PUTNEY — Brenda Siegel makes no secret of the fact that she struggles financially. So three years ago, when we attended the Women's Convention in Detroit, it was no shock when she laid out her budget for that weekend clearly to me. It was minimal but enough to squeak by, especially since her room and some of the meals were sponsored.
Walking to the convention together one windy day, we passed by a man sleeping on the sidewalk. He was covered in grime, nothing below him but the cold concrete.
Brenda stopped, pulled out the little bit of cash she had set aside for food money that day, leaned down to him and said, “Sir, I'm going to put some money in your hand.” He woke up enough to accept and share gratitude as she did so.
This is just one of many examples of her selflessness. In addition to being a good human when no one is looking, Brenda is a passionate and impactful advocate to our Legislature for those struggling with the opioid-use disorder, an epidemic that has hit our state exceptionally hard. Proven through social-justice actions, her life is devoted to bringing equanimity to all. She touches lives through her willingness to share resources even as she had very little.
Brenda truly cares about the welfare of all the people of Vermont and will filter every decision through a lens of impact. She has proven her organizational and administrative grit, as well as her deep understanding of rebuilding the economy after a crisis, by founding a successful festival with the mission of being a long-term economic driver following Tropical Storm Irene.
In her time, she has served on local and statewide boards, founded and directed the largest fundraiser at a nonprofit, as well as chairing the Newfane Democratic Committee and serving as a delegate to the Windham County Democratic Committee.
Because of all of this, I enthusiastically endorse Brenda Siegel for lieutenant governor of Vermont, and I hope you will join me.