PUTNEY — Every two years we have the opportunity to choose between those who wish to represent us in the Vermont House of Representatives. Mike Mrowicki and David Deen have each been elected and served for several terms, representing the Windham-4 district. They will be opposed in November by two other candidates.
Let us not be lulled into thinking Mrowicki and Deen don't need our support to be re-elected. Why is it important?
Mrowicki has served on the House Committee on Human Services, working as a strong advocate for children and families, supporting paid sick leave for workers, expanding access to reproductive health care, tackling the growing trend of teens using e-cigarettes by supporting legislation restricting teens' access and including e-cigarettes in clean-indoor-air laws, protecting Vermonters from financial fraud, and more.
His active concern for the welfare of children and families dates back well before his work in Montpelier. For example, he has served as executive director of Putney Family Services, and he has been on the board of Sojourns Community Health Clinic. I remember him recruiting volunteers to glean for the Vermont Food Bank. In short, his commitment to the well-being of others is deep and longstanding.
Deen, the river steward for the Connecticut River Watershed Council, has served in the legislature since 1987. He is chair of the Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources; he has worked diligently to protect the natural environment and to improve the quality of Vermont's rivers, lakes, and streams.
These two will be opposed in the general election by Eddie Cutler and Bonnie DePino. Neither has held elected office, so there is no record of their respective stands on many important issues.
We do know that Cutler is president of Gun Owners of Vermont, and DePino's husband is vice president of the same organization. Although a majority of gun owners are in favor of background checks, Gun Owners of Vermont is opposed to a state law that would prohibit violent felons from possessing firearms.