Vermonters are one week away from Vermont’s major party primary day, which takes place Tuesday, Aug. 13. That’s when voters will head to the polls to vote for who they want to represent their political party this coming general election in November. Vermont Gov. Phil Scott does not have a primary contestant, but there are two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination. They are Esther Charlestin, of Middlebury, and Peter Duval, of Underhill. Charlestin comes from an education background and has served on her local select board, while Duval is primarily focused on the environment and how Vermont can reduce carbon emissions. He also used to serve on his selectboard. The environment is at the top of mind for both candidates. ” climate resiliency, making sure our communities are capable and able to withstand climate change because its so real and the flooding has shown us as much,” Charlestin said. Duval, with his environmental experience and environment first outlook, said he believes he’s a candidate who can really help the state when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and keeping it healthy. “I’m a candidate who’s always looking at issues from the environment perspective, connecting the dots between what seems different issues like housing and environment, or transportation and land use, which are pretty well connected,” said Duval. Housing has been a hot topic in Montpelier recently as well, with Act 250 in the crosshairs for many. Duval said he believes Act 250 is not the main issue and rather points to local zoning regulations. Charlestin said H.687, last sessions “Land Use” and/or “Act 250” bill is just a start and said, “We just started scratching the surface. I think it is a great start, but doesn’t finish the job,” when asked her opinion on the bill. As for how public education should be funded, which has attributed to a steep increase in property taxes for Vermonters, Charlestin said she believes the system needs changes and also favors taxing the wealthier class more to help the working and middle classes. “The 1% who want to be a part of the community, and make sure that their paying their fair share because if they do, the tax burden wouldn’t be on the working class or low to mid income folks,” she said. Back to the environment, another one of Duval’s number-one priorities is closing energy plants he feels are only harming the environment. “The urgent actions I would like to propose are first shutting down the entire McNeil Generating Station. That is an environmental disgrace,” said Duval. He said he also believes stoplight intersections are extremely dangerous and prefers roundabouts in areas across the state, adding intersections are much more susceptible to accidents and injuries. The winner of the primary will face Gov. Phil Scott, who doesn’t have a primary opponent, as well as Progressive Marielle Blais and three independents: June Goodband, Kevin Hoyt, and Poa Mutino.
Vermonters are one week away from Vermont’s major party primary day, which takes place Tuesday, Aug. 13. That’s when voters will head to the polls to vote for who they want to represent their political party this coming general election in November.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott does not have a primary contestant, but there are two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination.
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They are Esther Charlestin, of Middlebury, and Peter Duval, of Underhill. Charlestin comes from an education background and has served on her local select board, while Duval is primarily focused on the environment and how Vermont can reduce carbon emissions. He also used to serve on his selectboard.
The environment is at the top of mind for both candidates.
“[A priority is] climate resiliency, making sure our communities are capable and able to withstand climate change because its so real and the flooding has shown us as much,” Charlestin said.
Duval, with his environmental experience and environment first outlook, said he believes he’s a candidate who can really help the state when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and keeping it healthy.
“I’m a candidate who’s always looking at issues from the environment perspective, connecting the dots between what seems different issues like housing and environment, or transportation and land use, which are pretty well connected,” said Duval.
Housing has been a hot topic in Montpelier recently as well, with Act 250 in the crosshairs for many.
Duval said he believes Act 250 is not the main issue and rather points to local zoning regulations. Charlestin said H.687, last sessions “Land Use” and/or “Act 250” bill is just a start and said, “We just started scratching the surface. I think it is a great start, but doesn’t finish the job,” when asked her opinion on the bill.
As for how public education should be funded, which has attributed to a steep increase in property taxes for Vermonters, Charlestin said she believes the system needs changes and also favors taxing the wealthier class more to help the working and middle classes.
“The 1% who want to be a part of the community, and make sure that their paying their fair share because if they do, the tax burden wouldn’t be on the working class or low to mid income folks,” she said.
Back to the environment, another one of Duval’s number-one priorities is closing energy plants he feels are only harming the environment.
“The urgent actions I would like to propose are first shutting down the entire McNeil Generating Station. That is an environmental disgrace,” said Duval.
He said he also believes stoplight intersections are extremely dangerous and prefers roundabouts in areas across the state, adding intersections are much more susceptible to accidents and injuries.
The winner of the primary will face Gov. Phil Scott, who doesn’t have a primary opponent, as well as Progressive Marielle Blais and three independents: June Goodband, Kevin Hoyt, and Poa Mutino.
