Lamoille County Republican Committee
Lamoille County Legislators
Running for Office in Lamoille County
Have you ever considered running for office? No special training or education is required to serve in the Vermont statehouse. As a matter of fact, candidates who lead normal, relatable lives are exactly the types of people Vermont needs in Montpelier. No Republican candidate should have to run alone. The Lamoille County Republican Committee is here to help! We have experience in running campaigns and we have resources available to help our candidates. Please don't hesitate to reach out and we'll be happy to answer all of your questions.
Running for State House Representative, Lamoille-Washington House District (Elmore, Morristown, Worcester, Woodbury and part of Stowe)
Susanna G. Burnham is a dedicated community leader running for the
Vermont House of Representatives to serve the people of the Lamoille-
Washington District in the Nov. 3 rd General Election. She is focused on
addressing the local issues that matter most to families and communities,
such as affordable housing, quality education, accessible health care, and
support for our farmers and small businesses.
A resident of Lamoille County for more than 40 years, Susanna believes
strongly about giving back to her hometown and the state that she loves.
She is running to be a voice for hardworking Vermonters and to help move
Vermont forward through practical solutions and thoughtful leadership in the
Legislature.
Susanna has devoted much of her life to education and community
engagement. She holds degrees from the University of Vermont, McGill
University, and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. She taught music in
the Morristown School District as “Ms. Elmore,” and went on the earn a
campus-wide award for Excellence in Teaching at Northwestern University.
An accomplished musician, Susanna has performed as piano soloist,
accompanist, and orchestra member of the Vermont Philharmonic, and is
well known to the people of Lamoille County for directing “The Christmas
Pageant” for many years at the Elmore United Methodist Church. She
currently operates a private music studio where she teaches piano to
students of all ages, and is actively involved in the music ministry at the
Stowe Community Church.
For 35 years Susanna was a small business owner, who owned and operated
residential and commercial real estate, giving her firsthand understanding of
the housing challenges facing Vermonters. She also worked in the medical
practice of her late husband, Dr. W. Peter Guthmann, gaining valuable
experience with health care, insurance coverage, and patient services.
Her commitment to civic involvement includes serving on the Morristown
Development Review Board, where she approved housing and community
development projects. Susanna also founded the Morristown Community
Forum, a speaker series that brings Lamoille County individuals from diverse
professions and backgrounds together to share their experiences and
encourage in meaningful community discussion.
Since her marriage to Charles Burnham, a retired Navy Captain and Vietnam
War Veteran, Susanna has become a member of the American Legion
Auxiliary, Donald McMahon Post #64, and together they have devoted their
lives to honoring and serving our Veterans and civic matters.
With deep roots in the community and the ability to collaborate across party
lines, Susanna G. Burnham has a willingness to work for a brighter future for
Vermont and is ready to serve the people of the Lamoille-Washington District
in the Vermont House of Representatives.
Email: sgb2278@gmail.com
Phone: 802-888-2278 (Landline) 847-738-2278 (Mobile)
Susanna Burnham
Running for State House Representative, Lamoille-2 County District (Johnson, Hyde Park, Belvidere, and Wolcott)
Mac closely follows the 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.”
Mac would be pleased to receive donations mailed to Mac Teale, 811 Brook Road, Hyde Park, Vermont 05655 and addressed to “Elect Mac Vt House”
Email: electmacvthouse@icloud.com
Phone: 802-888-7167
Malcom Mac Teale
Running for State Representative, Lamoille-3 House District (Cambridge, Waterville)
Pitre and her husband, Tom, have built their lives around hard work, family values, and helping others. Married for 43 years, they are the parents of three children and grandparents to eight grandchildren. Rebecca’s life experiences—as a mother, homeschool educator, volunteer, musician, coach, and community advocate—have shaped her understanding of the challenges facing working families and rural communities.
“Vermont is a special place with strong traditions, hardworking people, and communities that care for one another,” said Pitre. “I am running because I believe Vermonters deserve leadership focused on affordability, common sense, protecting our freedoms, and preserving the way of life that makes our state unique.”
She has spent decades serving others through volunteer and educational programs. In Maryland, Pitre was honored by Governor Hogan as “Character Counts Coach of the Year” for her work mentoring children in public schools and teaching the importance of personal responsibility, integrity, citizenship, and community involvement.
Her record of service includes more than 15 years as a volunteer and certified therapeutic riding instructor and Special Olympics therapeutic riding coach. She was previously also a licensed trainer with the United States Trotting Association and has dedicated countless hours supporting individuals with disabilities, nursing home residents, homeschool families, and local community organizations.
Pitre currently volunteers throughout Lamoille County and surrounding communities, including organizing and participating in local music programs for seniors, individuals with special needs, and community gatherings.
She also serves as:
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Vice President of the North Club for the Vermont Federation of Republican Women, www.VFRW.net
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Finance Chair for the Lamoille County GOP
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Member of the Waterville Town Planning Committee
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NRA-certified Range Safety Officer
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Member of the Lamoille Valley Fish and Game Club
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Chapter Leader for the Weston A. Price Foundation in Waterville
She currently volunteers every week at the Cambridge Transfer Station recycle shop, affectionately known by locals as “The Mall.” There, items that might otherwise end up in a landfill — bicycles, clothing, household goods, and other reusable items — are displayed, repurposed, and given new life for community members who can use them.
“It has been wonderful to see neighbors helping neighbors,” Pitre said. “Simple acts of recycling and reusing can strengthen community connections, reduce waste, and help families at the same time.” A lifelong member of the LCMS Church, Rebecca currently teaches Sunday School and pre-catechism classes. She is also a singer-songwriter and former performer at the nationally recognized Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival.
“The decisions coming out of Montpelier are making it harder for families, seniors, and small businesses to succeed,” Pitre said. “Too many people feel ignored, overtaxed, and priced out of the communities they love. I want to bring practical solutions, compassion, and accountability back to state government.”
Campaign Priorities:
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Lowering the cost of living for Vermont families
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Supporting local agriculture and small businesses
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Protecting constitutional rights and rural traditions
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Strengthening communities through commonsense policies
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Preserving Vermont’s unique heritage and quality of life
Email: rebeccaforthehouse@gmail.com
Rebecca Pitre
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.
VT General Assembly Information found here
Email: rwestman@leg.state.vt.us
Richard Bailey
House of Representatives, Lamoille-2 County District (includes Johnson, Hyde Park, Belvidere, and Wolcott)
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. He was the Hyde Park School Board Director for 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 and wife Jan have lived in Hyde Park since 1994. They share their home with three rescued dogs.
Bailey believes the Legislature should be focusing on keeping Vermont affordable, not trying to change the world. He intends to work cooperatively with Gov. Phil Scott on his stated agenda: Growing the economy, making Vermont more affordable, protecting the most vulnerable and cherishing our natural resources.
Why does Chittenden County get all the attention? Lamoille County seems to get ignored and treated like country bumpkins, which is 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
VT General Assembly Information found here
Endorsement(s): VT Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, VT Lt. Governor Jim Douglas
Email: rjbailey@leg.state.vt.us
State Representative, Orleans-Lamoille District
Mark Higley of Lowell, Orleans County, Republican, was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, and became a resident of present town in 1990. He was educated at the Guilford Central School and Brattleboro Union High School. After graduation he served in the USN Seabees as a builder. In 1978 he became a self-employed general contractor and in 1980 married his wife. They have four children, two daughters and two sons. Board appointments include Solid Waste Committee and Agricultural Advisory Committee. Elected positions include two one-year terms on the Brattleboro Selectboard, 1986 & 1987, and lister in Lowell since 1994. He worked for five winters for the Town of Lowell, plowing roads and running a grader. He's a current member of the Vermont Beef Producers Association, VT Farm Bureau, and Vermont Sugar Makers Association. Member of the House: 2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016, 2017-2018, 2019-2020, 2021-2022, 2023-2024.
VT General Assembly Information found here
Email: mhigley@leg.state.vt.us
Mark Higley
Kevin Lehoe
High Bailiff
High bailiff is an elected public office that only exists in Vermont, and there is one in every county. It’s a vestige of English Common Law, and the job description in the Vermont statutes:
“A high bailiff may serve writs which the sheriff is incompetent to serve, and his or her fees shall be the same as those of the sheriff.”
Email: TBD