Kathleen James Announces Candidacy for Vermont House of Representatives
Kathleen James has announced her candidacy for the Vermont House of Representatives from Bennington-4, a legislative district that comprises Manchester, Arlington, Sandgate and northwest Sunderland. The chair of the Manchester Democrats, James will challenge incumbent Brian Keefe (R) for one of the district’s two seats.
“I’ve lived and worked in the Northshire for 22 years and I know how hard it can be to make a living here,” says James. “I’ve owned a small business, worked for small businesses, and been self-employed. I know what it’s like to juggle two or three jobs as a working mom in a small-town, rural economy. That’s why I’m motivated to provide Vermonters with equal access to the economic building blocks that we all deserve — good-paying jobs, affordable housing and healthcare, and an outstanding education from pre-K through high school and beyond.”
James is a nonprofit manager, editor and writer who’s currently executive director of the International Skiing History Association and editor of its bimonthly journal, Skiing History. Previous jobs include editor-in-chief of Vermont Magazine, admissions director at Southern Vermont College, and communications director at The BOMA Project. She also co-founded and co-owned a small magazine publishing company.
James has served on the boards of Manchester Elementary Middle School, Zion Preschool, Northshire Community Foundation, Friends of MEMS and the Manchester School Fund. She’s a Class of 2018 graduate of Emerge Vermont, a statewide organization that trains women Democrats to run for public office. The chair of the Manchester Democrats, James also works with grassroots political groups like MoveOn Manchester and Earth Matters on projects that promote voter awareness and engagement. Most recently, she helped to promote a non-binding climate-action and renewable energy resolution that passed by voice vote at Manchester town meeting.
“Taking action on climate change is not only a global imperative, but an economic opportunity for Vermont and for the Northshire,” she says. “The green economy is an exciting, forward-looking sector that can transform our communities, foster new jobs and new businesses, attract new residents and keep young Vermonters in the state.”
Former State Reps. Jeff Wilson and Steve Berry have endorsed James and are actively supporting her campaign, which kicks off in early April. James will host an open house for volunteers on April 22, Earth Day, and details will be posted on her Website.