After much reflection, I have decided not to seek reelection this year to the Vermont House of Representatives.
Before the primary season moves forward, I wanted to personally share that decision with the community that has supported, encouraged, challenged, and trusted me throughout so many years of public service.
For more than five decades, my life has been deeply connected to this community — as an entrepreneur, coach, educator, mentor, student, advocate, school board member, legislator, and neighbor. From my earliest days working with young people in Hartford beginning in the 1970s, to sixteen years serving in the Vermont Legislature, to nearly two decades on the Hartford School Board, public service has never simply been a position to me. It has been a responsibility and a privilege.
Together, we have worked through times of growth, challenge, disagreement, celebration, and change. Through it all, I have always believed that our community is strongest when we lead with respect, compassion, opportunity, and a commitment to one another.
I have been humbled by the trust voters placed in me election after election. Whether we agreed on every issue or not, I never forgot who I worked for. I always tried to lead with integrity, accessibility, and the belief that every person deserves to be heard and treated with dignity.
Over the years, I have been honored to work on issues involving education, civil rights, social equity, children and families, justice reform, disability advocacy, and opportunity for all Vermonters. Those efforts were never accomplished alone. They were only possible because of partnerships with community members, colleagues, educators, advocates, and everyday citizens who cared deeply about making Vermont better for the next generation.
As many of you know, Hartford has always been home in the truest sense of the word. The values I learned here shaped every role I have ever held. Even as this chapter of elected service comes to a close, my commitment to this community and to the work of equity, justice, and opportunity will continue.
Public service is ultimately about stewardship. At some point, every generation must make room for new voices and new leadership while continuing to encourage civility, respect, and community responsibility. I have great faith in the people who will continue that work moving forward.
To every constituent, student, colleague, educator, family member, volunteer, supporter, and friend who walked this journey with me over these many years: thank you.
Thank you for your trust.
Thank you for your honesty.
Thank you for your encouragement.
And thank you for allowing me the honor of serving this remarkable community.