Harrison asks for voters' support

To the Editor:
I believe that our State government can make Vermont a fairer, healthier, more economically vibrant place for all Vermonters. I am running for re-election because there is still so much to do to accomplish these goals.

In my two terms, I sponsored or supported legislation that has protected our children, promoted the increase of housing in the right places (to protect our environment) and at all price points (so it is accessible to all Vermonters), preserved local control of our schools (at least for now), voted to reduce health insurance premiums, encouraged the creation of good-paying jobs, defended all workers’ right to organize (Proposal 3 on the November 3 ballot), and prepared our transportation system to invest in projects. There is follow-along work to be done in all these areas.

In this critical moment, we also need to ensure that Vermont continues to stand strong and independent in the face of Federal actions that threaten our residents, reduce our revenues, and jeopardize essential systems and programs both inside and outside State government.

I am optimistic, pragmatic, and persistent, and am applying my experience to the continued work of moving Vermont forward. In the Senate, I chair the Institutions Committee, serve on the Transportation Committee, and previously served on the Economic Development Committee. I also serve in the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee when we are out of session.

Representing the Senate, I serve on the Vermont Rail Advisory Council, the Public Transit Advisory Council, and the Vermont Economic Progress Council. I previously served on the Government Accountability Study Committee and the Mobile Home Task Force. Last summer, as a member of the School District Redistricting Task Force, I was (and I still am) a strong defender of our rural schools and independent local decision making.

I chair the reactivated County and Regional Governance Committee. We are finding ways to strengthen our towns by strengthening regional systems. This will not be another layer of government. It will enable better and less costly services to Vermonters by creating opportunities for towns to collaborate more and be better supported in the work they do. Our scope is broad, including public safety, emergency management, economic development, housing, infrastructure, and more.

I am grateful for your support and ask for your vote in the November 3 election.

Sen. Wendy Harrison,

Brattleboro