Two candidates are running for Vermont’s Orange District state Senate seat on Tuesday, Nov. 3: Republican Sen. John Benson of Brookfield and Democratic/Progressive state Rep. Monique Priestley of Bradford. Gov. Phil Scott appointed Benson to the seat after Sen. Larry Hart resigned.

Priestley, a state representative for four years, names the economy as the biggest issue, pointing to housing, property taxes and healthcare. She also says she would keep pushing to rein in Big Tech.

The Valley News sent both candidates a survey about their experience, why they are running and what they see as the biggest issue facing the state. Benson did not respond. Priestley’s answers, edited lightly for style, appear below.

MONIQUE PRIESTLEY

Monique Priestley, Democratic/Progressive candidate for state Senate in the Orange District. (Courtesy photograph) Credit: CARMEN GEORGE

Democrat/Progressive · VT Senate Orange District

40, Democrat/Progressive, Bradford

Political experience: State representative for four years; IT Oversight vice chair; Rural Caucus co-chair; town government for 17 years.

Professional experience: Twenty-two years working in technology. Founded and led a local community hub, The Space On Main, for nine years.

Community service: Have volunteered for 17 years in board of directors roles for two dozen nonprofits and town commissions.

Why are you running? As an Upper Valley kid, I’ve watched our towns get caught in resource gaps. We need a senator who shows up and fights louder for rural Vermont. I am also a fierce leader on policy to rein in Big Tech.

Biggest issue: Our economy. Housing, property taxes and healthcare are squeezing families and small, local businesses. We need more homes in small towns, fairer taxes and an end to corporate technology practices that drive up the cost of everything, from rent to car insurance to medical bills.

Online: priestleyvt.com

CANDIDATES: STILL WANT TO BE INCLUDED? If you are running for office in the Upper Valley and have not received the Valley News candidate questionnaire, contact Managing Editor Allison Rogers at arogers@vnews.com or 603-727-3220, or Deputy Editor Molly Hughes at mhughes@vnews.com or 603-727-3213.