This is arguably the most glorious time of year in Vermont. Nights are growing cooler but the days are still warm. Elderberry bushes are filled with berries if the birds haven’t gotten to them. And the Kelly Brush Foundation holds their annual Century Ride in Middlebury, a glorious day of cycling in Addison County while raising money for those living with spinal-cord injuries (we rode the 50-mile option).
Last month’s primary election felt a little funny in that there were only two people on the Democratic ballot—myself and Dara Torre—for our county’s two House seats. I was pleasantly surprised to have received the most votes—659—in our county, though there were 49 write-in votes, 268 blank votes, and turnout was pretty low. Additionally, two more candidates have entered the race since then, so I have some work ahead of me!
I will be knocking on doors beginning next week, and am looking for friends/supporters who are willing to accompany me on these visits. Having company will make this more fun, and more safe. Please email me if you are interested.
More yard signs are here! If you would like one, let me know, particularly if you live in a high-visibility area. I have noticed one of my opponents has come out strong in the yard-sign contest, so these are more important than ever.
Friends from Broadleaf Landscape Architecture hosted our first Friendraiser & Fundraiser at their Perennial Nursery on an absolutely gorgeous evening in late August. We gathered outdoors between two historic barns, surrounded by plants, drinking beverages on-ice in wheel barrows, and listening to awesome tunes by Brendan Gilhuly (Ragged Company). One friend even showed up on horseback, having just practiced some polo in the field next door! What a great night to meet new friends, see old friends, and chat about how we can make Vermont better.
This evening—September 11th—we have our second Friendraiser & Fundraiser, hosted by friends on Galloping Wind Trail in Warren. If you would like to come and didn’t receive an invite, contact me and I will pull some strings to get you in!:)
I continue to meet with folks in the county to hear their concerns. . . One group of neighbors spoke of their desire to introduce a property tax cap, similar to California’s Proposition 13 and Massachusetts’ Proposition 2 1/2. I met with another neighbor who heads a coalition representing the interests of Sugarbush property owners. And I joined Geri Procaccini on “The 5H Show” on WMRW where we discussed a number of issues including property taxes, public schools, and climate change resiliency.
I attended the August HUUSD School Board meeting, where the board approved the purchase of special Yondr pouches that curtail the use of cell phones during the school day. I support an initiative that limits phone use in schools, and am optimistic that this will create an improved learning environment for all. The board continues to work on a short- and long-term cost-savings plan, and will share their ideas later this fall. In the meantime, here is some interesting school data I have read recently:
–In terms of pupils enrolled per staff member in the public schools, Vermont ranks the very lowest. Vermont has on average 4.4 pupils per staff member; the Northeast has on average 6.1 pupils per staff member; the US on average 7.45 pupils per staff member.
–Vermont is the third highest spender in the nation when it comes to cost per pupil, spending almost $27k/pupil in 2023; only New York state and Washington, DC spend more than Vermont, according to the National Education Association.
–A recent ranking of the quality of public schools revealed that Vermont has dropped from #11 in 2010 to #26 in 2023. The message is important in that it shows how quality of education has gone down while spending has gone up.
-Vermont districts paid a total of $83 million in tuition to approved private providers, and $14 million to out-of-state schools in 2023.
I will continue to educate myself about these pressing issues, while also focusing on getting to know the many voters in our county. Thank you very much to those of you who have contributed to the campaign, hosted an event (Kirsten and Megan), helped with video (Bear and Alan), design (Audrey,) and t-shirts (Amy and Rob).
I am excited for fall, and look forward to seeing you out on the campaign trail.
Onward!
Candice
