by Timothy Page
The two Democrat candidates for governor in the August 13 primary are an Underhill environmentalist and selectman who was the subject of a local recall vote, and a DEI professional from Middlebury.
Either candidate, if elected, faces a cliff-sized uphill battle against Republican Phil Scott, reportedly the nation’s most popular governor.
Candidate Peter Duval is vocal about his belief that Vermont’s current climate objectives are insufficient. Describing them as “weak,” he argues for more robust measures to combat climate change and protect the environment. His campaign draws inspiration from climate activist Greta Thunberg, reflecting a shared urgency and determination to address the climate crisis head-on.
In an unconventional move, he is seeking write-in support from both the Republican and Progressive parties.
Born and raised in Essex, Vermont, the candidate’s journey is marked by a blend of academic rigor and grassroots activism. After graduating from Essex High School, he pursued a degree in Physics at McGill University before earning both a BS and MS in Computer Science from the University of Vermont. His academic focus on complex systems and evolutionary computation was complemented by a teaching fellowship.
He played a pivotal role in helping Colchester voters reject the Circumferential Highway and in convincing the Vermont Electric Co-Op to turn down the Hydro-Québec Vermont Joint Owners power contract. As the founding president of the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, he has consistently championed sustainable transportation.
His travels have taken him to diverse and sometimes tumultuous regions, including Iqaluit in the middle of winter, the Soviet Union during the August Coup, Cuba during the Special Period, and Bahrain amid the Bahraini Uprising. He also spent two years in Japan, living through the 3/11 triple disaster. These experiences have enriched his worldview and reinforced the importance of learning from different cultures and environments.
Currently, he balances his time as a sailing instructor, substitute teacher, and househusband. Despite his varied roles, he remains focused on the pressing issues at hand, emphasizing the need to identify underlying patterns that can lead to solutions addressing multiple problems simultaneously.
As the election approaches, this candidate’s message is clear: Vermont needs even stronger climate policies.
Duval invites the press and public to join his “Hybrid Hikes,” a series of events designed for informal discussions on key issues and his campaign. Participants can choose to join the hike in person or virtually via a Google Meet link. During these hikes, Duval will present his platform, answer questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue with attendees.
Duval is a former Underhill selectboard member. He was ousted in a 2021 recall by a 570-23 vote. According to the online site Ballotpedia, recall organizers alleged that Duval had acted disrespectfully towards town staff and violated the board’s conflict of interest policy.
Esther Charlestin is a former DEI coordinator at Middlebury College and Middlebury public schools.
The eldest child of immigrant parents, learned the value of hard work and education during her upbringing, her campaign bio says. She holds degrees in History, Communication, Corporate Communication, Public Relations, and Teaching.
She moved to Vermont for its quality education and lifestyle, actively engaging in community activities. She has served in higher education, the public school system, and on the Middlebury Selectboard. In 2023, she received the Leahy Award for leadership and currently co-chairs Vermont’s Commission on Women.
Charlestin says aims to ease the education tax burden on low and middle-income Vermonters through new funding models. She plans to expand mental health care funding in public schools and support programs that increase opportunities for teacher licenses.
She advocates for Paid Family Leave for all working families and livable wages for childcare providers. Charlestin is committed to increasing transitional housing projects and supporting zoning policy changes to help low and middle-income families rent and purchase homes. She also aims to enhance inclusionary zoning and enact Just Cause Eviction policies.
Charlestin is dedicated to securing livable wages for all workers, including migrants, and plans to collaborate with labor unions to improve worker safeguards.
Her environmental goals include supporting the Climate Superfund Act, enforcing polluter accountability, and backing legislation for a better Renewable Energy Standard. She also plans to invest in renewable energy, public transit, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and conservation, while enhancing dam safety and watershed resilience.
Charlestin served as Dean of Climate & Culture at Middlebury Union Middle School for a year, resigning in September 2023, claiming it was for reasons of racism against her and not seeing eye-to-eye with the school district about what her job entailed.