Mike Eigenbrode

Selectboard Candidate
3-year Term

Bio

Hi neighbors! I grew up in New Hampshire and have spent most of my life in the 603 before eventually hopping across the Connecticut River to historic Hartford, Vermont. I headed south for college in Winter Park, Florida, where I studied computer science, but New England was always home (although I do miss the weather). These days I live in the big city known as White River Junction and work in marketing for the Co-op Food Stores. I also serve on the Co-op’s board of directors, which gives me even more reason to stay connected to the community and the local food system we’re lucky to have here in the Upper Valley. When I’m not working, I’m usually in my tiny studio kitchen cooking, or out for a run around town. If you see me out and about, don’t hesitate to say hi!

Q & A

1. Why do you want to be on the Selectboard and what skills would you bring to the role?

I want to serve on the Selectboard because I’m ready to get more involved in the local politics that shape our daily lives and contribute in a meaningful way to our community. I would bring an open mind, a willingness to listen, and a collaborative spirit to the board. I also believe we can strengthen community connections by hosting more local events that involve the Selectboard.

2. What do you see as the main purpose of the Selectboard?

The main purpose of a selectboard is to help run the town and make sure things work the way they’re supposed to between Town Meetings, and make decisions that affect the operations of the town. They listen to town residents and help guide planning regarding the direction of the town they represent.

3. What do you think are the top three issue areas in Hartford and what ideas do you have to make progress in those areas?

1. Lack of affordable housing is a major problem facing Hartford, VT. We should build more multi-family units to eventually bring down cost of rentals, and continue to support our local nonprofits and the guidance they provide. 2. Cost of living and high taxes is an issue we could work toward shrinking. I’m a single guy that rents and can’t imagine what it’s like trying to afford raising a family in the area. I think we can find a balance between helping families breathe and contributing to our municipal budget and important community services. 3. Addiction issues are a problem in Hartford and the Upper Valley in general. I think a focus on education and mental health support should be a priority.

4. What strategies would you propose to limit increases to the Town tax rate and increase affordability for all residents of Hartford?

I would seek to leverage state-level support, such as grants, to see if we could change local property taxes. We could also audit our municipal budget to see where our services can be optimized.

5. What strategies would you propose to address affordable housing challenges in Hartford?

If we can get buy-in from the community and avoid NIMBYism, we should allow more large multi-story apartment complexes that contain mixed-income apartments. I live in a building with 70ish small units, and there should be more of them. Partnering with nonprofits and neighboring towns could also help create and preserve affordable units.

6. How would you approach balancing local concerns and broader state or national issues that come before the Selectboard?

I’d begin by being a good listener. We need to know what our constituents are worried about, where they see opportunities, and how selectboard decisions affect their lives. On the other hand, towns like Hartford don’t operate in a vacuum, and we can’t be blind to the numerous national issues that face us in these truly unprecedented times.

7. What are some Town initiatives or services that you would like to improve or change?

I’d love to see Hartford lean more into urban forestry, especially in downtown WRJ. More street trees can provide shade in hotter summers and make commercial areas more inviting. Even small additions like more planters, or tiny pocket green spaces, can make our downtown feel more vibrant and walkable. I’m not sure what the logistics are behind it, but we should definitely hire local mural artists to turn the new parking meters into functioning art installations.