Dani Kehlmann: ‘I will empower citizens’

January 8, 2021  |  By Dani Kehlmann

Editor’s note: Waterbury resident Dani Kehlmann is running for a three-year term on the Waterbury Select Board in the Town Meeting Day election on March 2. 

My name is Dani Kehlmann, and I’m running for Waterbury Select Board because I believe we deserve a healthier and stronger community.

In 2014, the warm and welcoming people of this town drew me in. Since becoming a Waterbury resident, I have worked hard to create a strong, healthy, happy community through my work, volunteerism, and community engagement. I have the privilege of being the director of the Waterbury Area Food Shelf where I help our neighbors nourish themselves and their families.

I am running for select board to increase communication between citizens and local leadership by giving voice to people who have been historically ignored. I'm running to create a more welcoming and safe environment for children. And I am running to help our friends and neighbors better meet their basic needs such as affordable housing and healthy food.

Dani Kehlmann / Courtesy photo

As a former teacher, I learned that many of my students were afraid to speak up because they often asked for help but had been dismissed, giving them the impression that their needs didn’t matter. To remedy this, I actively sought input from my students to implement their ideas. I spent months building strong, trusting relationships with these teens by showing up, listening, and standing up for them. I garnered support from colleagues to start clubs that students were begging for, approached administration to include curriculum that students were passionate about, and accompanied children to meetings so they knew someone was in their corner. By listening to students and involving colleagues, we created a more responsive, functional, effective community -- together. I learned, truly, that a rising tide lifts all boats.

These are lessons that stand at the core of who I will be on your select board: I will empower citizens through community engagement and seek to give a voice to those who are traditionally silenced.

It is with that authenticity and action-driven passion that I seek to serve our town. Waterbury’s students, families, and businesses have needs that are not being met largely because they are not being heard. Our town has a rich history and deep roots with a bright future. I am running to make authentic change so we can stay true to who we are as Vermonters while making transparent decisions that help lead us forward.

I’m Dani, and I can’t wait to work for you as a member of your Select Board.

Dani Kehlmann

Waterbury