Hartland
Introduced by Campbell, who is leaving the Senate after 16 years, Kennedy laid out his reasons for running and some of the issues and challenges he believes he is well-qualified to tackle on behalf of county residents.
Kennedy, 26, said Windsor County, in addition to being the “birthplace” of the craft beer movement in Vermont, has much to offer from great ski areas and educational opportunities to strong businesses and cultural attractions. But it also is facing tough challenges that are driving many to leave the state.
“The cost of housing, child care and health care continue to be a burden and detriment to young people in the middle class,” Kennedy said. “I’ve watched retirees and people my age leave the state in pursuit of a place that is more affordable.”
Many are unable to stay in Vermont, start a career and raise a family because it is “too expensive,” he said.
“This is a problem that cannot be ignored and must be tackled in order for Vermont to thrive.”
Calling on those before him and others to assist in his candidacy, Kennedy said he will expand his platform in the coming days and schedule community meetings across the county in the coming months to meet voters and hear their concerns.
“In order to make our county a better place for people to raise their family, grow their business and enjoy Vermont’s great quality of life, it will take hard work and involvement of everyone to make these changes possible,” he said.
Maintaining strong education while lowering the cost, reducing state dependence on fossil fuels, expanding access to high speed Internet and creating a strong environment for business growth will be among Kennedy’s priorities.
Campbell, who is endorsing Kennedy to succeed him, praised the Hartland resident for his in-depth knowledge on a broad range of issues, his work ethic and willingness to go as far as necessary to help a constituent.
“There was not one day I had left the office and he wasn’t still there,” Campbell said. “When I came in the morning, he was there earlier than I was.”
He listened to Kennedy once explain to five veteran legislators a certain policy on ground water.
“That is when I knew there was a very special person here and someone who I really knew was going to be in a position to help other people and help this state achieve the goals we set forth,” Campbell said.
On another occasion, he learned of Kennedy’s successful effort — while he was skiing — to assist a man over the phone seeking mental health help for his wife. Campbell said he met the man recently.
“This man just broke down crying, saying he spent five days trying to get my wife help. This guy here did it in three hours.
“To me, this county and this state, need people like Conor Kennedy,” Campbell said. “As I leave my seat, I know he will take my place and I will tell you, I cannot be more proud as a personal friend and a mentor to Conor and knowing the people of Vermont are so much better off by having someone like Conor as their representative in Montpelier.”
Kennedy, who was a legislative page at age 14, said working to help others in the realm of public service is a rewarding endeavor.
“There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to help people resolve these issues they are facing every day.”
Thus far, State Rep. Alison Clarkson, D-Woodstock, recently announced her candidacy for the Senate, and state Sens. Dick McCormack, D-Bethel, and Alice Nitka, D-Ludlow, are expected to seek re-election. On the GOP front, county Republicans say Mark Donka, of Hartford, and Randy Gray, of Springfield, are running, and another candidate is likely to step forward as well.
Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.
