For 18 years I've knocked on doors, listened to residents, and addressed their concerns.

 

Inside and outside the Essex Town Offices, I worked creatively and continuously to improve communication, transparency, and fairness in taxation and representation for 22,000 residents from 2005 to 2022.

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My insistence that voters be heard in the halls of power hasn't found favor with entrenched politicians. But the majority of voters continue to show up and back my proposals – 9 victories on public questions thus far – to achieve just outcomes.

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For example, my efforts to resist a Special Taxing District in 2016 prevented the severing of two recreation departments from their municipal roots and kept taxation in check.

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The recent Separation of Essex Junction from Essex Town provided two communities – one mostly urban, one mostly rural – the freedom and fairness both have sought for 64 years.

 

My work leading 4 successful campaigns (2007, 2020, 2021[x2]) gave a voice to the Town voters whom officials excluded from the board table during negotiations.

 

Those Town voters continued to push back at the ballot box, each of the 4 times they were asked to vote for fairness over 15 years. Finally, Town voices were heard.

In the meantime, each Town property owner saved $5,500 in total (on average) as my ongoing efforts, backed by voters, kept the Merger Tax at bay.

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As your sole Senator, I seek out residents of all stripes. I deeply listen to frustrations and fears, distribute information, and collect ideas. Then, I bring your input to the State House.

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My aim is for you to feel represented by me, whatever your background, political leanings, or opinions, as I promote common sense legislation.

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Count on me to:

- See You

- Hear You

- Respect You

- Represent You

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Here's some unsolicited praise that I've earned through my ongoing public service:

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"You taught me the importance of keeping accurate government records." 
As Dianne, age 62, watched Selectboard meetings, she grew to appreciate my tenacious efforts to correct meeting minutes, distribute the untold facts to voters, and, most recently, publish a newspaper offering "the rest of the news."

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"I don't think of you as a politician. I think of you as a care-er."

"I am a lifelong Republican, but you can count on my vote in the Democratic Primary," said Barbara, age 82.

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"You pi** off all the right people."

Rich, age 70, knows that, in order to make a difference in local government, I had to behave differently. I've had to call out conflicts of interest, and politely correct officials who provided misinformation or disinformation. Those who preferred to operate without scrutiny have retaliated, shamelessly and repeatedly.

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"You are VERY approachable and real."

J. Newman, age 60, also wrote, "You took the time with me ... to explain our antiquated local government. Which is not exactly straight forward, and doesn't always make sense to us lay people. ... I have learned a lot from you. You have become my local government sensei. Thank you!"

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"Thank you for noticing me."

Doris, age 93, reminded me at a library event how much it meant to her that I look out for and listen to people who aren't loud, flashy or powerful. 

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I understand not everyone is comfortable speaking truth to power or wants to compete to be heard. But every one reading this page has life experiences that can inform my work on your behalf.

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Please let me know what issues are important to you and might be added to this list:

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• Livable Wages

• Affordable Health Care 

• Community Mental Health Supports

• Reasonably-Priced Prescription Drugs

• High-Quality, Affordable Child Care

• Fair Taxation of Corporations and Upper-Income Households

• Housing for Everyone

• Fully Fund Police

• Bodily Autonomy

• Accessible Voting

• End Food Insecurity

• Support Local Food Production

• Increase Protection for Vermont's Environment