Roxbury’s Loss: Road Foreman Leaves for Braintree Amid Local Controversy
“There once was a board from Roxbury /. Whose actions seemed rather contrary / They came up with a plan / To chase out their best man / And now they are in quite a query.”
Roxbury, VT – For over two decades, Loren Bent was the backbone of Roxbury’s road maintenance, ensuring the town’s rugged back roads, including the famed Roxbury Gap (also known as Warren Mountain Road), remained passable even in Vermont’s harshest seasons.
His departure to take up the position of Road Foreman in nearby Braintree has left Roxbury grappling with a significant void, sparking local debate and highlighting tensions with the town’s select board. “It didn’t have to happen, but it did,” a local resident lamented, encapsulating the sentiment of many in Roxbury.
A Legacy of Dedication
Loren Bent, a 24-year veteran of Roxbury’s road crew and its foreman, was celebrated for his expertise in maintaining the town’s 37 miles of mostly unpaved roads, which wind through steep, forested terrain. His work was particularly vital for the Roxbury Gap, a scenic but challenging dirt road connecting Roxbury to Warren and serving as a critical shortcut for skiers and vacationers heading to the Mad River Valley’s premier resorts, Sugarbush and Mad River Glen.
“The absence of Loren’s knowledge and expertise in road construction and maintenance leaves a gaping hole in the infrastructure of Roxbury,” said a community statement shared in local forums. “His dedication to the Town and its residents cannot be understated.”
Bent’s reputation extended beyond locals. The Roxbury Gap, a 7-mile stretch known for its breathtaking views and treacherous conditions during mud season and winter, is a lifeline for the Mad River Valley’s tourism economy. Each year, thousands of out-of-state visitors—primarily from Boston, New York, and beyond—traverse the Gap to access ski resorts, vacation rentals, and recreational trails. According to the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce, the region sees over 200,000 visitors annually, with a significant portion using the Gap as a shortcut from Interstate 89, saving roughly 20 minutes compared to paved routes through Middlesex or Waitsfield. Posts on the Roxbury GapStat Facebook page, which boasts over 4,000 followers, frequently warn of “sheets of ice” or “muddy ruts,” yet under Bent’s watch, the road was often described as “passable” even in tough conditions, a testament to his skill.
Controversy and Departure
Bent’s move to Braintree, where he now serves as Road Foreman and holds roles as a Selectboard Member and Fire Warden, comes amid whispers of discontent with Roxbury’s select board. A poem by resident Judy Lusk (above), shared in the Front Page Forum, criticized the board’s financial decisions:
The poem, though not publicly accessible due to the forum’s private nature, points to a broader issue of underpayment, with multiple staff reportedly leaving Roxbury for better opportunities. Town records confirm the Road Commissioner position remains vacant as of January 2025, suggesting ongoing staffing challenges.
Local sentiment, as voiced by residents like Randy Whitney, owner of the Roxbury Store, underscores the impact. “Locals understand it, know how to drive it and usually don’t have a problem,” Whitney said of the Gap, but Bent’s expertise ensured even out-of-state drivers could navigate it safely. His departure raises concerns about emergency access, a worry Bent himself expressed in a 2022 WCAX interview: “If somebody has a house fire or needs an ambulance, we have elderly people who live out here. It’s concerning to me.”
What Lies Ahead
Roxbury now faces the challenge of replacing Bent’s expertise while addressing underlying governance issues. The select board’s financial policies, criticized for driving away talent, may complicate efforts to fill the Road Commissioner role. Meanwhile, Braintree benefits from Bent’s experience, with town records showing his active involvement in local governance. “Thank you, Loren, and may you find peace and prosperity in your new position,” the community statement concluded, a bittersweet farewell to a man who was a “friendly face on the back roads for over two decades.”
For Roxbury, the loss is not just logistical but cultural. The Gap, with its “Stairway to Heaven” nickname and rugged charm, remains a symbol of the town’s resilience—and a reminder of Bent’s legacy. As ski season approaches, locals and visitors alike will watch closely to see how Roxbury navigates this transition, hoping the road ahead is as well-maintained as it was under Loren Bent’s care.