I write to endorse my mother, Valerie Stuart, who has served as West Brattleboro's state representative for the past eight years. She and my father, John Mabie, have been inspirations and exemplary role models for me and my brother Ian throughout our lives.
My mother began her service as our state representative on the House Education Committee. During the four years she served on that committee, she and her colleagues passed groundbreaking legislation that is good for Vermont's youth and families, including universal pre-kindergarten, free breakfast and lunch programs; Flexible Pathways Initiative; dual enrollment and early college programs; the Vermont Strong Scholarship Program; non-toxic cleaning products for schools; sports-related concussion safety protocols, and anti-bullying protocols.
For the last four years, my mother hasserved on the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee, which wrote laws that strengthen Vermont's economy and positions our state for a more vibrant future.
Such laws include designation of the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone, the creation and implementation of an economic development marketing campaign for Vermont; and our state's loan program for first-time home owners. These initiatives will continue to help attract new residents, families, and entrepreneurs, including young people like me.