Seven candidates are running for the Windsor District’s three state Senate seats on Tuesday, Nov. 3:
- Democratic Sens. Joe Major and Becca White, both of Hartford
- Democrat/Progressive state Rep. Elizabeth Burrows of West Windsor
- Republicans Jonathan Gleason of Ludlow, and Andrea Murray and Jack Williams, both of Weathersfield
- Independent Joe Izzo of Springfield
One seat is open because Sen. Alison Clarkson of Woodstock did not seek a sixth term.
The Valley News sent a survey to all seven candidates about their experience, why they are running and what they see as the biggest issue facing the state. Burrows, Gleason, Izzo, Murray and Williams did not respond. Major’s and White’s answers, edited lightly for style, appear below.
Both incumbents who responded point to the cost of living, especially healthcare. Major focuses on bringing down hospital prices. White pairs the cost of living with income inequality and says reducing healthcare costs is a main priority.
JOE MAJOR
Democrat · VT Senate Windsor District
61, Democrat, Hartford
Political experience: Vermont state senator; Hartford town treasurer; Hartford Selectboard vice chair.
Professional experience: More than 30 years in health club management.
Community service: White River Junction Rotary; boards of the Haven, Northern Stage and JAM; governor’s disability committee.
Why are you running? I’m running to make Vermont more affordable, protect rural communities, strengthen schools, and expand access to healthcare and housing.
Biggest issue: Healthcare is Vermont’s biggest challenge. I’ll fight to lower hospital costs, increase transparency and advance S.190’s reference-based pricing approach to bring hospital prices closer to the national median by 2030, making care and insurance more affordable for all Vermonters.
Online: joemajorvt.com
BECCA WHITE
Democrat · VT Senate Windsor District
32, Democrat, Hartford
Political experience: Hartford Selectboard; state representative; current state senator.
Professional experience: Multiple jobs: SunCommon, Upper Valley Food Co-op and now Emerge America, where I am regional training director.
Community service: Member and volunteer, First Universalist Society of Hartland; many boards and commissions.
Why are you running? I am running for re-election to be one of the three Windsor District senators because I believe every person deserves the opportunity to thrive, and elected service is my path to making that happen.
Biggest issue: Cost of living and income inequality combined are the biggest issue I believe our state is facing today. I have multiple specific bills that offer reductions in cost that I have introduced and will be reintroducing, and on a bigger-picture level, reducing healthcare costs is a main priority.
Online: beccawhitevt.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. |