Voters in the Vermont House Windsor-1 District, which covers Hartland and Windsor, will fill two seats on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Democrats Dylan Morse of Hartland and John Tansey of Windsor face independent Rich Thomas of Windsor.
The Valley News sent a survey to the candidates about their experience, why they are running and what they see as the biggest issue facing the state. Thomas did not respond. Morse’s and Tansey’s answers, edited lightly for style, appear below.
Both Democrats name the cost of living as the state’s biggest challenge and describe themselves as new voices in Montpelier. Morse focuses on housing, school mandates and healthcare. Tansey points to a range of costs, from taxes to healthcare, and stresses working together across differences. Thomas did not return the questionnaire.
DYLAN MORSE
Democrat · VT House Windsor-1
Dylan Morse
23, Democrat, Hartland
Political experience: Assisted Gov. Phil Scott’s workforce development team; worked with U.S. Sen. Peter Welch’s agriculture policy team.
Professional experience: Athletic director in Hartland; previously an elections administrator.
Community service: Registering voters, coaching youth sports, property cleanups for older residents.
Why are you running? Government isn’t working well enough for everyday people. It’s time for new voices and a new generation of leadership to help make Vermont a more livable place for workers and families.
Biggest issue: The biggest issue facing the state is the cost of living. I would address it by reforming land use laws and building more 21st-century housing, halting unfunded mandates being placed on our schools, and advocating for universal preventive and primary care.
Online: morseforvermont.com; Instagram: @dylanmorseforvt
JOHN TANSEY
Democrat · VT House Windsor-1
John Tansey
64, Democrat, Windsor
Political experience: First time running for state office.
Professional experience: Recently retired from a career running international programs at Dartmouth College and the Peace Corps.
Community service: I’ve served on and chaired municipal, school, hospital and economic development boards.
Why are you running? I’m running for state office because this is a defining moment. I have strong local ties and a record of public service with results. Now retired, I want to help solve Vermont’s pressing challenges.
Biggest issue: Affordability is Vermont’s biggest issue. We need solutions for living costs, taxes, housing, healthcare and more, while supporting quality schools, attracting good-paying jobs and continuing to protect the environment. To do this, we must work together with respect and kindness.
Online: tanseyforvt.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. |