the Candidates
Rebecca Pitre
State Representative: Lamoille County District 3 (Cambridge, Waterville)
I'm Rebecca Pitre, and I'm running for Lamoille County District 3 State Representative. I read recently that the Constitution of Vermont is the shortest state constitution in our nation. So, I'm going to follow suit and not waste your time with a bunch of idle chatter.
My husband Tom and I are blue collar through and through. We are self-employed and a team in every way – from construction to sugaring to caring for livestock. A strong work ethic and frugal living have benefitted us well through nearly forty years of marriage. I apply those principles to every task I take on.
My life has always revolved around serving my family and community. Through more than sixty years of living, I've acquired a ton of experience, an abundance of education and, more importantly, common sense. I've always considered myself a bit of an independent. But when a friend asked me if I would consider running as a Republican, I decided to read the party platform. The Vermont Republican Party platform is beautifully written. It truly sums up my feelings and the reasons why I am running for office.
As Will Rodgers said, "A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet." I'm looking forward to making your acquaintance in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please check out my website. I can also be found on Twitter and Instagram. Feel free to contact me directly by email.
Website: https://RebeccaForTheHouse.com
Campaign Donations Greatly Appreciated: https://RebeccaForTheHouse.com/donate
Email: RebeccaForTheHouse@gmail.com
Richard Bailey
State Representative: Lamoille County District 2
Richard Bailey today announced that he is running for the VT House of Representatives from the Lamoille 2 District which includes Johnson, Hyde Park, Belvidere, and Wolcott. It is a two-member district. “I would be honored to serve the citizens of these four communities and the State of Vermont in the Vermont Legislature. As a life-long Vermonter I believe the Legislature should be focusing upon keeping Vermont affordable. Not trying to change the world. I intend to work cooperatively with Governor Scott on his stated agenda.” Growing the economy, making Vermont more affordable, protecting the most vulnerable and cherishing our natural resources. Vermonters have always valued working collaboratively to accomplish common goals. “Shouldn’t the legislature be working more closely with the Governor? Why the constant grandstanding and political posturing which helps no one and accomplishes nothing?”
Richard believes rural Vermont has been shortchanged lately in the Legislature. “Why does Chittenden County get all the attention? Lamoille County seems to get ignored and treated like country bumpkins!” That’s wrong and unfair. “Lamoille is a county filled with hardworking individuals who love their rural culture, friendly ways, and love of freedom.”
“Keeping Vermont’s economy strong with thoughtful economic growth can be done while also maintaining our natural assets. They are a major part of the Vermont economy, and include skiing, tourism, and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.” As your representative I’ll work to promote a strong rural economy.” It’s not the economy or the environment, it’s both and balanced.”
Richard attended Northeastern University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Recently retired, his career included working for a wide range of Vermont companies. Most included the energy field, transport services and wholesale supply companies.
Richard believes in public service. He has served as Director from Hyde Park, Lamoille County Planning Commission, (13 years), Elected Justice of the Peace, Morristown, and now Hyde Park, and Hyde Park School Board Director 4 years. The Governor appointed him to the Lottery Commission, 2004 to 2011, and Vermont Transportation Board, 2015 to present.
A lifelong Vermont resident Richard is happily married to his wife, Jan. They have lived in Hyde Park since 1994 and share their home with three rescued dogs.
Questions and comments are welcome rjbaileyvthouse@mail.com “It takes money to run campaigns; I respectfully ask for donations of any amount.”
Campaign Donations Greatly Appreciated: "Richard Bailey for Vermont House"; 142 Houle Road, Hyde Park VT 05655
Email: RjBaileyVThouse@mail.com
Ben Olsen
State Representative: Lamoille-Washington County District
My name is Ben Olsen and I am excited to announce my run for the Vermont House in the Lamoille-Washington district. I believe we have become so focused on our differences that we have forgotten how much we have in common. The legislature is falling short on addressing some core issues-of-concern for middle class and generational Vermonters. As a lifelong Lamoille county resident, I intend to spend my time on addressing Vermonters' needs using common sense.
After fifteen wonderful years of marriage to my high school sweetheart, Nakysha from Jeffersonville, and raising four young children, I understand the importance of local families as the building blocks of society. It is becoming impossible to fill your gas tank and continue to afford food for your family, let alone find the shelves stocked with what you need. My wife and I have a new baby, and the thought of no baby formula for folks in Morristown should concern everyone. There is no reason we should not be able to afford and enjoy a great life right here with our families.
My wife and I are small business owners and keenly understand the difficult situation Vermont employers face; there are "Help Wanted" signs everywhere. The sky-high taxes and cost of living for everyone doesn’t help. We need to get back to work and to pursue more “Yankee ingenuity” solutions and fewer Golden Dome laws which few can explain.
My main goal is to make Vermont a more affordable place to live for all its citizens. A few other important issues of concern are:
- Expanding local farming and food cultivation
- Upholding parental rights
- Protection of 2nd amendment rights
I am a lifelong Lamoille county resident and grew up on a tree farm with my three brothers, learning how to work with wood, raise honey bees, and wandering the forests enjoying all nature has to offer. We live in one of the most amazing places in the country! People are so authentic here. I attended Morristown Elementary, Bishop Marshall School, and Stowe High School. My undergraduate degree and MBA were earned at Franciscan University. Traveling has helped shaped my worldview, having visited over 20 states, volunteered on two mission trips to impoverished countries, spent months traveling Europe, and walked the concentration camps in Auschwitz and Birkenau.
I love the United States of America and Vermont. I want to make a contribution and it would be a privilege to represent our community and serve our state as your Representative.
It would be great to connect with you. Your financial support for my campaign would be greatly appreciated.
Website: www.benvthouse.com
Campaign Donations Greatly Appreciated: www.benvthouse.com/donate
Address: Ben Olsen, Candidate for VT House, PO Box 1211, Morrisville, VT 05661
Email: benvthouse@gmail.com
Instagram: benolsenvt
Nichole Loati
State Representative, Lamoille-Washington County District
Nichole Loati of Morristown has announced her intention to run for state representative in the Lamoille-Washington district. “One morning I woke up and said, ‘it’s time to put up or shut up,’ so here I am” she says.
Nichole is a resident of Morristown and also a small business owner. Her Vermonter husband, Kurt Loati, comes from the well-known Morrisville Lumber Loatis. He was raised working in the multi-generational family business until shortly before it closed in 2016. It was at that time that Kurt agreed to join Nichole at Great Big Graphics sign company, also in Morrisville. Nichole actively runs both Great Big Graphics and a small property management company while simultaneously running her and Kurt’s blended household of 8.
Nichole says that her large family has suffered through the ups and downs of the pandemic economy right along with her community neighbors. “My business had to close for a few months, just like a lot of them. Thankfully most of the ones around here did reopen after a short hiatus, but then came the labor shortages, the supply chain delays, the increasing costs of materials. It’s been a real rollercoaster making it through all of this as a small business owner. It’s so sad to see how many of our local businesses who thought they’d made it through the worst ended up faltering through the post-Covid aftermath and closing due to lack of staffing or skyrocketing material costs.”
Nichole says “I believe many of these issues could have been avoided, or at the very least minimized. Governor Scott has made some tough decisions and faced unprecedented challenges. I would never say he’s failed at the job because I don’t know if I or any other could have handled things better at a time when little information was available and pressure from the federal government felt insurmountable. It’s a new season though - and I don’t just mean summer. Our approach needs to remain flexible and shift as the world shifts around us. I’m looking forward to working alongside Governor Scott and our other elected officials to fix what’s been broken.”
She sees her role of state representative to largely involve listening. “Something I’ve always been a good listener. I’m a terrible singer, but a great listener.” she jokes. “That’s what this job is, right? I’m to listen to the folks in my community, hear what’s bothering them, ask questions about what will improve their quality of life. Then take that information into the legislature and make sure everyone in the room has a chance to hear my community’s voice. Vermont isn’t just Chittenden County - it isn’t just Montpelier. That’s something I feel our state legislature forgets sometimes. Sure, there are parallels, but Lamoille-Washington has our own unique set of issues that aren’t necessarily known or relevant in other districts. Does that mean we shouldn’t be heard?”
“What particularly concerns me,” she says “is how the stress of the last few years has really done a number on our community solidarity. All of our citizen's matter. All of our voices should be heard. I’m running as a Vermont republican, but it means a lot to me, and should to the voters too, that I don’t consider myself partisan. I want to work with my neighbors to improve quality of life and strength of community for all of us. That’s going to mean tough love in the state house. It’s going to mean difficult budgetary considerations and strategic planning. I don’t think it’s too late though. I have hope.”
Nichole and her husband Kurt have been happily married for 7+ years. Their combined household of 8 includes Nichole’s three teenage children from a previous marriage, and Kurt’s three teen/pre-teen children from a previous marriage. As if the chaos of such a large family weren’t enough, the Loati’s also have three feline family members, all adoptees from the local shelter, as well as a pet snake.
Website: https://NicholeLoatiVTrep.com
Campaign Donations Greatly Appreciated: Using Donate button below or by check payable to: Nichole Loati VT Rep, 496 Churchill Rd, Morristown VT 05661
Email: NicholeLoatiVTRep@gmail.com
Malcolm "Mac" Teale
State Representative, Lamoille County District 2
Mac closely followed the 2022 legislative session and believes the legislature has lost its way and strayed from what they should be doing. “It seems like they are trying to change the whole world instead of making things better for Lamoille County. What good is passing a bill no one can explain or understand?”
He believes that the priorities of the legislature should be: Create an environment where Vermonters can flourish economically, ensure that our infrastructure is sound and well maintained and accomplished these things with the least amount of intrusion into people’s lives. Mac said, “The legislature should focus on doing a few things well as opposed to doing a lot of things not so well.”
Mac and his wife, Tina, have very strong ties in the local community. They raised their two children here and have lived in Hyde Park for 36 years. Mac has served on the Hyde Park Development Review Board since 2002, chairing it for the last several years. “In order to serve a community well, you need to know a community well. And that means knowing the history, customs and especially the people of that community.” Mac has worked in the construction industry since 1977 and is currently employed as an independent carpenter.
Mac noted that throughout his career on every job there have been subcontractors, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc., and each contractor had his own agenda. Nevertheless, everyone understood that the goal is to get the job done which requires a pretty high level of cooperation. “This experience is what I’m prepared to bring to the legislature. I intend to focus on getting the job done and serving the people of our local communities in the manner they deserve.”
Energy is key to a healthy economy. Mac said, “If we want to transition away from fossil fuels we need to have a viable alternative and do it without disrupting our lives and our businesses.” He stressed that energy without needed workers wouldn’t help the Lamoille County economy. “It’s important to make it easier to hire people and for people to get hired.” He believes that his experience working in the trades and building things provides a practical perspective that can make a legislative difference. “Measure twice and cut once makes great carpenters and better legislators.”
Mac wanted to remind his Lamoille County neighbors that carpenters built the Statehouse in Montpelier. “I’m ready, willing and able to take my carpentry skills and tools to Montpelier to make some long overdue adjustments.”
Campaign Donations Greatly Appreciated: Mac Teale, 811 Brook Road, Hyde Park, Vermont 05655 and addressed to “Elect Mac Vt House”
Phone: 802-888-7167
Email: ElectMacVtHouse@icloud.com
Richard Westman
State Senator, Lamoille County District
Richard Westman of Cambridge, Lamoille County, Republican, was born in Burlington, Vermont, on March 13, 1959, and became a resident of Cambridge in March 1959. He was educated at the elementary school in Cambridge, Vermont, and at Lamoille Union High School, Hyde Park, Vermont. He graduated from Johnson State College with a BA in 1982. He was a member of the Vermont House of Representatives from 1983 to 2009, serving on various committees as well as being Chair of Appropriations and Chair of Transportation. He served for four years as the Assistant Republican Leader and four years as the Republican Leader. He served as Tax Commissioner from 2009-2010. He lives with Joan Nagy. He is employed at Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) and oversees the Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan, a 529 College Saving Program. He has been a member of various nonprofit boards, including the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, Vermont Center for the Book, and the University of Vermont Board of Trustees. He is presently on the Board of Copley Hospital and Vermont Electric Cooperative. He has been a member of the Senate from 2011 to present.
Email: rwestman@leg.state.vt.us