Caledonian Democrats Gear Up for Election

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Created on Wednesday, 17 October 2012 16:48

Written by Katelyn Zenie

ST. JOHNSBURY - Democratic candidates, both local and statewide, gathered at the Catamount Art Center in St. Johnsbury for the annual Democratic Fall Harvest. For some Democratic candidates, this event was the last time they will be in the area to tell their audience about their campaign before the election on November 6th.

 This fundraising event was organized by Caledonia County Democratic Committee chairman Steve Amos. He said he held the fundraiser at Catamount Arts because 'the price is right' as far is pricing for renting the space, and the community is comfortable with the area, there for drawing more people in, as well as supporting Catamount. Amos is determined to make sure the candidates are heard every step of the way during the race. "The Caledonia County Democratic Committee is designed... its mission is to support the candidates who are running." Amos said. "And to do everything we can with visibility, raising funds, volunteer efforts, to help them with any aspect of their candidacy that they need help with. So today was a success."  

 Governor Shumlin was in attendance for the harvest. Steve Amos said he had to double and triple check that he would be able to show up. Shumlin started off the campaign speeches by praising the work Democrats have accomplished so far in Vermont. "Right now the state of Vermont has the 5th lowest unemployment rate in America, that's a fact," said Shumlin.  "In the past 18 months we've added 54 hundred high paying jobs, and we have more coming, that's a fact. We have more high tech green jobs in Vermont per capita than any other state in the nation."  Shumlin went on to say, "That's a department of labor statistic, that's a fact. Most importantly, it was revealed two weeks ago, that Vermont is the only state in the nation, the only state of the 50 states that saw income growth over the last two years. Four percent higher incomes for every Vermonter, not high enough, we still have work to do, but guess what the green mountain state can say? Thats 4 % higher than any other state in America. Thats what happens when you elect Democrats in Vermont."

Also an attendee was lifetime Vermonter, Michelle Fay, who is running for the State House-Caledonia 3 seat. Growing up on a farm, Fay believes she has a true sense of Vermont and what the community needs. Brining in her masters degree in public administration from Harvard Kennedy University, Fay has confidence in her campaign. "I feel like I have a decent chance. I've been working very hard and I think people appreciate seeing me out. I've been knocking on doors, I have some radio ads about to start, and I've been waving in parades... just doing everything I can to reach out to voters." she says.

Michelle Fay is not that only one hopeful that she has what it takes. Celeste Girrell, who is running for the State House-Caledonia 4 seat, says her background in corrections and other community services put her above the crowd. "I'm really very excited about how well I'm being received by members of the community of Sutton Burke and Lyndon," Girrell said.  "I've been really active in the community with corrections for many many years and the school board in Sutton and the Caledonia Super Advisory Meeting as well," she says.

Remember to keep yourself informed and to vote on November 6th.