DUMMERSTON-I feel strongly that our Vermont Legislature needs a lot of changes, all over the state this year.
At present, legislators don't appear to listen to the public, especially those of us who live in southern Vermont. They seem to feel that they know what is best for all of us. Their agenda seems to always be top down, not bottom up.
We aren't all cities like Burlington. We need well-rounded, moderate people in Montpelier to really listen to their constituents and their wants.
Amanda Ellis-Thurber would make an excellent legislator. She is a fresh new face with an open mind and a varied education and background. She is a listener and a hard worker. She has a varied education, different types of work experiences, and a farming background.
She graduated from the University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Science with a degree in plant and soil science. She later received her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Antioch University New England.
She worked for a nonprofit in Keene, where many of her clients were poor, homeless, and struggling with substance abuse. Later, she worked as an outpatient therapist in community mental health.
Then came Covid.
She returned to work alongside her husband at their West Brattleboro farm and to help their children with remote learning. She has also served on local and state boards.
I am not a Brattleboro resident, and I can't vote for Amanda - I wish I could. But I do hope that she gets to represent the Windham-7 district.
Jody Normandeau
Dummerston
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