Support John Benson for the Vermont House
I have known John Benson for nearly 30 years — as a firefighter, engineer, fellow selectboard member, and friend. In every role, I have seen the same qualities: He listens carefully, solves problems thoughtfully, communicates well and follows through.
I first met John through the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department, where he served alongside my husband, Jeff, and later became chief. John worked to build a skilled department with the equipment and training it needed to protect our community. He sought grants for major purchases while keeping the cost of fire protection in mind for Brookfield taxpayers.
We also worked together on complex transportation projects. John brought engineering expertise, an understanding of state permitting, and an ability to bring people with different interests to the table. He kept projects moving toward results that served both the transportation network and the communities affected.
When we served on our respective selectboards, we shared ideas about the rising cost of ambulance service and regional approaches to law enforcement. We also worked together during flood recovery. If one of our towns learned something useful, we passed it along to help the other.
Across all those experiences, John’s approach has been consistent. He asks good questions before deciding, weighs the needs of the people involved, and explains his decisions clearly— even when someone disagrees. That kind of candor builds trust.
John also knows how to get people working together. His relationships with local, state, and federal leaders across party lines help him find answers, navigate difficult permits, and bring resources to a problem. He cares more about finding a workable solution than scoring political points.
I have watched John put those skills to work for decades. His judgment, experience, and commitment to the communities he serves are exactly what we need in Montpelier.