Northeast Kingdom activist Katherine Sims is running for the open House seat representing Caledonia and Orleans counties.
“We want a Vermont that invests in rural communities. Where all families have a fair shot in today’s economy. Where we protect the land and environment for future generations,” Sims said in a statement Wednesday.
Sims is director of the nonprofit Northeast Kingdom Collaborative, an advocacy group promoting causes in the rural region. She lives in Craftsbury, which is part of the Orleans-Caledonia District that includes Albany, Barton, Glover, Greensboro, Sheffield and Wheelock.
Decade-long incumbent Rep. Sam Young, D-Greensboro — who told the Barton Chronicle last month that he would not seek re-election — endorsed Sims.
“I am grateful to be able to pass the torch to Katherine,” Young said in a statement Wednesday. “She will be a formidable advocate for the needs of our area, and I will be very happy to have her represent me.”
Sen. Bobby Starr, D-Essex/Orleans, also praised Sims in the release, saying, “She has the leadership skills and energy to be an effective representative starting on day one.”
Over the last year, Sims was one of the lead organizers of the push to bring more access to broadband internet in the Kingdom through a communications union district.
Sims was the 2016 Democratic candidate in the Orleans-Lamoille District, where she lost to incumbent Republican Mark Higley.
