Whately Selectboard Unanimously Adopts Statement Condemning Federal Actions

WHATELY -- April 8, 2026, Whately Selectboard adopts unanimous statement condemning Trump administration actions, citing threats of civilizational annihilation. The three-member board voted 3-0 Tuesday to approve the statement, which board member Julie drafted and read in full, referencing the deaths of Renee Goode and Alex Preddy during a Minnesota ICE enforcement action as the event that first prompted the board to act. The text condemns federal funding cuts to education, healthcare, agriculture, and veterans' services, and includes a Whately-specific passage noting that "the potential of ICE raids and increased fuel and fertilizer costs are impacting farmers and the community." The board directed Town Administrator Jess to post the statement to the town website, distribute it to local media, and send copies to federal and state representatives. Separately, the board approved a seasonal liquor license for Bon Bon Bon Farms, LLC and event permits for the May 10 Mother's Day Half Marathon, and heard that the town's snow and ice account now carries a deficit of $32,729.54, with a roof repair estimated at $7,400 needed before a solar interconnection deadline of June 30.