Biography
Thomas is the Deputy Mayor of Winooski, bringing extensive community service experience from his tenure on the Safe, Healthy Connected People Commission. He resides in Winooski with his husband Michael, an Army veteran, along with their dog Charlie and a flock of six chickens.
Thomas’s dedication to public service began early, starting with his first job after graduating from the University of Vermont, where he worked for Senator Patrick Leahy. Most recently, he served as a community liaison for Congresswoman Becca Balint.
Throughout his career, Thomas has engaged deeply with Vermonters and businesses, gaining valuable insights into the challenges they face. His roles have afforded him the opportunity to travel across Vermont, listening to and amplifying the voices of the community.
On the Winooski City Council, Thomas has been a proactive advocate for pragmatic development initiatives aimed at addressing the housing crisis, fostering small business growth, and advancing equity throughout the city. He looks forward to bringing his experience to the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
Candidate occupation
Community Liaison for Congresswoman Balint (on leave)
Why are you running for office?
I am running for Lieutenant Governor to ensure that Montpelier hears the voices of everyday Vermonters. Vermonters deserve a Lieutenant Governor who values their role, fosters connections with the Legislature and the Governor’s office, and stands ready to assume the Governor’s responsibilities when required. I am a child of a teacher and a government employee, my husband and I have worked regular jobs, have had to have difficult conversations over household finances,. I am running because we need regular people with normal backgrounds in politics. My commitment to public service is unwavering, demonstrated through my experience with Senator Leahy, Congresswoman Becca Balint’s office, and as Deputy Mayor of Winooski. As Lieutenant Governor, I pledge to advocate for every voice no matter their background or affiliation, ensuring equitable representation for all.
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?
Many of our needs for economic growth come down to housing availability, we need to tackle the housing crisis head on and invest private and public dollars in expanding on housing across Vermont we must expand Mixed-Use Development Statewide. Building upon Winooski’s success, encourage mixed-use developments in downtowns and main streets across Vermont. This approach not only provides housing but also creates vibrant commercial spaces that attract businesses and foot traffic.
Invest in Infrastructure: Ensure that infrastructure supports new development, if we are going to build more above ground we need to make sure the sewer and water below ground can keep up. We also must upgrade transportation networks, improve internet connectivity and enhance utilities to accommodate population growth.
Educational Opportunities: Invest in education and workforce development programs, college is a fantastic choice for many, but we need trade workers and other skilled workers just as much as bachelor degree graduates.
Launch a statewide campaign to showcase Vermont’s advantages as a place to come as a tourist and to live, work, and do business.
What changes, if any, would you make to the way Vermont funds its schools?
As I speak with Vermonters up and down the State it is clear that Vermonters are feeling the need for a change to school funding, while being deeply invested in assuring our students have the best education possible and prioritizing funding strategies that promote educational equity. Below are some changes the legislature with the Department of Education could explore:
Vermont currently relies heavily on property taxes to fund education. We must explore options to reform the property tax system to make it more equitable and sustainable. This could include adjusting tax rates based on income levels or property values, implementing property tax caps, or increasing state funding to reduce reliance on local taxes. Consider diversifying revenue sources for education funding beyond property taxes. This could include exploring options such as sales taxes, income taxes earmarked for education, or dedicated education funds from other state revenues.
Is Vermont doing enough, too much or not enough to address climate change? Please explain.
The devastating flooding last year showed us all that Vermont is not immune to the impacts of the climate crisis. Vermont has taken significant steps to address climate change but could do more. The state has committed to goals like achieving 90% renewable energy by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025. However, challenges remain. Vermont’s rural nature and aging infrastructure pose barriers to widespread renewable energy deployment. There’s a need for enhanced support for renewable energy projects, heating and development, more investment in the EV charging network, and increased resilience planning to mitigate climate impacts. Community engagement and education are crucial to making an impact on the climate crisis, we all can do a part in reducing our climate impacts, each of our actions do add, we have to all be in protecting our environment together.
Is Vermont doing enough, too much or not enough to regulate gun ownership? Please explain.
Vermonters, like many people across the country are concerned about gun safety, particularly keeping our children safe. Vermont has historically had a strong culture of sportsmanship and gun ownership and relatively permissive gun laws compared to other states. Recent legislation has focused on enhancing background checks, restricting high-capacity magazines, and raising the minimum age for firearm purchases to 21. However many Vermonters advocate for stricter gun control measures, particularly regarding military-style weapons and access by individuals deemed high-risk. The state has seen grassroots movements pushing for more comprehensive background checks and red flag laws to prevent firearms from reaching individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. More can be done to strengthen gun regulations, such as closing loopholes in background check requirements and increasing resources for mental health services and community safety programs.
What would you do to help ease Vermont’s housing crisis?
To address rising homelessness in Vermont, we need to build more housing at all levels of the income spectrum. Having housing is a key aspect of feeling safe, feeling self-worth, and being able to make choices to take care of yourself. Paired with more housing, we need to ensure that we are ready to support our community neighbors who have experienced homelessness. This involves providing comprehensive mental health services to address trauma and other mental health issues, which are often barriers to stability. Additionally, job training and employment support are crucial to help individuals re-enter the workforce and achieve financial independence.
Community integration programs can foster a sense of belonging and support networks, reducing the isolation that many homeless individuals face. We must also implement policy changes that protect affordable housing and provide rental assistance to those most in need. By addressing these interconnected issues with a multifaceted approach, we can make significant strides in reducing homelessness and improving the quality of life for all Vermonters.
How would you address rising homelessness in Vermont?
To address rising homelessness in Vermont, we need to build more housing at all levels of the income spectrum. Having housing is a key aspect of feeling safe, feeling self-worth, and being able to make choices to take care of yourself. Paired with more housing, we need to ensure that we are ready to support our community neighbors who have experienced homelessness. This involves providing comprehensive mental health services to address trauma and other mental health issues, which are often barriers to stability. Additionally, job training and employment support are crucial to help individuals re-enter the workforce and achieve financial independence.
Community integration programs can foster a sense of belonging and support networks, reducing the isolation that many homeless individuals face. We must also implement policy changes that protect affordable housing and provide rental assistance to those most in need. By addressing these interconnected issues with a multifaceted approach, we can make significant strides in reducing homelessness and improving the quality of life for all Vermonters.
What would you do to increase access to health care services for Vermonters?
I have seen firsthand, as an employee of Vermont’s largest hospital, the stress and difficulty that healthcare expenses can put on families. I also witnessed the long wait times many patients experienced to see a doctor or physician. We have a healthcare provider shortage in Vermont, largely due to the lack of housing. Many qualified and fantastic healthcare professionals want to work in our hospitals and community doctor offices but are unable to find housing. We are the richest country in the world, yet the only country in the developed world without free healthcare for all. In Vermont, we have made valiant efforts to provide all residents with healthcare, and we must continue bridging the gap between the insured and the uninsured. When people have access to and use a primary care physicians, they are more likely to stay healthy and treat health concerns earlier. Without insurance, our ERs become primary care providers. To address this, I will work with our legislature and Federal delegation to advocate for necessary changes. Additionally, we should expand telehealth services to reach rural areas, increase funding for community health centers and increase the number of residents a hospital can take on.
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 Renner’s financial disclosure here.
Campaign finance
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