ENDORSEMENTS
DIANA ARNELL
"It is an honor to endorse one of my favorite Burlingtonians, Allie Schachter, for the East District seat on City Council! I was fortunate to meet Allie when our children started kindergarten together at the Sustainability Academy. It has always been clear to me how committed Allie is to our community. Allie is one of those people who volunteers for school events and the PTO, shows up at soccer and baseball games with snacks for all the kids, and makes genuine effort to connect with everyone she meets.
Allie does not shy away from difficult conversations about the issues of our day, and she is one of my favorite people with whom to process my own thinking. Her intelligence and thoughtfulness has earned my deepest respect. What impresses me the most is the way Allie approaches these conversations - not with an agenda, but with curiosity. Allie has the unique ability to listen intently and to seek others’ input, and she always does her homework. These are all qualities that I believe are necessary for a city councilor, and I have no doubt that Allie would apply those same engagement skills on the Council and when talking to constituents.”
COLONIAL SQUARE
PEGGY PRICE
"I am proud to endorse Allie for Burlington’s City Council. I’ve known Allie since she and her family moved to Vermont, and I can confidently say she is one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and intelligent people I know. Allie genuinely cares about our community and believes in practical solutions and collaboration, rather than divisive rhetoric.
As a working parent who walks downtown for work every day, Allie understands that a thriving downtown is essential to our city’s budget, public schools, public safety, and long-term future. She knows firsthand how important it is to ensure Burlington remains a special place for everyone —whether you're raising a family, going to college, retired, working here, or visiting.
This election is crucial for Burlington’s future, and I’m proudly supporting Allie.”
PROSPECT HILL
KAREN PAUL
FMR. CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
“Having served on the City Council for fifteen years, including being elected by my peers to serve as Council President, I am in the unique position to understand and appreciate the experience and critical thinking that is needed on the Council in the years to come. From the moment we met, I found Allie to be the engaging, thoughtful, and committed person that we so need on the City Council.
I can’t stress this enough: Burlington needs thought leaders, people who serve for their love of Burlington, leaders who lead with an ability to listen, often to voices different from their own and balance the needs of those voices, looking for ways to build common ground. These are qualities I know are both rare and brave and are the key to effective governance. Allie is that leader.
I strongly encourage voters of the East District to vote for Allie Schachter to serve as your City Councilor and am honored to endorse her. One encounter and I know you will see Allie as I do. As a responsive, engaging, and collaborative person who can make difficult decisions in a way that builds community and inspires others to join her.”
JONATHAN & ANGIE CHAPPLE-SOKOL
It feels like a long time since we (Ward 1/East District) have had two excellent, competent, serious candidates to choose from. We are lucky this round to have just that. Both Allie and Kathy are loving, smart people who care deeply about our city. Thank goodness!
We think Allie is the right choice for several reasons.
Allie spent more than a decade working at service agencies, largely focused on child and youth welfare. For much of that time she worked on emergency services, counseling and, of course, housing for homeless youth. Her commitment to the most needy in the community is clear. Allie continues to play a part in kids' welfare through her leadership co-chairing the Sustainability Academy PTO.
Allie is Director of Development at the Flynn. The Flynn is an amazing cornerstone of our Downtown. Her commitment to working for this treasure makes our city stronger. But her work means much more than that. Development work is centered on relationship-building, collaboration, and a sincere desire to understand others' perspectives. It requires active listening without judgment, and it requires pragmatism. We desperately need these skills on City Council, where so often it feels like partisan winning, without true concern for the community, is the goal. The Mayor often stresses the importance of cooperation. Allie is committed to it.
Allie has an MBA. What a fantastic credential for someone we want in a position of governance for our city. An MBA is not a degree in theory or ideology, but a practical education that leads to a deeper understanding of complex realities, such as those that make up a multi-faceted city like Burlington. And, by the way, she also holds a degree in Environmental Sciences!
Allie's experience and strengths show us she has another important attribute – organizational capacity. One of the drivers of 'Party-think' is the enormous amount of material councilors must read and consider on a regular basis. Party caucusing allows a councilor to rely on the 'Party line' to make decisions for them. The more individual capacity a councilor has, the less reliant a councilor is on the Party. We believe Allie has what it takes to independently consider issues and make her own decisions.
Allie is in it for the long haul. She loves Burlington and wants to serve Burlington. This is where her kids will grow up, and she is committed to building an ever-better community for them and us. She is enrolled in Emerge Vermont, the leadership training program that counts among its alumnae such dedicated folks as Becca Balint, Charity Clark, Esther Charlestin, Erin Jacobsen, Martine Larocque Gulick, and Karen Tronsgard-Scott. Working through a program like Emerge shows a commitment to a future in public leadership. It feels like all too often lately we have lost councilors mid-term or else they have hesitated to run for re-election. We understand all the vagaries of life, but we asked Allie if her running for council meant that she would plan on running for re-election (!), and she said she absolutely would. That matters to us.
Yes. If you vote for either candidate on the East District council ballot this Town Meeting Day, you will vote for a great candidate. Allie has the experience, skill, passion, and humanity to be a superb city leader. She is forward-looking, and, yes, both pragmatic and progressive. We think it is the time to choose Allie Schachter.
People, not Parties.
NORTH PROSPECT STREET
MAEA BRANDT
FMR. EAST DISTRICT CITY COUNCILOR
“It is with joy and gratitude that I support Allie Schachter to be our next East District City Councilor. She will both serve and lead our Burlington community with wisdom, fairness, courage and compassion.
As a 35-year resident of Ward 1, as a former East District City Councilor, and as a lifelong Progressive who dispensed with party affiliation to address serious public safety problems in 2023 Burlington, I ask all East District residents to join me in voting for Allie for City Council.
Allie will champion our neighborhood and our city with her many gifts - she's super smart, a creative problem-solver, dynamic, collaborative, and Green. She loves this community, and she will move us forward with deep understanding of the complex issues we face. From creating affordable housing now to addressing public safety and improved Green energy, Allie will work on every issue that faces the city and all its citizens with an open mind and clear goals for improvement.
Vote Allie Schachter for City Council on March 4th!”
JANE KNODELL
FMR. PROGRESSIVE CITY COUNCILOR
"There are many great reasons to vote for Allie Schachter: her professional work experience in the nonprofit, affordable housing, and social welfare sectors, her personal story as a mother with two young children, her service to the PTO at the Sustainability Academy, her personal qualities as an open, inquisitive, caring, and engaging person. For me, the most important reason is that I know she will be a champion for our downtown at a time when our downtown desperately needs champions.
There is a lot of talk this election season about the need to keep our property taxes in Burlington affordable -- at the same time that we make major capital investments in our water and wastewater system, our streets and sidewalks, and our schools. If we want to take the pressure off of residential property taxes, we need a strong commercial tax base. If we want a strong commercial tax base, we need effective, creative, pragmatic champions with a positive vision for our downtown who will not give up. I am convinced that Allie Schachter is such a champion.”
KIMBERLY & RICH PRICE
"Addressing Burlington's many issues -- from public safety to housing, affordability, crime and its impact on our downtown business community -- requires sensible, coalition-minded leaders. We believe Allie will bring to the City Council the perspectives and energy for positive change that we need now, as a parent, as a resident, and as someone who works for and in the community with The Flynn. This March, we'll be voting for Allie Schachter as the voice we need to represent the East District on the City Council.”
NORTH PROSPECT STREET
ERIN MALONE
"Allie is smart, kind and thoughtful. Together, we chair the PTO at our kids' school. She is an excellent listener, well reasoned, and she makes things happen. Allie is also that rare person who fully executes everything she commits to. We are lucky she is running for City Council. I’m looking forward to the positive impact she will have on our sweet city. ”
OWNER, MOMO’S MARKET
Patricia seelan & dave cawley
"Living in the Old East End, we’ve seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities our community faces. That’s why we support Allie Schachter for City Council. Allie has the vision, determination, and deep commitment needed to address critical issues like affordability, housing, and sustainability. She listens to her neighbors, values collaboration, and brings a thoughtful, pragmatic approach to leadership. We trust Allie to represent our neighborhood and the entire city with integrity and dedication.”
NASH PLACE
MOLLY RITVO & JASON STUffLE
"It's an honor and a privilege to support Allie! She is empathetic, kind, thoughtful, and will truly listen to her constituents. We have watched Allie connect with her community, support her children, and steward the arts during her day job, all while continuing to show up for others. We are thrilled to support Allie and encourage you to join us.”
COLCHESTER AVENUE
GEOFF HAND
"I’m proud to support Allie Schachter because she’s a thoughtful, hardworking leader who truly cares about our community. Allie brings a fresh perspective and a willingness to listen that will make a real difference. I know she’ll work tirelessly to represent us and build a stronger future for everyone here in Burlington.”
HENRY STREET
NANCY KAPLAN
FMR. WARD 1 CITY COUNCILOR
"Allie Schachter is an enthusiastic member of our community. Her background gives her an informed perspective on addressing challenges like affordability, housing, and public safety. She clearly is ready to lead with purpose and determination. I’m excited to support her campaign and the positive change she’ll bring.”
LYNDA & ROB GUTMAN
“Allie Schachter is a very pragmatic thinker who works with compassion, collaboration, and compromise to solve our community’s most vexing problems. She has proven her commitment to make our community better for everyone.
For many reasons, including balancing power of city government, we will be voting for Allie as soon as our ballots arrive. We urge all of our fellow East District constituents to do the same.”
NORTH WILLIAMS STREET
GRETCHEN PLATT
“I encourage you to support Allie Schachter for City Council—a local mom, co-chair of the Sustainability Academy PTO, and someone who experiences our community firsthand as she walks to work downtown every day.
With over 15 years of experience in youth development, homelessness, environmental issues, and family support, Allie has the passion and expertise to tackle Burlington's biggest challenges. She is committed to public safety, strengthening our schools, and fostering sustainable business practices while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Allie understands the balance between community building, climate action, and economic growth. I believe Allie has the vision and leadership we need to help Burlington grow into a safer, stronger, and more vibrant city. Let's come together to vote for Allie Schachter, a leader who truly cares about our future!”
NORTH STREET
ALLIE COHEN
“From the moment I met Allie, I knew she was the leader Burlington needs on the council. And no, I’m not just endorsing her because of her awesome name! Allie brings a refreshing approach rooted in empathy, passion, and an unwavering commitment to collaboration.
As a UVM student dedicated to building a brighter future for the next generation, I’ve seen firsthand the polarization and division affecting both our campus and our beloved city. Rising housing costs and growing safety concerns forced me to leave Burlington, but like so many others, I still look to this community with hope for a better future.
Allie understands these pressing issues and has already demonstrated her ability to engage with the community, listen to diverse perspectives, and propose thoughtful solutions. Her leadership is exactly what Burlington needs to address its challenges and move forward together.
I wholeheartedly endorse Allie for City Council and encourage everyone to join me in supporting her vision for a stronger, more united Burlington.”
UVM SENIOR
KATE STROTMEYER
"My family and I have lived in Ward One for 20 years, and a lot has changed. Allie’s dedication to the current story unfolding in Burlington inspires this endorsement for two reasons. Her “why” – as a mom with kids in schools and as an employee downtown, she sees what I see – both the deep struggles and immense opportunities. And her “how” – how she’ll be an open listener, how she will work with her fellow council reps, and how she’ll show up for all members of our community. Thank you, Allie, for sharing your energy, vision, and skills in service of our sweet city. ”
HENRY STREET
JILL KROWINSKI
“Working in Montpelier, I know how important it is to have thoughtful, dedicated leaders at the local level who can address the pressing challenges our communities face. That’s why I am proud to endorse Allie Schachter for City Council. Allie’s commitment to affordability, housing, and public safety, paired with her collaborative and inclusive leadership style, makes her exactly the kind of councilor Burlington needs. I am confident that Allie will work tirelessly to represent her neighbors and build a stronger, more vibrant city.”
VT SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
Ben TRAVERSE
"The City Council needs to focus on real, actionable solutions to ensure Burlington remains a vibrant community for our families, students, businesses, and visitors. To do this work, we need to elect Allie, and I’m thrilled to offer her my full support.”
CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
BECCA BROWN MCKNIGHT
"I'm a former Ward 1 resident and current City Councilor, and Allie is the kind of candidate I've always wanted to see on the ballot. She is the fresh set of eyes that Burlington needs. Her professional experience in affordable housing and strengthening our downtown businesses will be an incredible asset. And as a fellow mom to young kids, I know she's deeply invested in building a better future for Burlington."
WARD 6 CITY COUNCILOR
Kerin durfee
“Allie is the right choice to serve as Burlington’s East District City Councilor. Personally and professionally, she’s rooted in the heart of the city and is well informed on the issues here in Burlington. Allie will listen and put the needs of the people at the forefront—from housing to public safety to supporting a thriving downtown.
As a former city official and police commissioner, I have seen first hand why it is so important to elect a candidate who is anchored in the community. Allie is that candidate for the East District, and I’m proud to support her.”
FMR. POLICE COMMISSIONER
MICHELLE HOBBS
“I'm excited to cast my vote for Allie Schachter for East District! I ask you, my neighbors, to join me in supporting her for City Council. Like others who offer their endorsement, I'm thrilled that Allie is stepping into city government at this particular time in our city's history. Her perspectives, her deep nonprofit professional experience, energy, and demeanor will be incredible assets to our beautiful yet troubled city.
I personally think Allie's fresher perspective for Burlington along with her deep ties to our region is the right mix for the challenges facing our city council and I'm confident in her willingness to push party labels aside to promote collaboration to solve our deepest challenges, something our city desperately needs.”
ADSIT COURT
ABBEY DUKE
“I am thrilled to endorse Allie Schachter for Burlington’s East District City Council seat. Burlington needs leaders like Allie who are not only willing to work across party lines in Burlington, but who can collaborate well with Burlington’s delegation in Montpelier. I’m confident that Allie has what it takes to bring about much-needed positive change for Burlington. I highly encourage you to vote for her on March 4th!”
REPRESENTATIVE, CHI-17
KIRSTEN DELUCA
“There's a whole host of reasons why I think Allie is the kind of leader our City Council needs. I've had the privilege to call her a friend and to observe her sharp analytical mind, her ability to hold nuance and complexity, her enthusiastic willingness to constantly learn more and critically consider diverse viewpoints, her unwavering compassion for others, and her deep commitment to honest civil discourse.
I also know her to be profoundly qualified in terms of the depth and breadth of her life experience. She's a mom who lives in Burlington and whose kids are in our public schools. She works downtown and has years of experience in non-profit management and other leadership positions (including serving as the president of our childrens’ school's PTO). She's deeply embedded in our community and her platform reflects her desire to improve Burlington for all of us who live here, including our most vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Allie also brings a collaborative and non-partisan spirit. She likes to say she's on "Team Get Things Done." In my view she's the complete package when it comes to the leadership we need on City Council.
I offer my passionate endorsement of Allie Schachter for City Council and encourage you to learn more about her candidacy!”
FRONT STREET, SA PARENT