Forum for Oct. 25, 2024: GOP candidate for Windsor Senate seat

Published: 10-25-2024 3:25 PM

Republican runs for Vermont Senate

I’m Andrea Murray and running for Vermont Senate in the Windsor District because we must make Vermont more affordable.

I’m a farmer in Weathersfield, businesswoman and mom who’s struggling too — with a soaring cost of living, high property taxes and feeling we’re not being heard by career politicians. It’s now time to restore balance in Montpelier with new leadership.

As a Native American woman, I carry a deep concern for the destruction of our rural way of life. Our land, traditions and strong sense of community are the heart of who we are as Vermonters. Too many young families are being forced to leave the state because they can’t afford to stay and build their lives and homes here in Vermont.

My vision is for a Vermont where we can all thrive, where our government works for the people, not partisan politics. I’m committed to bringing us back to the middle, by listening, doing what’s right and working hard for the people who trust me to represent them.

I support Gov. Scott’s plan for fiscally responsible solutions that create opportunity and growth — not more taxes. I pledge to vote “no” on the Clean Heat Standard debacle and focus on attainable climate goals instead of unsustainable mandates.

Please make your voice heard and vote Andrea Murray, now or on Nov. 5, for balance and affordability!

I am proudly endorsed by Gov. Jim Douglas, former state Sen. and future Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, Sen. Terry Williams, Sen. Brian Collamore, Sen. David Weeks, former Sen. Wendy Wilton, AGC/VT, and more!

Andrea Murray

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Weathersfield

The writer is a Republican candidate for Vermont Senate from the Windsor District.

Trump is not Republican

In a recent letter in the Valley News, the treasurer of the Hanover Republican Committee encouraged the public to vote the Republican ticket. He offered concerns about the current administration being the reason for a Republican vote.

While I would not advise making a political decision based on information I read in a retirement magazine (his source), there were some facts that make his suggestion understandable. Yes, the border situation remains broken as it has for decades, yet the writer conveniently forgot that former president Trump never built the wall he promised. The cost of living is definitely higher and many are struggling. However, there was no appreciation of the Biden administration’s success in job creation, the highest Dow Jones in history, medication cost reduction or infrastructure improvements across the country. Inflation has also cooled considerably. This letter could not accommodate a full list of positives.

The writer also omitted a significant fact: A Republican vote is for Donald Trump, who is not a Republican. There is nothing in his platform that suggests he reflects the values of former successful Republican leaders of the past and the Republican Party exists in name only. Trump is incapable of demonstrating he cares about you, unless you also hate the wide swath of the US public that Trump shows his contempt for.

A vote for Trump is also a vote for JD Vance. If elected, Trump will not last four years, as his more recent and increasingly erratic presentations show obvious cognitive decline. JD Vance wrote the foreword for the Project 2025 leader’s book and he would be your president at some point in the four years. It is hard to say who would be worse. Incredibly, it is probably Vance.

You don’t have to be a Democrat to vote for sanity, reason and someone who cares about all Americans. The Harris/Walz ticket is imperfect. I’d suggest imperfect over catastrophic.

Brendan Hickey

Lebanon

Vote Democratic
for Windsor District

There’s a reason you see lots of signs for Alison Clarkson, Becca White and Joe Major now: They are the cream of the crop running for the Vermont State Senate, and Windsor County voters recognize these stellar candidates. These three share a deep understanding of our communities’ needs and have records as public servants showing they know how to get tough things done to help all Vermonters.

As Senate Majority Leader, Clarkson has spearheaded impactful measures on quality education, public safety, economic justice and affordable health care. Those same policies inform Becca White’s work in Montpelier, as well as efforts to deal with climate resilience. And Joe Major’s leadership as Harford’s town treasurer underscores his keen eye for vital policies within tight budgets. All three care deeply about you and your quality of life, and their track record bears this out.

With the many challenges facing our state, it makes sense to elect proven leaders with experience and know-how to advocate for our community. Join me in voting for Alison Clarkson, Becca White and Joe Major for Vermont State Senate on Nov. 5. Thank you.

Bob Williamson

South Woodstock