By Michael Bielawski

The Windsor-1 Senate district has four GOP candidates running for three seats, and though they vary in information made readily available to the public, they all seem to be economy-minded candidates.

They are Andrea Murray and Jack Williams of Weathersfield, Jonathan Gleason of Ludlow, and Robert Luhlin of Cavendish.

The first phrase on Murray’s website indicates she’s thinking about the economy. It states,  “Affordability is a critical issue for Andrea. She is committed to making fiscally conservative decisions that protect taxpayers, promote transparency, limit government spending, and reduce the financial burden on Vermont families and businesses.”

She is the only candidate with a website ready for the public as election day nears on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

It continues, “With significant increases in property taxes, DMV fees, and energy costs, Andrea believes it is crucial to enact policies that restore affordability for living in Vermont. She advocates for responsible legislation that protects the rights of Vermonters, limits over-taxation, and ensures people can afford to live and thrive in their communities.”

She is a military spouse and has experience in a military hospital as a respiratory therapist. There’s more information on her views and background on the website.

Williams seems to have experience with Campaign for Vermont. On their website, a petition he wrote states “Are you tired of constant cost of living increases and declining public services? What about state leaders who don’t seem to care? So are we! Instead of complaining we are launching a petition drive to set them straight.”

The petition continues, “Top issues that we care about are the cost of living in our state, affordable housing, and public safety. We urge you to focus on these critical issues instead of chasing radical policies that are widely unpopular and will increase the cost of living for Vermonters.”

Gleason, 55, is described in the Valley News as “a political moderate and an admirer of Republicans such as Vermont Gov. Phil Scott and U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, currently of Utah, formerly Massachusetts governor, due to their ability to work effectively with people of opposing views.”

He’s quoted in the Valley News article calling for equity. He says, “Vermont Senate has become politically polarized and has lost the balance required to ensure all Vermonters have a fair and equitable voice.”

Ruhlin may not have as much media presence. The Valley News said they tried to reach out. They wrote, “Ruhlin did not respond to phone and email messages seeking answers to interview questions by deadline. Ruhlin and Murray also declined to be photographed for the story.”

The author is a writer for the Vermont Daily Chronicle