland Town, and the potential redevelopment of the shopping plaza.
Q. How do you plan on engaging with the residents to let them know what is going on, and that they are being heard?
A. Social media, though it can’t be just that. While social media is a huge way to communicate — and I do it every day on platforms like Facebook and Instagram — those are just one important tool. However, you want to communicate with the media, so public speaking, radio, community access television. Using every noble tool at your disposal to communicate in all ways because everyone gets their information from different outlets. Even if the campaign is done, it doesn’t mean that the communication ends for me. It should be consistent for the next year, and I like doing it, so that helps!
Q. What are your long-term visions for Rutland’s future?
A. Another thing I was specific about in the campaign, almost like a “two-pronged approach,” is that I do have a vision for the future; however, I know the pressure taxpayers are under currently. Our property taxes will be going up for homeowners and businesses in the city in July again this year, and they need some relief. So I was clear that I have a vision for the future and I fully intend to build towards our future. I also want to accomplish some wins in year one because people need that and need it now. Not a 10-year plan, five years from now. I have to get some of this done now. But I do look forward to the future because — I’m going to date myself — I have children and grandchildren who are going to be the future. So, in other words, expanding on everything that we are doing to make more opportunities.
Q. A fair share of citizens tend to talk negatively toward the city of Rutland but, obviously, you disagree. Why is that? What do you value most about Rutland?
A. I have been here my whole life, and there is a reason for that. The thing I absolutely value most is the fact that this is a place you can call home and do everything here that you want to do. You can find gainful employment, you can raise a family or choose not to, but it is still a place you can enjoy and safely call home. Not only safe from the perspective of crime, but one of the things that is not valued as much is when you look at the nightly news and realize all the casualties going on elsewhere. Maybe we get a nor’easter or big snowstorm, and we had Tropical Storm Irene, and that was tragic, but that’s hopefully incredibly unusual. It is just a comfortable place to live. Another thing I think about when you ask about valuing the community is that the recreational opportunities here are just over the top. Whether you ski or snowboard, you like fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, golfing or foliage, it’s almost like being a tourist in your own community. There is just so much of that, and it’s just so incredible. Lastly, our schools. We have a tremendous school system, and it’s a huge calling card for people wanting to locate here, and for our children and the significance of their growth.
Q. When you are not working, how do you like to spend your free time in Rutland?
A. My wife, Gail, and I spend time with our church, Christ the King, and that’s something that’s important to us. On the other side of that coin, when we are not helping with the grandkids, we actually ride a Harley. We have a Heritage Softail Classic, and the two of us like to ride. However, when the Harley is in the garage and put away for the season, I am a big Patriots football fan, so it’s all about the NFL for that window of time. I like watching games from home better than going to them. There’s just something about having that front row seat at home with the chicken wings next to me.
Q. You received an endorsement from Gov. Phil Scott for the election. What did that mean to you? What was your reaction when you found out?
A. That was a fairly significant endorsement, and here is why. One, he felt comfortable doing that, and we have an over 20-year relationship, riding Harleys together. It also shows support from Montpelier, and that right now is very important. Rutland is now back in the spotlight for potential success, and the states are looking at us, as well as the Congress, but having that clear support, in this case via endorsement of the governor, says that they are on board with Rutland and will help get things achieved. It’s a big deal to have Montpelier on our side. That endorsement is more than just significant for the campaign, but is also for the next few years in Rutland, and I was very excited to get it.
Q. Do you plan to run again for the next term?
A. During the campaign, I intentionally did not say that I would 100% run again, but only because I wanted people to be sure they knew they were voting for me for this year. I expect some wins for Rutland, and we are going to get Rutland winning again in year one. I didn’t want people to think I was running again because I had a three-year plan, because we need to get Rutland winning now. Now that I am elected, assuming that I can, yes, I would certainly be looking at reelection, but again, I am not announcing that I am.