Contrast these two statements.  Let’s see how this all works out.

Ronald Regan in his 1981 Inaugural Address:

“In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. From time to time we’ve been tempted to believe that society has become too complex to be managed by self-rule, that government by an elite group is superior to government for, by, and of the people. Well, if no one among us is capable of governing himself, then who among us has the capacity to govern someone else? All of us together, in and out of government, must bear the burden. The solutions we seek must be equitable, with no one group singled out to pay a higher price.”

The new mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdami:

“We will prove that there is no problem too large for government to solve and no concern too small for it to care about.” -Thomas Kelly, Barre

The following statements by candidates for the VT GOP party leadership positions are excerpted from emails sent to VDC. The elections will be held tomorrow afternoon, Saturday November 8 at the State convention in Burlington.

Murray for GOP member-at-large

I’m a retired U.S. Army Colonel, combat veteran, and family farmer in Weathersfield. I’m a lifelong Republican running for re-election as Member-at-Large. Over the past two years, I’ve been active and loyal — building our grassroots, organizing committees, and recruiting candidates. Vermont needs Republican legislative majorities to save our state so that all Vermonters can afford to live here and thrive.

I believe we need a new VTGOP Chair who puts ‘Party over Payroll’ and rebuilds donor confidence. We need a Chair who prioritizes fundraising growth and outreach — not overhead. We need a Chair focused on unifying the Party and winning elections — not salary and rule changes.

My commitment as Member-at-Large is to remain a voice for the grassroots and ensure the VTGOP is a Party that works for all Republicans. We must grow our membership, support candidates statewide, and put winning elections at the heart of our mission. – August Murray, Weathersfield

Matthans for GOP Secretary

I entered this race because I have a strong skill set [for the Committee Secretary position] also I’ve used my large social media platform to help organize and promote efforts across the state. My goal has always been to serve Vermont.

Since the Barre Town breakfast, a lot has unfolded including a questionable sheet of paper with unexplained numbers and plenty of finger-pointing, followed by the email [incumbent chair Paul Dame’s response to the postcard] that circulated today. That email made it clear that there was a “team” that most of us didn’t even know existed.

My intent has always been to help unify and strengthen the party, not divide it. I’ve been speaking with folks all across the state including working families and even those employed by the DMV and the sentiment is the same, people are struggling, families are leaving, and we need to get focused on solutions to retain Vermonters. – Sherilyn Matthans, Northfield

Stringer for Secretary

I first met Paul Dame in 2016. Since he has become the Chairman, I have worked with him on multiple projects. As a four-time Chair of Colchester GOP, our committee and committees across our state have worked very hard to get Republicans elected in Vermont. With the historic Republican candidate election gains in Vermont in 2024, I believe Paul is equipped, and able to capitalize on that momentum in 2026.

As a team we want to avoid name calling. We want to be respectful of each other and at the end of Saturday, we all want to work well together. We want to communicate well, celebrate, and support our leadership team. Their success is everyone’s success.– Rachel Stringer, Colchester

Kolb for GOP vice-chair

I’m honored to be a candidate for Vice Chair of the  Vermont Republican Party. I’m a 20-year-old graduate of Northfield High School  (Valedictorian, Class of 2023) and Norwich University (B.A., Political Science, Magna Cum  Laude). I am a Christian, a Conservative, and a proud Vermont Republican.  

Over the past month, I have had the privilege of attending many county reorganization  meetings, meeting with hundreds of Vermonters to pitch my vision for the Vermont Republican  Party over the next two years. Today, I would like to share my vision with you. As Vice Chair, I  will focus on four core priorities:  

1. Recruiting candidates for all races in 2026  

2. Working to organize every city and town Republican committee before November  2026  

3. Energize and expand our donor network  

4. Apply a data-driven approach to campaigning  

When I say recruiting candidates for every race, I truly mean every race on the ballot.  

While a focus certainly must be placed on recruiting candidates for the legislature and our  statewide races, we certainly cannot forget about our county races. In the county races in 2022,  the GOP ran 31 candidates between Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Probate Judge, and Assistant  Judge. A high number, but that still left 39 spots uncontested.  

It is worth noting, however, that some candidates who may run as Republicans choose to run as Democrats to make it easier to win, and many candidates may run as independents despite 

having Republican leaning beliefs. An understandable predicament, as many may feel like a  partisan judge or sheriff will be a net negative. If we are unable to find candidates willing to run  as Republicans, it is essential nonetheless to find candidates who will stand up for the rule of law  and prioritize law-abiding Vermonters over career criminals. – William Kolb, Northfield