Voters in the Vermont House district Windsor-4 will choose among independent Kyle Hansen of Pomfret, Democrat Michael Hoyt of Hartford and Peace and Justice candidate Justin Schoville of Barnard for one seat on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
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. Hoyt and Schoville did not respond. Hansen’s answers, edited lightly for style, appear below.
Hansen, a Pomfret Selectboard member and zoning administrator, points to the cost of housing. He calls for tax relief for people who already own homes, rules on short-term rentals and more affordable starter homes. Hoyt and Schoville did not return the questionnaire.
Editor’s Note: Michael Hoyt completed the questionnaire after the initial publication of this article. We’ve added his lightly edited response below.
KYLE HANSEN
Independent · VT House Windsor-4
Kyle Hansen
27, Independent, North Pomfret
Political experience: Pomfret Selectboard member; Pomfret Zoning Board of Adjustment member.
Professional experience: I am currently Chelsea’s zoning administrator. I have worked in the field for the past two years.
Community service: I have volunteered as a coach for the Woodstock MTB fifth- and sixth-grade team for the past five years.
Why are you running? Vermont is unaffordable for many of us who live and work here. I am running to be a voice for everyone who feels left behind, to make Vermont affordable and work for all working people.
Biggest issue: The cost of housing is too high for Vermonters. We need tax reform to ease the tax burden on working and retired Vermonters who already own their homes and land. We must also regulate short-term rentals and incentivize the construction of more affordable starter homes for first-time homebuyers.
Online: kyle4windsor4vt.com
MICHAEL HOYT
Democrat · VT House Windsor-4
50, Democrat, Hartford
Political experience: Windsor 4 Representative.
Professional experience: Attorney Vermont Legislature/Program Manager Dartmouth College.
Community service: Hartford Selectboard 5 years.
Why are you running? I believe deeply in public service and want to use my skills to improve the lives of Vermonters.
Biggest issue: Affordability. We need to reduce our property taxes by thoughtfully reforming our school funding formula and moving school employee health insurance plans to reference-based pricing. We must continue to invest in housing rehabilitation and ease the permitting process for building new housing.
Online: votehoytwindsor4.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. |