Campaign signs are in!
Email me at laurasibiliavt@gmail.com if you would like to host one
The candidates have been notified that two candidate forums for the district have been scheduled by the Deerfield Valley Rotary and the Deerfield Valley News:
Dover Town Hall on Wednesday, October 22, at 7 pm. The forum will include Windham County Senate candidates and the three candidates for the Windham-Bennington House district. The evening will include an opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves to voters, answer questions posed by a Rotary Club moderator, as well as questions from the audience.
Readsboro’s historic Bullock Building on Tuesday, October 28, at 7 pm. The forum will include the Bennington County Senate Candidates and the three candidates for the Windham-Bennington House district. The evening will include an opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves to voters, answer questions posed by a Rotary Club moderator, as well as questions from the audience.
Thank you to everyone who came out to the successful campaign fundraiser earlier this month – we exceeded our expectations for the day and had fun doing it!
I’ve recently been elected Windham County’s Associate Representative for the Vermont School Boards Association. This organization is doing a great job educating school board members around the state about the impacts to the state education property tax with an easy to understand presentation on current educational spending data:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCorQL3gjio&feature=youtu.be
I’ll be writing again soon about how I think we need to address the education and property tax challenges in our state.
Last Sunday I attended the Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival and saw many old friends! Back in 2007/2008 when I was at the chamber, we worked really hard to develop this “state” festival for our area. There have been many challenges, including a need to develop legislation to allow bottle sales at festivals, the great recession and having to cancel the 2011 festival due to Tropical Storm Irene. I’m so pleased to see it continuing to grow and thrive despite the challenges!
Lastly, I share the concerns I am hearing from voters about Vermont Health Connect. This is a really big, really expensive challenge that Vermonter’s want done right. The Governor’s continued refusal to tell us how he proposes to pay for single payer until after the election as well as the recent taking down of the Vermont Health Connect website for repairs are both causes for serious concern. On the flip side, I think one of the things the Administration did really right in attempting to get a grip on this situation was putting former Agency of Commerce and Community Secretary Lawrence Miller in charge. I’ve worked with Lawrence on flood recovery and the Windham Region Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, and I have a lot of respect for his capability, candor and energy. If anyone can help devise a sensible way forward, and I am not convinced anyone can, it would be he. I have reached out to him to ask when he or Commissioner Robin Lunge might be available to come and answer voters questions, and will let you know when and if they are able to come and take your questions.
I’m proud of the response the campaign has received so far and grateful for the time, talents and opinions of so many that have helped the campaign to date. If you agree that we can do more for our district with fresh energy representing us, I’m asking for your vote BY November 4th (remember you can vote now!)
You can find information on upcoming events, all of my contact information, my snail mail address, ways to volunteer and lawn sign request form at my website.
Thank you!
Laura
Vermont State Representative Laura Sibilia 