Editor’s note: This story by John Gregg first appeared in the Valley News on June 1, 2016.
Voters in Vermont’s Aug. 9 primary will have some choosing to do in the two-seat Vermont House Windsor-Orange district representing Norwich, Thetford, Strafford and Sharon.
Nick Clark, a 28-year-old Democrat who helped found Upper Valley Young Liberals, has filed to run against state Reps. Tim Briglin and Jim Masland, both D-Thetford.
Clark, a freelance web developer, said the incumbents aren’t focused enough on issues of concern to his generation.
“I don’t think the culture in Montpelier is connected to young adults, and it’s driving young adults out of the state, and it’s affecting the tax base,” said Clark, who grew up in Norwich, where his family owns property, and who recently moved to a rental apartment in Thetford with his girlfriend.
Masland, 67, noted that he is a trustee of the state college system and thinks frequently about the in-flow and out-flow of young adults. “I think it’s clear he wants to target his age group, and that’s perfectly reasonable. It’s a democracy, of course. Anyone can run,” Masland said.
Briglin, reached via email, said, “I take being a state representative very seriously, whether it’s legislating, constituent service or campaigning. It’s a privilege to represent these four towns and I work hard 12 months a year, not just during campaign season, on my constituents’ behalf.”
Other contested primaries include the two-seat Windsor 4-2 district, where state Reps. Kevin “Coach” Christie and Gabrielle Lucke, both D-White River Junction, are being challenged by former Hartford School Board member Kevin Arnold and Ashley Andreas, another member of the Young Liberals group. Charlie Davenport and Kevin “Sarge” Stuart are running as Republicans.
In the Windsor 5 district representing Woodstock, Reading and Plymouth, Woodstock businessman Charlie Kimbell and former professor Ron Miller are running as Democrats. Republican Keith Cappellini, of Plymouth, is also vying to replace state Rep. Alison Clarkson, D-Woodstock, who is running for state Senate.
House Majority Leader Sarah Copeland Hanzas, D-Bradford, who is unopposed for re-election, said her party is “really pleased with the slate of candidates we are fielding” for the 150-seat Vermont House, though some Progressives are also running as Democrats. “We have over 110 races where we have authentic Democrats running, and the exciting part about it is we feel they really represent the demographic spectrum of Vermont,” Copeland Hanzas said.
Democrats hold 85 seats in the House, independents and Progressives 6 apiece, and Republicans 53. Copeland Hanzas plans to run for House speaker if Democrats retain their majority, but said electing a Democratic majority is her focus right now.
