PUTNEY — We have two outstanding candidates for the Vermont Senate we can choose in the Democratic primary this Aug. 24.
One stellar candidate is our incumbent senator, Jeanette White. She has been confirmed as a Senate legislative leader by her appointment as chairwoman of the Government Operations Committee. She is the former Selectboard chair in Putney, confirming her role as a local leader. She brings an exceptional amount of knowledge to her work in Windham County and the Vermont Legislature. She is definitely a keeper as one of our two Windham county senators.
Toby Young is a new candidate trying for the second Senate seat from Windham County. She is not new to the legislative process, though. Her appointment as chair of the Health and Welfare Committee in the House during her 10-year tenure confirmed her as a recognized legislative leader. She serves as chair of the Westminster Selectboard, confirming her role as a local leader. Her work in both the private and public sectors has prepared her well to represent Windham County in the Vermont Legislature.
The only way to prepare for the wide array of legislative issues legislators face in Montpelier is through your background. Her experience has been gained as a member of the Westminster Planning Commission, Westminster Board of Civil Authority, Brattleboro Community Land Trust, Windham County Arts Council, Windham County Adult Diversion Board, Putney Cares, Yellow Barn Music Festival, Brattleboro Jobs Advisory Council, Children and Parents Project and as a District Court Guardian ad Litem. I find it heartening and important that this local knowledge will inform her decisions in Montpelier.
Toby has a knack of getting to the heart of matters, as complex or as intractable as they might seem. She will need that ability, supported by her innate intelligence, to address just the budget issues alone, in that they are as tough and complex as issues get here in Vermont. Her lifelong concern for people will make her choices humane and thoughtful.
Her style is open and frank, and she mixes a wee bit of humor in much of what she says and does and she does a lot. She is a hard worker at whatever she chooses to undertake, be it in the public or private realm. If you get a chance to meet Toby you should do so. I think you will enjoy the experience, or check in at her Facebook page at Toby Young for Vermont Senate.
I hope you will join me in supporting Jeanette White and Toby Young for the Vermont Senate, and please get out and vote Aug. 24. If you might still be on vacation or otherwise away, ask your town clerk for an absentee ballot and cast your vote now. Absentee ballots are available right now.