The General Election is a mere five weeks away, and Vermont voters will receive their ballots in the mail any day now. I plan to post my ballot to my mudroom bulletin board, and bring it with me to vote in-person at our local elementary school. What is your voting plan? If you do plan to mail in your ballot, do so by October 20th to allow ample time for its arrival. The Vermont Secretary of State’s office has a Voter Guide available here, including polling locations and candidate listings.
Although I am running unopposed, I have been knocking on doors with Lila and Julia, two Harwood Union High School students interning with me this fall. We have had some meaningful conversations with folks about issues ranging from school reform, to Vermont’s lack of affordability, to dismay at actions by our current federal administration. It’s always illuminating to hear what’s on peoples’ minds, and I appreciate those who have taken the time to share their thoughts.
I’ve also been dropping in on town Select Board meetings, attending conferences (on topics like health care reform, mental health, energy efficiency, and land use), responding to emails, and enjoying the beauty of fall. This time of year is painfully beautiful: the trees are exploding with color, yet a hard frost and the first snow will soon be upon us. (For you alpine skiers, have you purchased your ski pass? I just did.) Last week’s campaign fundraiser at The Bundy Modern in Waitsfield was a glorious celebration of fall—a gathering of friends and supporters sharing food and conversation amidst original artwork from their summer exhibition. The late afternoon sun shone through those big windows and wrapped us in autumn light.
In a country that is roiling over an unpopular war, blatant discrimination of women and minorities, and erratic economic policies, Vermont is a bright spot. Our Attorney General has sued the Trump Administration 72 times, pushing back on a constant federal abuse of power. It’s important to acknowledge the good work and progress of our state amidst troubling federal policies.
I was filled up with good news and optimism after attending The Vermont Women’s Fund’s Annual Celebration at UVM recently. A handful of women-owned and women-run Vermont businesses donate generously as sponsors; another Vermont businesswoman matched participant donations up to $100k; and the keynote speaker, Shobana Basij-Rasikh, an Afghan woman and Middlebury College alum, committed another $100k in honor of her academic advisor, Middlebury College Professor Sujata Moorti. Camaraderie, generosity, and solidarity came together in an unforgettable evening. Shobana’s story of how she founded and now oversees the only boarding school for Afghan women in the world—during a time when it is illegal for Afghan women to be educated past the sixth grade—was a story of both bravery and commitment to carry forward what Afghan women had started before her. I proudly served on the VWF Council for six years—two of those years co-chairing with Sujata—and truly cherished working alongside other women to fund organizations supporting Vermont women and girls.
As I take my morning walks—listening for birds, foraging, shuffling in the fallen leaves–I am reminded of the absence of our beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, Baxter, who we lost to an aggressive cancer last month. Baxter’s enthusiasm for chasing white-tailed deer and squirrels, his love for cooling down in the currents of the Mad River, and his constant companionship are missed.
I wish you a fall filled with optimism, community, and the exercise of your right to vote on or before Tuesday, November 3rd. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Candice
