VERNON — In my line of work as an admissions counselor for Africa and the Middle East at the School for International Training, I understand how important it is for people to talk with one another and sit together in community. Sara Coffey has done exactly that.
Sara has come over the ridge to Vernon and met with various community leaders to learn about the issues and concerns that face our community here.
She came to tour Vermont Yankee to learn more about the issues at the plant. Sara's remarkable efforts to understand the path to safe decommissioning there are one major reason she was appointed to the state Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel. She remains committed to the safety, economic development and vitality of our larger southern Vermont community.
In Vernon and our greater community, post-VY, we really need someone who can bring the creative solutions needed to strengthen workforce development and job creation. Sara has that experience through her work as founder and director of Vermont Performance Lab.
Arts have brought people into dialogue about societal topics for most of human existence. A leader in the arts world is exactly what our rural community - which is facing some difficult decisions and challenges - needs at this juncture.
Windham-1 needs a state representative like Sara who cares passionately about the district, who will bring fresh ideas to Montpelier, and who has the track record of getting people to talk to each other.