Throughout the fall, we will share letters from community members describing why they support our election to the Vermont Senate.
Steve Pecsok, Cornwall
In the 20 years since we moved here I have discovered first-hand a few things about Vermont. First and foremost, it is a nice place to live. Not just for the scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities, but the people here seem to have a genuine concern for others. Second, agriculture is still an important part of the state's economy and identity. For the past eight years I have taken an economics class to farms in Addison County. It has been a wonderful opportunity for people from all over the world to understand the economics and culture of those involved in local production agriculture. It seems every one of the farms we visit can be affected by and shares concerns about not only low milk prices and high production costs, but environmental and social issues as well.
One of the farms we have visited each year is Audet's Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport. What I have seen in those eight years at Blue Spruce is a well-run, efficient, innovative operation with a strong interest in being a good neighbor to those in the community. Although I think for the most part the state government has done a good job, it also seems farmers have been under-represented in the House and Senate (with special recognition to Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman). As a very involved member of the Blue Spruce farm, Marie Audet would be an excellent choice to not only represent agriculture, but to serve as a liaison between agriculture and the legislature for the achievement of Vermont's environmental, social, and economic goals. I hope she is given the chance to serve the Senate from the Addison District.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on November 1, 2018.
One of the farms we have visited each year is Audet's Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport. What I have seen in those eight years at Blue Spruce is a well-run, efficient, innovative operation with a strong interest in being a good neighbor to those in the community. Although I think for the most part the state government has done a good job, it also seems farmers have been under-represented in the House and Senate (with special recognition to Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman). As a very involved member of the Blue Spruce farm, Marie Audet would be an excellent choice to not only represent agriculture, but to serve as a liaison between agriculture and the legislature for the achievement of Vermont's environmental, social, and economic goals. I hope she is given the chance to serve the Senate from the Addison District.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on November 1, 2018.
Gary Baker, Middlebury
Audet and Ralston.
No tin ears, no lies, no party song. Both committed and award-winning environmentalists. Both have a history of being able to work collaboratively and effectively with all parties, ages and genders. Join me in voting to send these two very able people to the Vermont Senate to represent Addison County. They will make a difference.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on November 1, 2018.
No tin ears, no lies, no party song. Both committed and award-winning environmentalists. Both have a history of being able to work collaboratively and effectively with all parties, ages and genders. Join me in voting to send these two very able people to the Vermont Senate to represent Addison County. They will make a difference.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on November 1, 2018.
Benj Deppman, Cornwall
I don’t identify as either Republican or Democrat. I certainly don’t identify with everything either party espouses, and I prefer not to follow any party line. I believe our elected officials have a duty to know the issues and vote based upon the issue at hand, taking into consideration the needs of their constituents.
The constituents of Addison County — the people of Addison County — are a different constituency than the people of other Vermont counties. Addison County is a special and unique place, due in large part to the fact that our economy is agriculture-based. We have commercial apple orchards, a healthy forestry industry, abundant maple sugaring operations, not to mention beef and dairy farms. We produce cheese, milk, syrup, cider, eggs and meat for local consumption and broader distribution. It is quite the place.
We need to protect what it is that makes us so special — our resources, including our water and our soil. Among other things, we need to recognize and prioritize the economic demands placed on our farmers and other producers.
Fortunately, there are two candidates for the Addison County Senate that understand all of this, and see our agricultural economy as a priority in the upcoming legislative session. Marie Audet and Paul Ralston understand our Addison County economy and our Addison County needs, and I believe that, if elected, they will work for the people of Addison County accordingly. I will be voting for Marie Audet and Paul Ralston in November, and I hope you will too.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 29, 2018.
The constituents of Addison County — the people of Addison County — are a different constituency than the people of other Vermont counties. Addison County is a special and unique place, due in large part to the fact that our economy is agriculture-based. We have commercial apple orchards, a healthy forestry industry, abundant maple sugaring operations, not to mention beef and dairy farms. We produce cheese, milk, syrup, cider, eggs and meat for local consumption and broader distribution. It is quite the place.
We need to protect what it is that makes us so special — our resources, including our water and our soil. Among other things, we need to recognize and prioritize the economic demands placed on our farmers and other producers.
Fortunately, there are two candidates for the Addison County Senate that understand all of this, and see our agricultural economy as a priority in the upcoming legislative session. Marie Audet and Paul Ralston understand our Addison County economy and our Addison County needs, and I believe that, if elected, they will work for the people of Addison County accordingly. I will be voting for Marie Audet and Paul Ralston in November, and I hope you will too.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 29, 2018.
Brian Kemp, Cornwall
As a farmer in Addison County I would like to express my support for Independents Marie Audet and Paul Ralston. I believe electing them to the Vermont Senate will be a positive change for Addison County. With Marie’s agricultural background she will bring a boots on the ground perspective to the ever-changing farming landscape. Addison County needs a strong voice in Montpelier advocating for Ag, something that has been missing for some years.
As a farm owner she understands the challenges and tribulations of surviving in today’s culture. So much has changed in the last five years, protecting our environment and waters has become one of the most important topics in Ag today, while trying to remain sustainable in doing so. Marie will be a positive voice in Montpelier for Ag, the environment and rural economy.
Paul also brings a common sense approach to the table. As a small businessman himself, he understands the issues in Vermont’s rural economy. He is a strong collaborator a good listener and is willing to work with others to solve issues. These attributes will make him a great senator for Vermont.
Audet and Ralston will stand up for our rural communities and work for the voters.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 29, 2018.
As a farm owner she understands the challenges and tribulations of surviving in today’s culture. So much has changed in the last five years, protecting our environment and waters has become one of the most important topics in Ag today, while trying to remain sustainable in doing so. Marie will be a positive voice in Montpelier for Ag, the environment and rural economy.
Paul also brings a common sense approach to the table. As a small businessman himself, he understands the issues in Vermont’s rural economy. He is a strong collaborator a good listener and is willing to work with others to solve issues. These attributes will make him a great senator for Vermont.
Audet and Ralston will stand up for our rural communities and work for the voters.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 29, 2018.
Tom Hickley, Cornwall
on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance
The Board of Directors of the Vermont Dairy Producer Alliance is excited to endorse Marie Audet and Paul Ralston for State Senate from Addison County.
VDPA is a farmer member funded advocacy organization that supports all dairy farmers in Vermont and serves to represent the interests of agriculture and farmers at the legislative level. Blue Spruce Farm is a model for all dairy farms in the state of Vermont: efficient land stewards employing best management practices and providing a stable and a safe working environment. As evidenced by the 2017 Breakfast on the Farm, Blue Spruce Farm is open and welcoming.
Marie is a big part of the success of Blue Spruce Farm and will represent Addison County well in Montpelier. We urge you to vote for Marie Audet and Paul Ralston on Election Day, Nov. 6.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 29, 2018.
The Board of Directors of the Vermont Dairy Producer Alliance is excited to endorse Marie Audet and Paul Ralston for State Senate from Addison County.
VDPA is a farmer member funded advocacy organization that supports all dairy farmers in Vermont and serves to represent the interests of agriculture and farmers at the legislative level. Blue Spruce Farm is a model for all dairy farms in the state of Vermont: efficient land stewards employing best management practices and providing a stable and a safe working environment. As evidenced by the 2017 Breakfast on the Farm, Blue Spruce Farm is open and welcoming.
Marie is a big part of the success of Blue Spruce Farm and will represent Addison County well in Montpelier. We urge you to vote for Marie Audet and Paul Ralston on Election Day, Nov. 6.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 29, 2018.
Steve Harris, Bristol
Politics certainly brings out the worst in Americans, even Vermonters. It gets personal when your friends are maligned in print, and I would like to respond to some of the most recent accusations made in this paper against my friend and associate, Paul Ralston.
Most recently accused here of being a privileged opportunist, a Republican disguised as an Independent and a peer of Brett Kavanaugh and Donald Trump, I have to interrupt and ask, “Are you serious?”
I have known Paul for thirty years, and he is none of that, not even close.
I have watched him go from owning the Bristol Bakery (where he started roasting coffee beans) to working for Kevin Harper at Autumn Harp and on to founding the Vermont Coffee Company eighteen years ago, an enterprise which now employs 34 people in Middlebury.
He and his employees have worked with vision and ambition to grow the enterprise organically, inch by hard-won inch, in a field crowded by competitors and risk. None of Vermont Coffee’s success has been handed to either Paul or his employees.
In the spirit of Vermont’s long history of individual initiative, Paul is seeking a return to Vermont State government service as an Independent. Non-alignment frequently improves a solon’s ability to communicate with all the people’s representatives and can help convert good ideas into law. The lack of membership in the red or blue team is no drawback, but certainly seems to invite unfounded insults ...
As far as his similarity to the sulking, inarticulate nastiness of Brett and Donald, Paul’s dignity and respect for the people around him are his trademarks. After countless conversations with him, I cannot remember a single personal insult or guttural remark authored by the man about anybody.
In short, I know Paul as a patient, polite, articulate and persuasive gentlemen dedicated to the health and enhancement of our precarious little State.
I am justly fond of the Addison County Independent, we are all fortunate to have her to rely upon.
So please, if you want to use this publication as a forum for the debate of various approaches to problem solving, I am all-in. Otherwise, please direct anymore claptrap of personal animosity and distortion to AM hate radio or cable television where it will find its more familiar surroundings.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 25, 2018.
Most recently accused here of being a privileged opportunist, a Republican disguised as an Independent and a peer of Brett Kavanaugh and Donald Trump, I have to interrupt and ask, “Are you serious?”
I have known Paul for thirty years, and he is none of that, not even close.
I have watched him go from owning the Bristol Bakery (where he started roasting coffee beans) to working for Kevin Harper at Autumn Harp and on to founding the Vermont Coffee Company eighteen years ago, an enterprise which now employs 34 people in Middlebury.
He and his employees have worked with vision and ambition to grow the enterprise organically, inch by hard-won inch, in a field crowded by competitors and risk. None of Vermont Coffee’s success has been handed to either Paul or his employees.
In the spirit of Vermont’s long history of individual initiative, Paul is seeking a return to Vermont State government service as an Independent. Non-alignment frequently improves a solon’s ability to communicate with all the people’s representatives and can help convert good ideas into law. The lack of membership in the red or blue team is no drawback, but certainly seems to invite unfounded insults ...
As far as his similarity to the sulking, inarticulate nastiness of Brett and Donald, Paul’s dignity and respect for the people around him are his trademarks. After countless conversations with him, I cannot remember a single personal insult or guttural remark authored by the man about anybody.
In short, I know Paul as a patient, polite, articulate and persuasive gentlemen dedicated to the health and enhancement of our precarious little State.
I am justly fond of the Addison County Independent, we are all fortunate to have her to rely upon.
So please, if you want to use this publication as a forum for the debate of various approaches to problem solving, I am all-in. Otherwise, please direct anymore claptrap of personal animosity and distortion to AM hate radio or cable television where it will find its more familiar surroundings.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 25, 2018.
Louise Votjisek, Middlebury
I’m chagrined to read the recent string of negative letters about the Audet-Ralston ticket. Perhaps more than disappointed, I’m suspect about the motivation. I like to read about why someone supports a candidate; I don’t want to know why you don’t support others and choose to make this opinion public.
I’ve lived in this community for nearly 40 years and have never heard anything to make me doubt that Marie Audet and Paul Ralston have entered this race for all the right reasons, ultimately to do their part in making Vermont the best state it can be. For me, the fact they opted to run as a duo and as Independents communicates a focus on collaboration, and the belief that problems are solved most effectively when everyone works well with others and not along party lines. The fact that both candidates have developed such successful businesses also speaks to an ability to listen to feedback, make complicated decisions, and play well with others to accomplish goals.
It takes courage to run for political office, open oneself to public scrutiny, and state one’s ideas about how to make Vermont a better place. Let’s make this process more cordial, to encourage more innovative candidates to enter the ring.
I will cast my votes for Paul Ralston and Marie Audet and I encourage you to do the same.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 22, 2018.
I’ve lived in this community for nearly 40 years and have never heard anything to make me doubt that Marie Audet and Paul Ralston have entered this race for all the right reasons, ultimately to do their part in making Vermont the best state it can be. For me, the fact they opted to run as a duo and as Independents communicates a focus on collaboration, and the belief that problems are solved most effectively when everyone works well with others and not along party lines. The fact that both candidates have developed such successful businesses also speaks to an ability to listen to feedback, make complicated decisions, and play well with others to accomplish goals.
It takes courage to run for political office, open oneself to public scrutiny, and state one’s ideas about how to make Vermont a better place. Let’s make this process more cordial, to encourage more innovative candidates to enter the ring.
I will cast my votes for Paul Ralston and Marie Audet and I encourage you to do the same.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 22, 2018.
Nick Artim, Middlebury
Since the time when Marie Audet and Paul Ralston announced their candidacy for the Vermont Senate I have been trying to figure out exactly what I should put into a letter of endorsement. Then a recent letter to the Addison Independent editor titled “Independents stand for what?” provided me with the answer that I was looking for and why I believe that Marie and Paul represent the best choice for Addison County.
Webster’s definition of “Independent” includes: not bound by or committed to a political party; not subject to control by others; not affiliated with a larger controlling unit and not contingent. That is what Independents stand for and it is why I proudly classify myself as a political Independent, without party affiliation. It is also why as the leaders of the major parties have been squabbling and refusing to work with each other, Independent voters have emerged as a significant voting bloc.
Independents were not always a part of my family’s political history. I am of a blue-collar, working class background where my family members included autoworkers, foundry workers, mechanics, clothing makers, railroaders, truckers and miners. Like the overwhelming majority of our population they quietly went about doing their jobs, sharing in the collective effort that makes our country function. They had differing political views and I remember some strong differences of opinion among them. They were proud to be Roosevelt Democrats and Eisenhower Republicans, supporting those great leaders who did not demonize opposing party views and compromised and worked with the “other side” because that knew it ultimately provided the best answer to complex issues. They despise the political absurdity that Washington has become, and unfortunately appears to be slipping into Montpelier. Their Democrats and Republicans are in short supply.
While I believe that each of the Addison County candidates has good intention, the reality is that those with party affiliations are unlikely to oppose their party leadership — even though the opposition may have better ideas — for fear that they will be ostracized. They can say that they will act independently but the reality is that they probably won’t. In Addison County we now have this opportunity to change the dialogue in Montpelier by electing true Independents and it may be possible that some Democratic and Republican members will find themselves free to challenge the status quo and work for the common good.
I have known Paul Ralston for several years and while we do not always concur with each other, I have always found him to be attentive and engaging, constructively challenging my opinions. And yes, there have been times when his input has helped me make better community related decisions. I have recently come to know Marie Audet and as has been stated, “she is the real deal.” She is a caring, equally engaging and thought provoking individual. They both understand what it is like to operate businesses in our region and know the responsibilities that come with maintaining the well being of their employees, customers, and community. I would have voted for them if they decided to affiliate with a party, but am very pleased that they decided to show leadership and serve independently.
Therefore I ask that you join me in voting for Marie Audet and Paul Ralston as our Addison County Senators. I am convinced that our county and state will be better served when they are sent to Montpelier.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 11, 2018.
Webster’s definition of “Independent” includes: not bound by or committed to a political party; not subject to control by others; not affiliated with a larger controlling unit and not contingent. That is what Independents stand for and it is why I proudly classify myself as a political Independent, without party affiliation. It is also why as the leaders of the major parties have been squabbling and refusing to work with each other, Independent voters have emerged as a significant voting bloc.
Independents were not always a part of my family’s political history. I am of a blue-collar, working class background where my family members included autoworkers, foundry workers, mechanics, clothing makers, railroaders, truckers and miners. Like the overwhelming majority of our population they quietly went about doing their jobs, sharing in the collective effort that makes our country function. They had differing political views and I remember some strong differences of opinion among them. They were proud to be Roosevelt Democrats and Eisenhower Republicans, supporting those great leaders who did not demonize opposing party views and compromised and worked with the “other side” because that knew it ultimately provided the best answer to complex issues. They despise the political absurdity that Washington has become, and unfortunately appears to be slipping into Montpelier. Their Democrats and Republicans are in short supply.
While I believe that each of the Addison County candidates has good intention, the reality is that those with party affiliations are unlikely to oppose their party leadership — even though the opposition may have better ideas — for fear that they will be ostracized. They can say that they will act independently but the reality is that they probably won’t. In Addison County we now have this opportunity to change the dialogue in Montpelier by electing true Independents and it may be possible that some Democratic and Republican members will find themselves free to challenge the status quo and work for the common good.
I have known Paul Ralston for several years and while we do not always concur with each other, I have always found him to be attentive and engaging, constructively challenging my opinions. And yes, there have been times when his input has helped me make better community related decisions. I have recently come to know Marie Audet and as has been stated, “she is the real deal.” She is a caring, equally engaging and thought provoking individual. They both understand what it is like to operate businesses in our region and know the responsibilities that come with maintaining the well being of their employees, customers, and community. I would have voted for them if they decided to affiliate with a party, but am very pleased that they decided to show leadership and serve independently.
Therefore I ask that you join me in voting for Marie Audet and Paul Ralston as our Addison County Senators. I am convinced that our county and state will be better served when they are sent to Montpelier.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 11, 2018.
Cliff Adams, Bristol
Vermonters pride ourselves on being independent and this year I am voting Independent for Vermont Senate–Audet and Ralston.
I was born in Barre 70 years ago, a time Vermont voted mostly Republican–today we tend to vote Democrat. My dad worked in the granite quarries and used to say, "The only difference between the Democrat and Republican parties is that Democrats will at least pretend they're for the little guy."
I don't know if that is true or not, but I do know members of both parties can be restrained from doing something they think is right if it does not go along with the party line. Folks as old as I am will remember how that worked for Jim Jeffords. Folks today see what is happening to Governor Scott for not siding with the NRA-backed Republicans.
I have known Paul Ralston for over 40 years and have never seen a single instance where has been less than caring, pragmatic and professional. Paul listens, learns from mistakes, and knows how to solve problems. The fact that he is teaming up with Marie Audet, of the Audet farm, convinces me that Addison County will be well served if we can send two independent senators to Montpelier.
Get out to vote–and vote Audet and Ralston–Independents for Senate.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 4, 2018.
I was born in Barre 70 years ago, a time Vermont voted mostly Republican–today we tend to vote Democrat. My dad worked in the granite quarries and used to say, "The only difference between the Democrat and Republican parties is that Democrats will at least pretend they're for the little guy."
I don't know if that is true or not, but I do know members of both parties can be restrained from doing something they think is right if it does not go along with the party line. Folks as old as I am will remember how that worked for Jim Jeffords. Folks today see what is happening to Governor Scott for not siding with the NRA-backed Republicans.
I have known Paul Ralston for over 40 years and have never seen a single instance where has been less than caring, pragmatic and professional. Paul listens, learns from mistakes, and knows how to solve problems. The fact that he is teaming up with Marie Audet, of the Audet farm, convinces me that Addison County will be well served if we can send two independent senators to Montpelier.
Get out to vote–and vote Audet and Ralston–Independents for Senate.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on October 4, 2018.
Betty and Victor Nuovo, Middlebury
We have been Democrats for most of our adult life, favoring liberal and progressive programs. One of us (Betty) was instrumental in establishing the Democratic Party in Middlebury and Addison County. But we are not so dyed-in-the-wool that we would not vote for an outstanding candidate from another party, or, as in this case, Independents. We were proud to support the late great Jim Jeffords. This is one of those instances.
Marie Audet and Paul Ralston are outstanding candidates, and we are certain that if elected they will serve the County and the State well, and not only that, but they will also provide wise and inspired leadership that Vermont politics sorely needs. One of us (Betty again) served with Paul in the Vermont House and knows first-hand his legislative skill, his dedication, his hard work, and his ability to come up with imaginative and constructive solutions to problems.
What Marie and Paul bring is experience and accomplishment in the two main areas of the local economy: agriculture and the local craft industry, which have brought not only increased wealth to the county, but “good jobs close to home,” which is the key to success in economic development. They have also taken the lead in energy use, relying on renewable energy sources to power work, so that economic growth and environmental preservation can go hand in hand.
In a free society, a robust economy is essential. It provides the means that support the public sphere: health care, education, and social services. Paul and Marie understand this, and they have adopted these public goods as their chief goals.
The people of Addison County have a rare opportunity in the candidacy of Marie Audet and Paul Ralston for the Vermont Senate. We support them with enthusiasm and urge you to join us in voting for them on election day.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on September 20, 2018.
Marie Audet and Paul Ralston are outstanding candidates, and we are certain that if elected they will serve the County and the State well, and not only that, but they will also provide wise and inspired leadership that Vermont politics sorely needs. One of us (Betty again) served with Paul in the Vermont House and knows first-hand his legislative skill, his dedication, his hard work, and his ability to come up with imaginative and constructive solutions to problems.
What Marie and Paul bring is experience and accomplishment in the two main areas of the local economy: agriculture and the local craft industry, which have brought not only increased wealth to the county, but “good jobs close to home,” which is the key to success in economic development. They have also taken the lead in energy use, relying on renewable energy sources to power work, so that economic growth and environmental preservation can go hand in hand.
In a free society, a robust economy is essential. It provides the means that support the public sphere: health care, education, and social services. Paul and Marie understand this, and they have adopted these public goods as their chief goals.
The people of Addison County have a rare opportunity in the candidacy of Marie Audet and Paul Ralston for the Vermont Senate. We support them with enthusiasm and urge you to join us in voting for them on election day.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on September 20, 2018.
Bob Grim, Middlebury
Audet and Ralston Go Together like Cream and Coffee
I have been part of the Vermont dairy industry for my entire adult life, so it should not come as any surprise that I would strongly support one of my own. I hope you will join me on November 6 in voting for Independents Marie Audet and Paul Ralston for Vermont Senate in the Addison District.
Marie and Paul are running a unique campaign in that they are running as a “ticket.” They promise to work in tandem and pull the rope in the same direction. How often have you heard, “I can’t get anything done because I can’t get anyone else to go along with my ideas?” Here we have an opportunity to send two like-minded people to Montpelier.
When contemplating who will receive my vote on Election Day, I have a very simple way of deciding my candidates of choice. I like to think of it as my ABC’s.
A is for agriculture. Marie Audet is one of the most qualified candidates to advocate for dairy farming in Vermont that I have seen in a very long time. Her commitment to Vermont agriculture far surpasses anyone else in the arena. She has tirelessly devoted herself in worthwhile efforts to improve and protect the wellbeing of Vermont dairy farming.
B is for business. As a small business owner himself, Paul Ralston is no stranger to the challenges Vermont businesses face. Like our dairy producers and agribusinesses, Paul deals with the obstacles associated with running a business in the modern era. Marie and Paul both share an understanding of what it takes to get it done.
C is for community. Not only do business leaders like Marie and Paul provide decent jobs for our community, the money they and their employees spend goes back into our community and local economy. The strength of our community relies entirely on the strength of our local businesses. Just drive through a town where most of the Main Street businesses have closed up shop, and you will see what I mean. If you want to see community at its very best, go to the annual Breakfast on the Farm, which Marie’s Blue Spruce hosted last year. These events are an absolute shining example of our local dairy farms and businesses reaching out to the community to educate them about what they are all about. Marie and her family excelled at making the community feel welcomed and appreciated.
These are a few of my thoughts. Naturally, there are other issues that are important to me, just as I imagine there are other issues that are important to you. But I see agriculture, business, and community as being central to the future of Vermont, and that is why I support Audet and Ralston for Vermont Senate.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on September 20, 2018.
I have been part of the Vermont dairy industry for my entire adult life, so it should not come as any surprise that I would strongly support one of my own. I hope you will join me on November 6 in voting for Independents Marie Audet and Paul Ralston for Vermont Senate in the Addison District.
Marie and Paul are running a unique campaign in that they are running as a “ticket.” They promise to work in tandem and pull the rope in the same direction. How often have you heard, “I can’t get anything done because I can’t get anyone else to go along with my ideas?” Here we have an opportunity to send two like-minded people to Montpelier.
When contemplating who will receive my vote on Election Day, I have a very simple way of deciding my candidates of choice. I like to think of it as my ABC’s.
A is for agriculture. Marie Audet is one of the most qualified candidates to advocate for dairy farming in Vermont that I have seen in a very long time. Her commitment to Vermont agriculture far surpasses anyone else in the arena. She has tirelessly devoted herself in worthwhile efforts to improve and protect the wellbeing of Vermont dairy farming.
B is for business. As a small business owner himself, Paul Ralston is no stranger to the challenges Vermont businesses face. Like our dairy producers and agribusinesses, Paul deals with the obstacles associated with running a business in the modern era. Marie and Paul both share an understanding of what it takes to get it done.
C is for community. Not only do business leaders like Marie and Paul provide decent jobs for our community, the money they and their employees spend goes back into our community and local economy. The strength of our community relies entirely on the strength of our local businesses. Just drive through a town where most of the Main Street businesses have closed up shop, and you will see what I mean. If you want to see community at its very best, go to the annual Breakfast on the Farm, which Marie’s Blue Spruce hosted last year. These events are an absolute shining example of our local dairy farms and businesses reaching out to the community to educate them about what they are all about. Marie and her family excelled at making the community feel welcomed and appreciated.
These are a few of my thoughts. Naturally, there are other issues that are important to me, just as I imagine there are other issues that are important to you. But I see agriculture, business, and community as being central to the future of Vermont, and that is why I support Audet and Ralston for Vermont Senate.
Note: This letter first appeared in the Addison Independent on September 20, 2018.
Leonard S. Bull, New Haven
I am a resident of Addison County. Part of our pride in Vermont is to have Vermont first on so many things. I think that Addison County has an opportunity on election day to be first in Vermont and maybe also in the nation, by electing two Independents to represent us in the state legislature. Marie Audet and Paul Ralston are seeking election to the two senate seats that are to be filled on election day and we can do nothing better to set an example of how to eliminate the gridlock that is caused by party influence in our government at all levels.
Marie and Paul are incredibly capable, experienced people, very active small business owners and real residents, and both with the kind of philosophy and intelligent approach to making government work for us that we need.
I encourage Addison County residents to help us take the first step in making democracy work again by eliminating the party line influence here in Vermont and as a model for the entire nation. I encourage casting your vote for this capable team of candidates when you go to the polls or file your absentee ballot.
Note: This letter of support first appeared in the Addison Independent on Monday, September 3, 2018.
Marie and Paul are incredibly capable, experienced people, very active small business owners and real residents, and both with the kind of philosophy and intelligent approach to making government work for us that we need.
I encourage Addison County residents to help us take the first step in making democracy work again by eliminating the party line influence here in Vermont and as a model for the entire nation. I encourage casting your vote for this capable team of candidates when you go to the polls or file your absentee ballot.
Note: This letter of support first appeared in the Addison Independent on Monday, September 3, 2018.