by JT Dodge

My name is JT Dodge and I am running for Caledonia District State Senate because I feel a strong sense of duty to our community and a deep concern about the direction Vermont is heading.

As a parent of two children, a 13-year-old daughter and a 20-year-old son, whom my wife and I have raised and are raising here in Vermont, I understand the meaning behind the saying, “it takes a community to raise a child.” We all desire the best for our children, for them to grow into the administrators, managers, and leaders of the future. Every parent wants their child to have the best opportunities, ample possibilities, and a clear path to success. Ideally, we want these opportunities to exist right here in Vermont. However, it is disheartening to realize that many must leave our state to find success elsewhere.

Our communities, including St. Johnsbury and Hardwick, have been hit extraordinarily hard by narcotics traffickers who show no regard for the death and mayhem they inflict upon families and our state. We must address this crisis with compassion and determination to protect our citizens and restore safety and stability to our neighborhoods. This requires a balanced level of addiction treatment, along with comprehensive mental health treatment, recognizing that mental illness is a struggle many among us face.

I am running for State Senate to address these issues and to steer Vermont toward affordability, pragmatism, school choice, and prioritizing local projects over climate mandates.

We have a very high number of retired and soon-to-be-retired Vermonters, so pragmatism in our calculations should be one of our highest priorities.

I advocate for small government, affordable school choice, a broader range of medical insurance options, and a firm stance against carbon taxes, fees, and mandates. Our state desperately needs housing, and I propose reforming Act 250 to create a balanced approach to developing various types of housing across all levels.

I believe in the rule of law, well-trained police, and district attorneys who hold violent individuals accountable. Additionally, I stand firmly for firearm rights, recognizing the importance of responsible self-defense and the protection of our freedoms.

In this remaining week before the primary election, I will be spending my time assisting those who are supporting the flood damage recovery efforts in our district and the surrounding area.

Together, we can build a Vermont where our children can thrive, where opportunities are abundant, and where our communities are safe and prosperous.

If you choose to vote for me for Caledonia District State Senator, I will work hard to achieve affordability and uphold the values of the US Constitution. Please come out on August 13th to vote in the Republican primary.