[B]URLINGTON — Brian Pine, a former Progressive Ward 3 city councilor and longtime public servant, announced Thursday he will run for his onetime seat.
Pine revealed his decision after Ward 3 incumbent Sara Moore, a fellow Progressive, said in a Facebook post Wednesday night that she would not seek re-election in March. Pine, who was part of a group who urged Moore to run three years ago, had earlier said he would not challenge her should she run again.
“I have known for over a year now that I am not the best person for this position at this time, maybe ever,” wrote Moore, formerly Sara Giannoni. “I have gone through a few significant personal changes in my life which has made keeping up with my city council duties incredibly challenging.”
Pine said his advantage comes in the form of experience. He was the Ward 3 councilor from 1991 to 1995 and the city’s housing director for 17 years, he said, and has coached youth baseball for years.
“My goals are really to shift the focus a little bit more of a collaborative, consensus-based approach to making decisions and developing public policy,” Pine said.
Pine said in a news release he wants to work on various affordability issues, including reducing rent in student neighborhoods, helping lower energy bills and increasing available affordable housing, especially for seniors.
Council President Jane Knodell, P-Central District, said she supports Pine.
“Ever since he graduated from UVM, he’s been involved in community development and improving the lives of working people,” Knodell said.
Lockridge, for his part, is deeply embedded in the Burlington arts community as head of Big Heavy World, which acts as a record label, community radio station and incubator for Vermont musicians.
“I’ve been a community builder in the arts for 20 years,” Lockridge said.
More generally, Lockridge said he plans to work to make Burlington government more accessible and the city more affordable.
“I am keenly sensitized to needs of young people, creative people who need rents under $1,000,” Lockridge said.
Pine said he will seek endorsements from both the Ward 3 Democrats and the Burlington Progressive Party, which is holding a caucus Dec. 6. Lockridge said he will also seek the Progressive endorsement, though he does expect the caucus will give its nod to Pine since Lockridge will run as an independent.
Pine and Lockridge both said they are friendly with each other and generally share similar views. Lockridge said the two have talked about their candidacy over coffee.
“It says something very positive about Ward 3,” Lockridge said. “I see us both as people who are committed to doing the best for the city.”
