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Cain addresses local voters
Editor of the Reformer:
From now until Aug. 28, you have an opportunity to be a part of history making. Your vote will allow for a change in how the political conversation will be presented for the future of Windham County. Your concerns will be listened to, your e-mails will be returned promptly and your collective voice will be heard.
You decide if you want to have someone who has been active in our community for the past 15 years, who you have seen on BCTV advocating for safety and infrastructure, who wants to partner with local companies to employ the future generation before they leave high school, and who knows how important your health care is for you and your family.
It may just take a single mom to stand up and say how we can feed the hungry and house the homeless in Windham County. It may take a single mom to speak up about senior care and the family friendly policies to help our most vulnerable population thrive.
It may just take a strong individual who stands up to advocate for the best education possible for our future generation.
It may be the answer to changing the economic situation by electing an individual with a marketing background that spans Chicago, Los Angeles and Greater Atlanta to whip our county back to the economic prosperity that it once was. It may be important to have an individual who is Internet savvy, who will go out of state to bring back
Your vote is critical in implementing these changes.
Voting is now underway. You can request a ballot from your town clerk. You can vote directly at your town clerk’s office. You can come to the polls in your area on Aug. 28 and show how much you want to change the way politics is being conducted.
I appreciate your help in continuing the conversations for Windham County. It has been a distinct pleasure to speak with you over the years. I have heard your concerns. I have had the courage to stand up and take stands that were not necessarily popular. I have been able to do so with your encouragement, wisdom and insight.
Its been a fabulous campaign and I thank each of you for making me so proud of the work we have done. Together, anything is possible
Mary Cain,
Brattleboro, Aug. 16
In support
of O’Connor
Editor of the Reformer:
It is our pleasure to support Kate O’Connor for the District 3 House seat.
We have known the O’Connor family for decades. Kate’s father, Tim O’Connor, represented Brattleboro in the state legislature and was elected as Vermont’s first Democratic Speaker of the House. As House Speaker, Tim was respected by his colleagues for his fairness, his willingness to listen to all sides and for his desire to do what was right for all Vermonters. We’d call Kate a chip off the old block.
Kate has the experience that will help her serve the people of Brattleboro with distinction. She was born and raised in Brattleboro. She graduated from BUHS and has a degree in political science from Bates College. She is a town meeting representative and member of the Building a Better Brattleboro board.
Kate is the candidate who can hit the ground running. For more than 14 years she worked as an aide to Gov. Howard Dean, serving as a senior advisor on policy and politics and as Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs, a member of his cabinet. Gov. Peter Shumlin has endorsed Kate citing the experience she will bring to the legislature.
This is an important election and every vote will count. We urge you to make your voice heard on Primary Day -- Tuesday, Aug. 28. The polls will be open at the BUHS gym between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
We wholeheartedly support Kate O’Connor. She has the principles, common sense and experience to do a great job for the people of Brattleboro.
Hugh and Iris Bronson,
Brattleboro, Aug. 13
In support
of Toleno
Editor of the Reformer:
I am writing to express my support for Tristan Toleno in the race for State Representative from District 3.
I first came to know Tristan as the chef and managing partner of Riverview Café. Tristan and his partners lived out their stated values by working with local farmers and businesses and encouraging customers to do the same. Since that time I have continued to witness his commitment to our town and the overall health of our community.
Tristan is a community advisor to the Culinary Arts Program and taught a culinary course for adults at the Windham Regional Career Center. Most recently Tristan chose to study the Brattleboro Union High School and Brattleboro Area Middle School food program as his Capstone for his MBA degree from Marlboro College. The capstone sponsor for the program was the Windham Regional Career Center. I was pleased to be able to attend his capstone presentation. Tristan’s approach to the challenge of improving school food and wellness was to suggest a new business model for the production of school meals which would be integrated with the educational opportunities for vocational training. The concept he wrote about reflects his belief in the possibility of mission-driven business to affect change and the need for community engagement to make it happen. This project was not merely an academic exercise for Tristan; he has two children in the school system, one of whom is already a BAMS student. The strategies he identified are now being used as part of a grassroots effort by local parents and community members.
This experience also showed me he has the ability and desire to look at issues and find innovative approaches to improving things for the entire community -- a talent that will serve us well in the legislature. He digested hundreds of pages of federal and state laws and policies, found the critical points and then developed a creative business model that has the possibility of being a win-win for students’ health and our community’s financial obligations. He demonstrated the vision to re-imagine an alternative food system and a practical approach grounded in an understanding of the legal and financial constraints which impact schools.
Please join me in voting for Tristan Toleno in the District 3 Democratic primary on Aug. 28.
Betsy Gentile,
Brattleboro, Aug. 17
In support
of Sorrell
Editor of the Reformer:
I am writing this letter in support of the candidacy of Bill Sorrell for Vermont’s Attorney General.
I have known Bill Sorrell for many years and know him to be an honorable and dedicated man. He has served as Sec. of the Administration under Gov. Dean (a very tough job) and as Vermont’s Attorney General.
As is true with any good lawyer he has won many more cases than he has lost. His efforts are responsible for tens of millions of dollars coming into the state’s coffers annually. The tobacco case he won alone brings in twenty-five million dollars each year.
His opponent began reaching out to me during the last legislative session. He wanted to have a coffee and discuss the issues around the Entergy Nuclear Power Plant. I agreed to meet with him. We didn’t meet. He reached out to me no fewer than nine times requesting a meeting and each time I agreed to meet. To this day he has yet to schedule a meeting and we have never met to discuss issues that I was under the impression were important to him.
Just today we’ve learned that Sorrell’s Consumer Protection Division has won an additional $7.1 million dollars for Vermont. Bill Sorrell is a good man doing a good job. He deserves your support in the Democratic Primary on Aug. 28, or early voting if you prefer.
I’ll be voting for Bill Sorrell for Attorney General. He is a serious man and a man of his word.
Bob Stannard,
Manchester Center, Aug. 13
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Editor’s Note: With Primary Day fast-approaching (Aug. 28), we are aware that many letters in support of a candidate or from candidates will be sent to us. We will run as many as space allows before the election. Please note that support letters will not run after the Aug. 25-26 Weekend Reformer publishes.
