Voices

Incumbent lauds Eastes’s experience, values, character


The writer currently represents the Windham-1 district in the Vermont House of Representatives.


GUILFORD-In these challenging times, we need leaders in Montpelier who can build bridges, not fences, to find common ground and work together to address the complex challenges facing Vermonters and our state.

If you live in Guilford or Vernon, you have the opportunity to elect such a leader by casting your vote for Zon Eastes for state representative.

As the outgoing state representative for Guilford and Vernon, I am very excited that we have a thoughtful, qualified, and community-minded person like Zon running for the Windham-1 seat. He cares deeply about our small rural communities and has a deep commitment to service and will be a strong voice for our two communities in the Vermont House.

I first met Zon 20 years ago when I returned to southern Vermont. He was the director of the Brattleboro Music Center and an early champion of the promise of the creative economy. He brought great energy and worked with other local leaders to galvanize collaboration between cultural organizations and local business to coordinate and put a spotlight on the arts and our community.

It was not easy work, but his positive outlook was contagious and resulted in increased economic activity and community vibrancy.

As chair of the Guilford Selectboard, Zon demonstrated how he does not turn away from a challenge, but rather leans into it. He listens to multiple points of view, digs into the details, and works with others to find solutions. And perhaps most important, Zon puts people first.

While his opponent, Nancy Gassett, has been focused on spreading misinformation about elections, denying climate change, and not complying with campaign finance laws, Zon has been out knocking on doors and connecting with voters to learn about their concerns and the issues they care about.

Every legislative session presents a host of complex issues that need addressing, and the 2025 session will be no exception. Zon's winning combination of experience, values, and character make him the better candidate to tackle the challenges and serve his district.

Sara Coffey

Guilford


The writer currently represents the Windham-1 district in the Vermont House of Representatives.

This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.

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