In a move that has stunned many residents, Mayor Michael Doenges (email)announced this week that he will not be reappointing Kim Peters as the Recreation Superintendent for the City of Rutland. The decision, which caught even members of the Board of Aldermen by surprise, has sparked an outpouring of shock, dismay, and frustration across social media, with many residents questioning the rationale behind the change and voicing strong support for Peters to remain in her role.
Now, in response to the mayor’s announcement, Rutland residents have launched a petition urging both Mayor Doenges and the Board of Aldermen to reconsider and retain Peters, citing her outstanding leadership, innovation, and deep commitment to the community.
A Sudden and Unexplained Change
Mayor Doenges has not yet provided a clear explanation for his decision, stating only that he plans to take the department in a “different direction.” However, his own comments about Peters’ tenure were nothing short of glowing.
“Kim Peters did absolutely wonderful work,” Doenges said. “In her time as superintendent, she added phenomenal programs to our city, built an incredible team. She worked so hard and was a doer.”
Despite this praise, Doenges declined to elaborate on what his “different direction” entails, leaving many in the community confused and frustrated.
Former Mayor David Allaire, now President of the Board of Aldermen and a newly elected alderman, who originally hired Peters, was equally critical of the decision.
“I was Mayor and was responsible for hiring Kim to this position,” Allaire said. “She has been an extraordinary leader who has brought the Rec Dept. to a place where all of us in Rutland should be proud and thankful. Mayor Doenges has made a major error in not reappointing Kim, and the negative reaction in the community is deafening. I hope this decision is reversed.”
Alderman Henry Heck, who worked with Peters in an official capacity, also weighed in on the decision, highlighting her leadership during critical moments for the community.
“The recent development with Rutland City Recreation Superintendent Kim Peters is just mind-blowing. I cannot fathom running this part of City Government without her. I worked with Kim during COVID and saw how she responded with her team to help facilitate child care for community members who had no other option, specifically first responders. Her leadership during this event helped this city and community recover from one of the darkest events in our history.”
Alderman Matt Whitcomb was among those who voiced deep disappointment over the decision, stating:
“Like so many people in the Rutland community, I am deeply saddened by the news that Kim wouldn’t be reappointed. Kim did a remarkable job supporting and growing Rutland Recreation and helped to create something truly special right here in Rutland, Vermont. I have nothing but gratitude for what Kim did for this community. It’s difficult to know where we go from here and how we can adequately fill the void that will be left behind.”
Other members of the Board of Aldermen have also publicly expressed their concerns.
“As a newly elected Alderman, I am both shocked and disappointed by the Mayor’s decision to not reappoint Kim Peters as Recreation Director,” said Alderman Paul Clifford. “Kim has a proven track record over seven years in the community. She is a true leader of her staff, and they all respect her. My hope is that the Mayor reconsiders his decision. This is a devastating loss for our community.”
Alderman Sharon Davis also voiced her frustration.
“I was shocked to hear the news of Kim not being reappointed. It is a huge mistake!!” Davis said. “Kim is a phenomenal superintendent who brings in revenue that helps lower taxes. She is in tune with the community’s needs for recreation. These programs help draw business to the area, they make our communities healthier. Going in a different direction is going in the wrong direction!
“The Mayor is to do no harm—this is bad for the community.”
Alderman Larry Cupoli expressed his disappointment and called for answers, saying:
“I am certainly disappointed that the mayor did not re-appoint Kim Peters. Kim has put forward all of her talents to develop the best recreation program our city has ever experienced. Looking forward to hearing from the Mayor as to why he made this decision.”
A Community’s Support
Peters, who previously served as the Recreation Director in Killington before being recruited to Rutland by former Mayor Allaire, has been widely credited with strengthening and expanding the city’s recreation programs. She oversaw the integration of the former College of St. Joseph gymnasium into city programming, added new events and activities, and fostered a strong team within the department.
Many residents took to social media following the announcement, expressing shock, disappointment, and confusion. Posts supporting Peters flooded local discussion groups, with comments praising her leadership, dedication, and positive impact on Rutland’s recreational offerings. Parents, community members, and city employees alike have voiced their support, highlighting how Peters’ programs have benefited youth, families, and residents of all ages.
The growing frustration over the lack of transparency has only fueled calls for action, with many questioning why a well-respected and effective leader would be replaced without clear justification.
A Petition to Keep Kim Peters
In response to the public outcry, a group of concerned residents has organized a petition urging the mayor and the Board of Aldermen to reconsider the decision and retain Peters as Recreation Superintendent. The petition states:
“Kim Peters has been an invaluable leader in the Recreation and Parks Department, bringing innovative programs, fostering community engagement, and strengthening the department’s team. Under her leadership, the city has seen expanded recreational opportunities, including the successful integration of the former College of St. Joseph gymnasium. Her dedication, vision, and hard work have made a lasting impact on our community.”
The petition also calls for greater transparency, noting that major personnel changes affecting city departments should be clearly explained to both the Board of Aldermen and the public. It argues that given the mayor’s own praise of Peters’ work, there should be a more thorough public discussion before removing a proven leader from her position.
Supporters of the petition are encouraging residents to sign and share it widely, hoping to gather enough signatures to demonstrate strong public support for Peters and prompt the city to reconsider the move.
As of the writing of this article, the following businesses will have copies of the petition available for signing:
- Terry’s Car Audio Sales and Installations
- Mountain Treasures
- Expanding Minds Early Learning Center
- Muckenshnabel’s
- Black Dog Guns and Sporting Goods
What’s Next?
While Peters remains on the payroll until her replacement is named, she has been placed on administrative leave. Mayor Doenges has not yet revealed his choice for her successor, nor has he outlined his vision for the “new direction” he intends to take with the department.
In the meantime, the petition continues to gain momentum, with signatures steadily increasing. Residents are also planning to voice their concerns at upcoming city meetings, pressing for more transparency and a reconsideration of the decision.
The sudden dismissal of a well-regarded public servant without a clear explanation has left many questioning the direction of city leadership. As Rutland residents mobilize to keep Kim Peters in her position, the mayor and the Board of Aldermen will likely face growing pressure to justify the move—or to reconsider it entirely.
Dave Soulia | FYIVT
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