Three Democratic candidates running for Lieutenant Governor discussed topics from healthcare and housing to wealth inequality and education consolidation at a public forum. Democratic candidates Esther Charlestin, Molly Gray and Ryan McLaren spent Monday evening in Rutland to debate each other and respond to questions from the community.”It’s so important to be connected to a community, for them to hear us in our thoughts and for us to hear them,” said candidate Esther Charlestin. The candidates discussed a wide variety of issues addressing what they believe are the main priorities for the state. “The urgent crisis of affordability for Vermonters has to be the number one issue any serious leader is addressing right now,” said Ryan McLaren. They explained why their experience has prepared them for this run at Lieutenant Governor. Esther Charlestin cited the combination of her time as a small business leader, school administrator and select board member. McLaren believes his experience working in Senator Welch’s office for the last ten years makes him uniquely qualified. Gray said she is ready because she has held the position before.”I’m ready to hit the ground running at a time where we can’t afford to have any ceremonial offices,” Gray said. Rutland residents who attended Monday night’s event said the forum gave them great exposure to each of the candidates, but they remain undecided for now. “This did not solidify my opinions, and they were all really great candidates,” said attendee Jean Ray. Ray said she believes it is important to show up to these forums and stay informed and engaged in the lead-up to November’s election.”Given the current state of our nation and national affairs, it’s really important that everybody get out of their comfort zone and listen to the candidates that are running and formulate your opinions and get out and vote,” she said. The three candidates had a chance afterwards to make their pitch for these voters to support their campaigns and sign their petitions to help get them on the ballot.
Three Democratic candidates running for Lieutenant Governor discussed topics from healthcare and housing to wealth inequality and education consolidation at a public forum.
Democratic candidates Esther Charlestin, Molly Gray and Ryan McLaren spent Monday evening in Rutland to debate each other and respond to questions from the community.
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“It’s so important to be connected to a community, for them to hear us in our thoughts and for us to hear them,” said candidate Esther Charlestin.
The candidates discussed a wide variety of issues addressing what they believe are the main priorities for the state.
“The urgent crisis of affordability for Vermonters has to be the number one issue any serious leader is addressing right now,” said Ryan McLaren.
They explained why their experience has prepared them for this run at Lieutenant Governor. Esther Charlestin cited the combination of her time as a small business leader, school administrator and select board member. McLaren believes his experience working in Senator Welch’s office for the last ten years makes him uniquely qualified. Gray said she is ready because she has held the position before.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running at a time where we can’t afford to have any ceremonial offices,” Gray said.
Rutland residents who attended Monday night’s event said the forum gave them great exposure to each of the candidates, but they remain undecided for now.
“This did not solidify my opinions, and they were all really great candidates,” said attendee Jean Ray.
Ray said she believes it is important to show up to these forums and stay informed and engaged in the lead-up to November’s election.
“Given the current state of our nation and national affairs, it’s really important that everybody get out of their comfort zone and listen to the candidates that are running and formulate your opinions and get out and vote,” she said.
The three candidates had a chance afterwards to make their pitch for these voters to support their campaigns and sign their petitions to help get them on the ballot.
