Mike Klopchin
Mike Klopchin, Select Board Chair, Airport Committee Mike has served the citizens of Clarendon since beginning on the Planning Commission in 1989, and was subsequently elected to the Select board in 1990. He has continued to serve in this capacity ever since, most recently as Chair of the Board. In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, Mike led the effort to restore local roads, preserve river banks and assist residents who lost their homes. Mike has also represented Clarendon on the Rutland Regional Planning Commission Board, and has been involved in several local advocacy efforts including the ongoing development of the Airport Industrial Park, and the preservation of Clarendon’s rural economy.
In addition to his local public service, Mike represented the towns of Clarendon, Ira, Proctor and West Rutland in the Vermont State Legislature from 1995 to 1998. During his tenure, he served on the Natural Resources and Housing/Military Affairs Committees and was a legislative representative for the design of the all-faiths chapel at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery. More recently, he has twice been appointed by the Governor of Vermont to serve as Trustee of the Vermont Veterans Home.
Mike served as a US Marine for four years, including a tour in Vietnam (1967-68). Professionally, he completed his 38 year career as a high-voltage lineman in 2007. Outside of his work and civic roles, he especially enjoyed his role as a founder and assistant coach of the Mill River Minutemen Football Program. He has two daughters, two sons and a granddaughter and lives in Chippenhook.
