Opening Day of  the 2007 Legislature...

The new representative for Windham

5 introduces  daughter,

 Grace  to Speaker  Symington.

 “office collar”. I know what it's like living paycheck to paycheck.

 My experience spans hands-on labor  in agricutlure and horticulture to human and social services-with schools , children, the elderly, and  the business community.

I’m as comfortable working outdoors, as well as working inside with people. I know a peavey from a pike and I’m as comfortable working a manure spreader, as a spread sheet. I think that’ll help in Montpelier”

 I’ve come to realize  that whatever the concern, people are at  the heart of it.

     " I hearfrom parents like me, who are concerned about  the changing world –and the changing Vermont- they are bringing up their children in.

      And, I’ve also heard from those  who are  taking care of both their children and their  parents. The challenges we face shouldn’t leave us feeling alone with the task.

This is where a responsive government  balances  the needs  for fiscal responsibility and still recognizes the full array of concerns in building a future to look forward  to.”

 “My community activities -past and present- have included membership on the board of  Brattleboro Area Community Land Trust, the Men’s  Resource Collaborative, Treasurer for the Vermont Coalition of Health Clinics for the Uninsured, Clerk of Putney Friends Meeting, member of Vt. Agency of Human Services-Alliance for Building Community,Secretary for Putney Recreation League -and numerous other volunteer activities in youth and community development.

   I’ve been recognized by peers being selected in the first group of recipients for  the Windham Child Care Service Awards back in 1990  and most  recently as keynote speaker for  the 2005 Vermont Department of Education’s 21^st Century Community Learning Centers Annual Conference.”

With all that went into raising both of our daughters here, it has given me a sense of what a great place this is to live in and raise a family. I feel a responsibility to give back and serve, and I’m honored to do so as Representative for the Windham 5 district.