Serving is a privilege and an honor not to be taken lightly

“I believe that serving our community is a privilege and an honor, something to be taken seriously. My journey into the political world has, in some ways, been about finding ways to continue to honor my son's (and our family's) dedication to serving our community and our country.

My son Jesse joined the Marine Corps in a time of relative peace, a year before 9/11. He joined to better himself, to challenge himself, to serve his community, and to protect and serve his country, like generations have done in the past. When he died in combat, the cost of our rights and freedoms became even clearer. They are not to be taken lightly, and it takes a lot of effort, service, and relationship building to see our communities, state, and country succeed into the future.

Jesse's selfless service has challenged me greatly to take action to serve my community in a different way, to make sure the sacrifices of those who have carried our rights and freedoms this far are not in vain.

Upon exiting the Constitutional Convention Benjamin Franklin was approached by a group of citizens asking what sort of government the delegates had created. His answer was: "A republic, if you can keep it." Freedom is relatively new in human history, and with freedom comes responsibility. Democratic republics are not merely founded upon the consent of the people, they are also absolutely dependent upon the active and informed involvement of the people for their continued good health.

It is in this spirit that I work to serve my communities who trust me with their voice in Montpelier. Our future is not guaranteed. Franklin was echoing the Greek philosopher Plato, who wrote, ‘the price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.’

We honor the best of our past when we work to make our future better together. I thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make a difference.”