Selene Colburn to Seek Progressive Nomination for Ward 1 City Council

For Immediate Release:

Selene Colburn, Progressive candidate for Burlington City Council, Ward 1

December 16, 2013

BURLINGTON – Selene Colburn will seek the Progressive nomination for the City Council seat being vacated by outgoing Ward 1 Councilor Kevin Worden. Colburn, a librarian at the University of Vermont and a trustee on the Burlington Library Commission, brings a rich understanding of issues important to Ward 1 residents.

“I was born and raised in Ward 1,” Colburn says. “I come from a long line of Burlingtonians who have made unique contributions as educators and public servants, and I’m inspired by their leadership. My main priorities will be to work with my neighbors to increase the city’s focus on neighborhood issues and to encourage the hiring of more women to positions of power within city government.”

Progressive Party Chair Emma Mulvaney-Stanak praises Colburn’s work ethic, “I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Selene on a number of projects and can’t think of anyone who will work harder for Ward 1 residents. All of Burlington will benefit from her insight and objectivity as a Councilor.”

Colburn is a trustee on the Burlington Library Commission and an Assistant to the Dean of Libraries at UVM. She is the co-founder and former board chair of Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom. She has also served on the boards of Vermont Community Access Media, Cradle to Grave Arts, Grace Roots Art and Community Effort, and the Vermont Library Association (VLA). She is currently chair of the VLA’s Government Relations committee and a parent volunteer at Edmunds Elementary School.

A long-time advocate for economic and social justice, Colburn says, “I intend to speak up for neighborhood safety, a strong response to climate change, and inclusive processes in the city’s development and budgeting initiatives. I’m looking forward to representing the immense creativity and expertise we have to offer on these issues in Ward 1.”

“I’m an evidence-based decision maker and I’ll bring an even-handed, objective approach to my work as a City Councilor. I love Burlington, with all my heart, and I’ll hold myself and my fellow councilors to high standards on its behalf.”

Colburn has lived on Latham Ct. since 2008 with her husband, Chris Burns, and their two daughters. She spent much of her childhood in a family home at the corner of College and Willard streets. Her grandfather Francis Colburn was an artist and humorist who helped found the art department at UVM. Her grandmother, Gladys Colburn, taught for decades at Burlington High School and her mother, Lorrie Colburn, worked at the Fletcher Free Library for over 20 years.

For more information contact Selene Colburn at 802-233-1358 or selene.colburn@gmail.com.