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Shaftsbury Select Board Appoints Cornwell to Special Projects Coordinator Position

Posted: July 23, 2025

SHAFTSBURY - The Select Board on Monday voted to appoint former member Martha Cornwell to the new position of Special Projects Coordinator.

A former vice chair of the board, Cornwell did not seek reelection in March. She currently serves as the chair of the executive committee of the Bennington County Regional Commission.

"I applied for the Special Projects Coordinator because Shaftsbury is going through an incredibly exciting time. There’s a lot happening," Cornwell said. "And this has kind of been in motion for the last four years or so and we kind of have some really great forward momentum."

Cornwell mentioned possibilities with properties the town has purchased in recent years, including those near Cole Hall.

"Things are shifting in a lot of different landscapes at the federal level, at the state level with grants, but there’s a real vision, and I think several of the (town) committees are working together to put forth the vision of what’s going to happen," she said.

Cornwell added, "I would love to help keep pushing things forward if I can and be of service to the Select Board. I know there’s a lot of moving parts. We’ve been starting to talk with partners potentially about that senior workforce housing in the back (behind Cole Hall). And I think it’s going to take a lot of coordination of multiple committees to organize things."

The Select Board created the position at their June 16 meeting. The position will be appointed by the Select Board every year. The person in the position will work under the direction of the town administrator, and in coordination with the Select Board chair and vice chair, to provide support in managing and tracking strategic projects that advance municipal goals and to facilitate communication and joint planning between and among town communities and commissions.

The position will be compensated initially at the same rate as Select Board members, which is currently $1,000 per year. Activities and roles include facilitating cross departmental collaboration on current initiatives and providing updates to the Select Board and town administrator; liaising with community organizations, government agencies and consultants to advance project goals; researching grant possibilities relevant to current initiatives, and assisting with the management of special projects that support the town's community development goals, including housing programs.

"I’m open to the shifting nature of whatever comes from the board’s direction," Cornwell said before the Select Board voted 4-0 to appoint her. Board member Tony Krulikowski did not attend the meeting. Speed limit on Twitchell Hill

In an ongoing matter, residents of Twitchell Hill have complained in the past about speeding on the road. The Select Board is looking to recommend to the state that the speed limit be lowered from 35 to 25 miles per hour. The Board will be taking input from residents on the matter at its meeting on Aug. 4. Input can also be sent by email to Town Administrator Paula Iken at administrator@shaftsburyvt.gov.

"August 4 would be a great time if you would like to talk about the speed limit on Twitchell Hill," said Select Board Chair Zoe Contros Kearl. "We will be receiving public comments at that time. Once again, that’s about the possibility of lowering the speed limit to 25 miles per hour."

The speed limit cannot be lowered without state approval, officials said.

Compliments of: The Bennington Banner
Posted/Author: Mark Rondeau

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