Vermont’s primary election is on Aug. 13.

by Alex Nuti-de Biasi, for the Journal-Opinion

Two Democrats, Amanda Cochrane and Shawn Hallisey, want the party’s nomination for the lone Caledonia Senate seat. The district includes the Orange County town of Newbury.

The seat will be vacated by longtime state Sen. Jane Kitchel, D-Danville, who is retiring after spending more than 50 years in public service.

Amanda Cochrane

Amanda Cochrane, 44, of St. Johnsbury, is the executive director of Umbrella, a nonprofit agency in the Northeast Kingdom which helps victims of domestic and sexual violence. She is married to Dr. John Raser, and the couple have three children.

“As a mother, wife, and community advocate, I’ve dedicated two decades to strengthening our community through various roles in environmental justice, child welfare, violence prevention, and more,” Cochrane said. “I’m honored to have the endorsement of Senator Jane Kitchel. Her dedication to taking care of all Vermonters while ensuring we live within our means is an inspiration that will guide me in Montpelier.”

Cochrane said she is inspired by a community that takes care of one another, and “a place that has a true sense of public service.”

“There is a challenging undercurrent here though. It is often felt that our district gets the short end of the stick in the state of Vermont, with Chittenden County’s interests taking precedence,” Cochrane said. “In my role at Umbrella, I have been able to advocate on behalf of some of the most marginalized people in our community.”

She acknowledged that people continue to struggle to make ends meet as prices increase.

“I know this on a personal level. Without family support, my sister who struggles with mental health challenges would not be able to afford housing and might resort to homelessness. Many people are a health bill away from catastrophe.”

She identified her priorities as taxes and education funding; affordable housing; protected landscapes and resilient energy; community health; vibrant and active rural economies; and strong families and compassionate communities.

“I will work to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education that fits into the community’s vision and means,” she said. “I have heard from individuals who are worried about property taxes increasing rapidly and are frustrated with the ever-increasing education costs in our communities. While these challenges do not have easy answers, it is clear that the current system has gone off track and that something must be done.”

She said she plans to work on affordable housing initiatives, including attracting new workers and businesses to Vermont.

On  climate change, she said “I am dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and addressing climate change through proactive policies and initiatives, ensuring those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change are prioritized.”

With a master’s in business administration, Cochrane has “applied sound business practices to social causes, ensuring the effective use of public and private funds.”

She said, “In the legislature, I will work collaboratively and with integrity, always centering the voices of those impacted, and upholding the values of the region. I believe in a Vermont that works for everyone — a vibrant, resilient, and compassionate place where all can thrive.”

“People are concerned that the Northeast Kingdom and our district often get the short end of the stick, with Burlington’s interests taking precedence. I deeply feel this sentiment. For most of my life I have lived in communities that others deem as ‘less than.’”

The Caledonia district is one that has been struck by catastrophic flooding this year.

“As we are seeing the increasing of flooding events, we should move towards more stream and river management that could decrease the likelihood of flooding including increasing green infrastructure practices and supporting homeowners to manage streams on their properties with flood mitigation in mind,” Cochrane said.

In conclusion, Cochrane said she will “think critically” about the issues to determine “the most pragmatic and compassionate approach.”

“I have been struck by the breadth of topics community members have brought to my attention. We need strong leadership related to emerging topics such as protecting our children’s data privacy as well as enduring challenges like food insecurity, homelessness and housing.”

Shawn Hallisey

Shawn Hallisey, 59, of Waterford, a longtime health care administrator, is also seeking the Democratic nomination for the Caledonia seat in the Vermont Senate.

Hallissey, who described himself as an “old-school blue dog Democrat,” said of his candidacy, “I chose to seek office because it is the voters’ choice to pick who they would like to serve them.” This is his first time seeking political office. He said he gathered 175 signatures in just a day and a half to be able to run for the seat as a Democrat, noting, “I intend to be the people’s true representative after winning the primary.”

“I will hold a Town Hall meeting in each town to hear from constituents the causes and concerns that they would like me to champion for our district,” said Hallisey.

In a letter to voters, Hallisey noted that he has lived in Waterford for 16 years. He presently oversees the Union House in Glover, and he has worked at a handful of other nursing homes in Vermont in his career, including at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehabilitation for about a decade where he said he and his team transformed it into a five-star facility.

“The center was listed in US News and World Report as a top 100 performing center in the country,” noted Hallisey. He said his professional experience, with a motto of “Listen, Learn and Lead!” prepares him well for office.

“I chose to enter the race to use my advocacy skills for all residents of the county,” said Hallisey. “I enter this primary to offer the citizens a choice between someone who is one with the community and not a handpicked endorsed candidate of the incumbent and her prominent political family.”

He identified “a lengthy list of issues” important for him and Vermonters. They are the economy, the environment, health care, homelessness, affordable housing, and protection of rural and farming heritage.

“We all need to work hard to roll back prices and reduce the cost of everyday living. If we do not reduce inflation we could price ourselves out of existence,” he said.

But the top priority, he said, is reducing property taxes.

“I have heard from elderly citizens who talk about selling and leaving Vermont because it is too costly to live here. That is wrong!”

“I have heard from younger folks that Vermont is becoming unaffordable for them, as well. That is wrong!” he continued.

Hallisey said he has traveled the district from Wheelock to Newbury to knock on doors.

“I am hearing they are tired of the government that is not representative of them and their concerns,” said Hallisey. “I am hearing they want someone with common sense to sift through our state’s spending and to reduce cost and set priorities. I am hearing from constituents that they want someone who can compromise and build consensus to make life affordable. I am prepared to meet with the Progressives and have a discussion about priorities and spending.”

He vowed to “move back to the middle and center of the road.”

“We are all one state,” he said. “Let’s start acting like it.”

Of the recent flooding in the Northeast Kingdom, Hallisey said, “I have personally seen the devastation from this year’s and last year’s storm. I am an excellent advocate for any cause. I would work tirelessly for constituents who need assistance to access help.”

“Let’s all work together to a better Vermont for all,” he concluded. “Remember government by the people and for the people.”