It takes a lot to decide to run for office. Unfortunately, the direction our national politics has taken in regards to the divisiveness of political parties does not help. One of the appeals Vermont held for me when I attended grad school in Brattleboro back in 2008 was that there is a level of statesmanship/stateswomanship about politics here that is rare to find elsewhere. We have more than just a two party system and my experience has been that we are able to come to solutions through civil discussion despite our differences in order to take care of our community.
We may disagree on how to solve issues in our community. Yet we often agree on what we want our outcomes to be - a better future for those who come after us; a safe place to live and work; good educational opportunities; a place to take risks on business ventures. We agree people should have good paying jobs which are meaningful and can cover our living expenses like heat, electricity, food, clothing and shelter. We agree that roads should be fixed and bridges should be built. We agree that we should have safe communities by supporting our fire, medical and police departments. We agree that those who have given so much to our communities over the decades should be able to age with dignity in the place they call home. We agree that the glorious nature we love should be protected so that we can continue to enjoy it. And we agree that democracy should be protected.
In other words, the Democratic party I have aligned myself with does not define me. It merely gives you a glimpse of the values I hold. But it is only through conversations that we can get to really know one another in our community. I am grateful to those in our community who have opened their doors and allowed me a chance to introduce myself and get to know one another. This position of State Representative, to me, means that I would represent you and the community who elected me. And I would not be a good representative if I did not first listen to those whom I am suppose to represent. I pledge to this community that as your State Representative for WAS-ORA that I will continue to listen beyond election day as well as keep you informed of what is happening at the statehouse.
Aside from those conversations we've been having, another way for you to get to know your candidates is to listen in this Monday, October 17th as ORCA media and The Bridge bring you a live forum. Your WAS-ORA State Representative candidates we will weigh in on some of the issues that have come up the most this election cycle. So tune in at 6PM to get to know us a bit better by using this link: https://montpelierbridge.org/2022/10/the-bridge-and-orca-media-offer-eleven-candidate-forums/.
And as always, you are more than welcome to contact me through my website: www.melissabattahvt.com
Nov 27, 2024, 3 to 5:15 PM
Art ShowNov 29, 10 AM to 5 PM, Nov 30, 2024
Holiday Sing-Along at the Grange!Dec 1, 2024, 2:30 to 4:30 PM