Hi, I'm Marie Audet.I was born at Porter Hospital to parents who had recently immigrated to the U.S., and I grew up on the farm next door.
In my early years, French was my only language. I was terribly shy and felt isolated from my peers. I eventually learned English, but it was not until many years later that I found my voice. Fueled by my passion for Vermont, agriculture, and the environment, I became an engaged citizen. I spoke honestly and openly about the work I was doing: projects in renewable energy, recycling, nutrition, and water quality. And that is how I found my voice. That's how I grew into the leader I am today. And that's why I'm running as an Independent for Senate. For me, being a leader in state government is about doing what's right. It's about working alongside my fellow Vermonters and finding the best solutions to our greatest challenges. I want the same things you want: good jobs, affordable housing, high-quality education for our children, and a healthy environment. I am simply offering a different way of getting there. Running for Senate is the hardest thing I have ever done, but–next to being a mother and grandmother–it is also the most important. I look forward to bringing my voice to Montpelier on your behalf. About Marie AudetMarie Audet, whose family owns Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport, is making her first bid for the Vermont General Assembly. For more than a decade, Marie has been an active voice for the farming community at the local, state, and national levels. She is a strong advocate for sustainable agricultural practices, as a social, economic, and environmental ideal. She is a founding member and Vice President of the Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition, an organization that helps farmers to adopt agricultural practices that improve economic resiliency and environmental stewardship. She currently serves on Governor Phil Scott's Climate Action Commission.
Marie's experience in small business, community engagement, and advocacy in state government have fueled her passion to more broadly engage all Vermonters in building a resilient, sustainable, and healthier state. Marie was born and raised in Middlebury on her family’s dairy farm. She now lives in Bridport with her husband Eugene. They have two grown children, Erica and Nathan, and three grandchildren. |
And I'm Paul Ralston.Marie Audet and I are running for the Vermont Senate. We are running together as Independents.
Why Independents? Marie and I believe this election, right now, is the time for optimism, for hope, and for innovative, cost-effective approaches to the challenges facing Vermont. As Independents, we can advance a non-partisan vision and pursue responsible actions that are affordable to Vermonters. Issues like climate change, water quality, early childhood education, and renewable energy. You have two votes to cast in this election. Please consider an Independent vote. About Paul RalstonPaul Ralston, owner of the Vermont Coffee Company in Middlebury, has been twice elected to the Vermont House representing Middlebury and is returning to electoral politics after an absence of four years. He has long been active in community and business organizations. His family recently moved to New Haven.
Paul is excited about running for office again because he believes that Vermont is on the verge of major renewal. He sees that we need legislators with direct business experience to help guide the State towards that future. |
Together, Marie and Paul share many ideals and achievements.
Paul’s business, the Vermont Coffee Company, was recognized this year with the Vermont Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, an award Marie’s Blue Spruce Farm received in 2006. The Vermont Coffee Company is the first coffee roaster in the nation to roast with 100% renewable biogas.
Blue Spruce Farm is known in Vermont and across the nation as a leader in renewable energy production, having been the first ‘Cow Power’ farm by converting their cows’ manure into renewable electricity. Marie has been recognized with the Jim Grundy Renewable Energy Award (2015), and Blue Spruce has received the Eastern States Exposition Agricultural Adventurers Award (2014) and the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award (2012).
Both Marie and Paul describe themselves as independent thinkers and voters who are looking for the best ways to advance the Vermont economy, promote affordability for working Vermonters, spread the use of renewable energy, and tackle the big challenge of cleaning up Vermont’s waterways.
Learn more about Marie and Paul’s vision for Vermont and the principles that will guide their decision-making in Montpelier.
Blue Spruce Farm is known in Vermont and across the nation as a leader in renewable energy production, having been the first ‘Cow Power’ farm by converting their cows’ manure into renewable electricity. Marie has been recognized with the Jim Grundy Renewable Energy Award (2015), and Blue Spruce has received the Eastern States Exposition Agricultural Adventurers Award (2014) and the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award (2012).
Both Marie and Paul describe themselves as independent thinkers and voters who are looking for the best ways to advance the Vermont economy, promote affordability for working Vermonters, spread the use of renewable energy, and tackle the big challenge of cleaning up Vermont’s waterways.
Learn more about Marie and Paul’s vision for Vermont and the principles that will guide their decision-making in Montpelier.