Press Release: Selene Colburn to Seek Progressive Nomination for Ward 1 City Council

BURLINGTON – Selene Colburn will seek the Progressive nomination for the City Council seat being vacated by outgoing Ward 1 Councilor Kevin Worden.  Selene, 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,” Selene 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 State Chair Emma Mulvaney-Stanak praised Selene’s work ethic, saying, “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.”

Selene is an Assistant to the Dean of Libraries at UVM.  She is a cofounder 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, Selene says, “I intend to speak up for neighborhood safety, a strong local response to climate change, and inclusive processes for 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.”

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