Biography
A proud graduate of Howard University and a former officer in the US Army, Major’s roots in service run deep. Hailing from Buffalo, New York, Major comes from a family of servicemen, instilling in him a strong sense of duty and dedication to community betterment. Since making his home in Vermont, Major has been actively involved in public service, including serving as the former vice chair of the Hartford selectboard. He is currently the Hartford town Treasurer.
Joe’s dedication to service extends beyond his professional roles in Hartford. He is involved in numerous boards and organizations dedicated to the public welfare in Windsor County and beyond. He currently serves as the president of the White River Rotary and sits on the boards of the Upper Valley Haven, Northern Stage Theater, Headrest, Junction Arts and Media, and the Governor’s Committee of the Employment of People with Disabilities. Additionally, Major is a board member of Vermont’s League of Cities and Towns, allowing him to stay abreast of state politics and its impact on municipalities across the state.
Candidate occupation
Treasure town of Hartford and Executive Director Upper Valley Aquatic Center
Why are you running for office?
I am running for the Vermont State Senate because I am deeply committed to helping people and improving the quality of life for all Vermonters. Our state faces critical challenges, from the urgent need to address climate change to improving education at all levels. I am dedicated to implementing sustainable solutions that protect our environment while fostering economic growth. Ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods is a top priority, as is tackling the rising drug crisis with comprehensive, compassionate approaches. I believe in a future where every Vermonter has access to quality education, safe communities, and the support they need to thrive.
Issues in brief
Do you believe Vermonters are better off now than they were 10 years ago?
Yes
Do you believe Vermont needs a new education funding formula?
Yes
Do you support imposing new taxes on the wealthiest Vermonters?
Yes
Do you support the establishment of overdose prevention centers?
Yes
Do you support a ban on flavored tobacco products?
Yes
Do you support increasing penalties for property crimes such as shoplifting?
Yes
Do you believe Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election?
Yes
Issues in depth
What would you do to help grow Vermont’s economy?
Growing the Vermont economy can be achieved through a variety of strategies focused on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. Provide grants, low-interest loans, and tax incentives to encourage entrepreneurship and help small businesses thrive. Create incubator programs and co-working spaces to support startups. Invest in marketing Vermont as a premier destination for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and local cuisine. Develop infrastructure and services to enhance the visitor experience. Invest in education and vocational training programs to equip Vermonters with the skills needed for high-demand industries.
What changes, if any, would you make to the way Vermont funds its schools?
To improve the Vermont education system, it is imperative to recalibrate the statewide funding formula to ensure equitable distribution of resources across all districts. The current formula should be revised to account for disparities in property wealth and student needs, ensuring that underfunded schools receive adequate support. This recalibration will help bridge the gap between affluent and less affluent districts, providing every student with equal opportunities for a high-quality education.
Additionally, reinstating the now-defunct infrastructure fund is crucial. Vermont’s school buildings are aging, and many require significant repairs and upgrades to provide safe and conducive learning environments. By re-establishing this fund, we can ensure that schools receive the necessary capital to address infrastructure deficits, including improvements in technology, safety measures, and energy efficiency.
Furthermore, the state should consider increasing investments in early childhood education, vocational training, and special education programs. Early intervention and specialized support can significantly impact students’ long-term success and reduce future costs associated with remedial education.
Transparency and community involvement in the budgeting process are also essential. Engaging parents, educators, and local stakeholders in funding decisions will help tailor solutions to the specific needs of each community, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to educational excellence.
By recalculating the funding formula, reinstating the infrastructure fund, and prioritizing targeted investments, Vermont can create a more equitable and effective education system that serves all students and prepares them for a prosperous future.
Is Vermont doing enough, too much or not enough to address climate change? Please explain.
Addressing whether Vermont is doing enough, too much, or not enough to tackle climate change is a complex issue, particularly in light of the state’s ambitious mandate to be carbon neutral by 2030. Vermont is ahead of many states in its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy sources. Initiatives like expanding solar and wind energy, investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable agriculture demonstrate Vermont’s proactive stance.
However, the question remains whether these efforts are sufficient. The push for carbon neutrality necessitates rapid and extensive changes, which can be challenging to implement within the given timeframe. On the one hand, accelerating these efforts could place a significant financial burden on the state and its residents. Investments in green technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and incentives for renewable energy adoption require substantial funding, which may strain the state budget and impact other critical areas such as education and healthcare.
On the other hand, the long-term costs of inaction or insufficient action could be even higher, including increased healthcare costs due to pollution, economic losses from climate-related disasters, and the irreversible damage to Vermont’s natural environment. Therefore, there must be a balance between ambitious climate goals and fiscal responsibility.
To achieve this balance, Vermont could focus on scalable, cost-effective solutions, seek federal funding and grants, and encourage private sector investment in green technologies. Engaging the community and fostering public-private partnerships can also help distribute the financial burden more equitably while ensuring sustained progress toward carbon neutrality. Ultimately, the state’s efforts should be both aggressive and pragmatic, ensuring environmental sustainability without compromising economic stability.
Is Vermont doing enough, too much or not enough to regulate gun ownership? Please explain.
In the last five years, Vermont’s gun laws have made significant strides toward enhancing public safety. Key measures such as mandatory background checks for private gun sales, banning high-capacity magazines over 15 rounds, and allowing court-ordered seizure of firearms from individuals deemed an extreme risk have substantially advanced gun safety in the state. These reforms aim to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands and reduce the potential for gun-related violence.
However, there is still more work to be done. Despite these improvements, Vermont remains a state where carrying a weapon, whether openly or concealed, does not require a permit. This permissive stance on carrying firearms underscores the need for additional regulations to ensure responsible gun ownership and further protect public safety.
Continued efforts could include implementing a permitting system for carrying concealed weapons, enhancing mental health support and intervention programs, and promoting responsible gun storage practices. By building on recent advancements and addressing remaining gaps, Vermont can continue to strengthen its gun laws and create a safer environment for all its residents.
What would you do to help ease Vermont’s housing crisis?
Addressing Vermont’s housing crisis requires a multifaceted approach that tackles both availability and affordability issues. To increase housing supply, the state can incentivize and streamline the development of affordable housing units through tax incentives, grants, and zoning reforms that encourage denser development and mixed-use projects. This could include repurposing underutilized spaces or vacant lots for residential use, particularly in urban areas where demand is high.
Additionally, supporting the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and tiny homes can provide more affordable housing options while also promoting sustainable living. Encouraging public-private partnerships to invest in affordable housing developments and offering subsidies or low-interest loans to developers committed to affordability goals can also expand housing availability.
To address affordability, policies such as rent control or stabilization measures, as well as expanding rental assistance programs, can help mitigate rising housing costs. Implementing regulations to prevent housing discrimination and promoting inclusive zoning practices can ensure equitable access to housing opportunities for all Vermonters.
Moreover, addressing the root causes of homelessness through supportive services, mental health care, and addiction treatment programs can prevent individuals and families from falling into housing instability. By combining these approaches with community engagement and long-term planning, Vermont can work towards a sustainable solution to its housing crisis, ensuring that every resident has access to safe, affordable housing options.
How would you address rising homelessness in Vermont?
Addressing homelessness in Vermont requires a comprehensive approach that combines immediate interventions with long-term solutions. Providing stable and affordable housing options is paramount; this includes expanding supportive housing programs that offer wraparound services such as mental health care, addiction treatment, and job training. Collaborating with nonprofit organizations and community partners to increase emergency shelter capacity and transitional housing options can provide temporary relief while individuals work towards permanent housing solutions.
Investing in prevention strategies, such as rental assistance programs and eviction prevention initiatives, can help individuals and families at risk of homelessness maintain stable housing. Strengthening coordination between social services, healthcare providers, and housing agencies can ensure that homeless individuals receive the support they need to regain stability and independence.
Additionally, addressing systemic issues such as income inequality, access to affordable healthcare, and educational opportunities can prevent homelessness from occurring in the first place. By fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment and prioritizing equity in housing policies, Vermont can create pathways out of homelessness and build a more resilient and compassionate society.
What would you do to increase access to health care services for Vermonters?
Vermonters can achieve better access to healthcare through several initiatives. Expanding Medicaid coverage to include more low-income individuals and families can increase access to essential medical services. Promoting telehealth services and mobile clinics can overcome geographic barriers, especially in rural areas. Encouraging collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations can enhance outreach and education on available healthcare options. Additionally, investing in healthcare workforce development and retention programs can ensure a sufficient number of providers to meet the state’s healthcare needs. By implementing these strategies and advocating for policies that prioritize healthcare accessibility and affordability, Vermont can improve overall health outcomes and ensure that all residents have equitable access to necessary medical care.
Financial disclosure
Candidates for state and legislative offices are required to submit a financial disclosure when filing to run. These disclosures include each source, but not the amount, of personal income of each candidate, and of their spouse or domestic partner, that singly or jointly totals more than $5,000 for the previous 12 months. The information provided is an opportunity for voters to learn about candidates’ potential conflicts of interest.
You can find Major’s financial disclosure here.
Disclaimer
We emailed a questionnaire to every candidate with a valid email address. The responses provided by candidates are in their own words. VTDigger has not edited or fact-checked information provided.
If this is your candidacy and you’d like to fill out the questionnaire or report an error, please contact us at voterguide@vtdigger.org.
