October 19, 2020
Letter to the Editor
Manchester Journal and Bennington Banner
I heartily endorse the team of Kathleen James and Seth Bongartz to represent Manchester, Arlington and surrounding district towns in the Legislature. In terms of effectiveness, skill and experience, they will give us two very powerful voices in Montpelier.
Although I now live in Pawlet after 36 years in Manchester, I have known both Kathleen and Seth for a very long time. Kathleen has proved herself a terrific advocate for our District, particularly when responding to constituent problems, an often under-appreciated part of an elected official’s job description. She listens carefully, is thoughtful and pragmatic, and forcefully speaks on behalf of working families on crucial issues including affordable child care, paid family leave, and an adequate minimum wage. Moreover, her optimism and enthusiasm are infectious!
Everyone who knows Seth Bongartz respects him. He knows how to get things done in Montpelier, having previously represented Manchester both in the Vermont House and Senate. His training and experience as a lawyer will greatly help his effectiveness as a lawmaker. Seth also has significant managerial experience in transforming Hildene from a local tourist attraction to a world class cultural heritage site, including starting year round programs for young people and establishing the Hildene Farm. This has also made Seth sensitive to the needs of employers on matters such as providing adequate employee benefits and adequate pay.
Both Seth and Kathleen are non-ideological in how they view politics and the job of representing our district. They will provide far better representation as they are each skilled in working with opposing interests and in creating consensus for the issues wh’ ch will mo benefit our district. They deserve your vote. – Bradley D. Meyerson