Primary Vote on August 11th

We are now less than two weeks until Primary Voting Day in Vermont on August 11th.

Thanks to so many for coming out to the candidate forum on July 30th at 7:00pm at the Vergennes Opera House to learn more about the Democratic candidates. It was a packed Opera House. What a great night for Addison-3!

Please make sure that you have a plan for voting – the best way to check your voter registration status, make an absentee ballot request, find your polling place, and see sample ballots is on the Vermont Secretary of State's dashboard.

I am committed to strengthening our democracy. I'm currently elected as the Clerk of the Addison Northwest School District. In that role, I oversee vote counting. I remain so grateful for the Vermonters who dedicate their time to ensuring free and fair elections. But democracy isn't just a system of voting and government structures, it's fundamentally a way of living together. We have to educate and continually recommit ourselves to a shared life that respects diversity and includes all voices – especially those who are often overlooked and marginalized. That's one reason I'm a supporter of Proposal 4 to amend the Vermont Constitution, which will be on the ballot this fall.

So many people allowed me to visit to learn about their work and lives in Addison County and Vermont.

Economic Vitality

I went to the Vergennes Partnership Annual Meeting on June 24th. Since 1999, the Vergennes Partnership has worked to enhance the economic viability of Vergennes and preserve the beauty and character of its downtown. So grateful to the board members and Christine Garrow for your efforts on our behalf. It was great to learn about new businesses emerging in Vergennes including Big Heart Social and The Stone Pour. I stopped in at Big Heart Social, enjoyed a delicious, cool, refreshing non-alcoholic beverage on a warm summer day. Owner and proprietor, Shiloh, was kind enough to share about the joys, the regulatory hurdles, and the risks to make a grand opening happen.

Community Connections

It was great to be at the Vergennes Farmer's Market on June 25th and July 23rd to talk with so many neighbors.

Agriculture

On July 7th, I visited Boundbrook Farm in Ferrisburgh. This family farm (Erik and Erica Andrus) is the largest rice farm in the Northeast and uses ducks for weed maintenance. We talked about the local food economy, programs for housing (ADUs), bobolinks, and the gorgeous Champlain Valley. Addison County has the most farms (751) in the state of Vermont (source: ACRPC). Great to spend an evening on this beautiful and productive land! We talked about how farming is working in partnership with the land to produce food and the good stewardship of the land for present and future generations.

Special Olympic Champion

On July 8th, I got to have lunch with our neighbor, Hazel Rakowski and her father Brent. They invited me over to learn more about Hazel's experience as a Special Olympian. They emphasized that we have to choose to build systems and supports that include everyone. As a representative, I promise to seek out those voices that are often unheard and advocate for inclusive practices and equitable opportunities. Thank you, Hazel, for the chance to talk and learn more. Congratulations on your achievements!

Support for Older Vermonters

I met with Mathew Chabot, Executive Director of the Vergennes Grand Senior Living to learn more about assisted living and memory care at the Grand Senior Living. Matt talked in particular about the limited supply of memory care facilities in the State of Vermont. Vermont has one of the oldest populations in the country and the next few years will see legislators grappling with financial support for elder care, expanding memory care, reducing social isolation, and fraud and scamming prevention. Vermont is currently vetting a Vermont State Plan on Aging FY27-30. Take the time to provide some input if you can.

Farm to Table

On July 21st, I visited Vermont Livestock Slaughter & Processing in Ferrisburgh. We talked a lot about Farms, and we also talked about the table but as Carl Cushing told me we often forget about the “to”. Vermont Meats provides USDA certified processing for local farms who provide food to our schools, local restaurants, and groceries. As a long time inspector himself, Carl spoke with me about the importance of food safety, about being able to support and bring on staff for education and training, and how we might improve supply chain resiliency.

Support for Survivors of Abuse and Violence

Many thanks to staff from Atria Collective and the Vermont Network for their time and thoughtfulness on July 24! We discussed the supervised visitation program, the sustainability of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Fund, the constraints and frustrations of the federal certification system, and the intersection of gender based violence and transportation, housing, and affordability concerns. I heartily support Atria's work and will continue to be an advocate for the Act 1 education programs in our schools and for assault prevention. It was inspiring to see the connections, the coordination and the collaboration that goes into building systems that support survivors of abuse and violence in our communities.

Integrated Transportation and Access to Bicycles for All

On July 27th, had a great conversation with Tim and Tanya at Green Mountain Foster Bikes who are doing such great work to get more Vermonters up on two wheels. We talked about the responsibility of pleasure riders to engage with those who must ride with a purpose. We discussed how we might better integrate all transportation to build safer roads, better infrastructure, and more connected communities. E-Bikes offer a lot of promise (and yes, we need good education) as a part of traffic. Finally, we talked about how Green Mountain Foster Bikes is breaking down barriers of access including ways to build a culture of riding that normalizes it for everyone.

As we head towards the finish line of the primary season, I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from and talk to so many members of our community.

You Can Participate in So Many Ways

Canvassing

I want to talk with as many voters as possible. Sign up to help me knock on doors in your town ahead of the August 11th primary! Mark these dates and let us know if you will participate.

• Saturday, August 8th
• Sunday, August 9th

Phonebanking

There are so many people to reach out and talk with. Sign up to help me make calls on Wednesday, August 5th.

Community Events

Getting out to community events is crucial. Let me know if there is an event I should attend. I'm definitely attending the following event:

Yard Signs

If you live in a visible, high traffic area and would be willing to host a sign, let me know.

Getting Out the Vote

Early voting for the August 11th primary election has already started! Make a plan to vote before your summer schedule gets too full. You can get information on where, how, and when to vote on the VT Secretary of State's website.