Region's House primary races
Toolbox
By Ben Feinbaum Times Argus Staff - Published: September 9, 2006
While statewide races have captured most of the attention early in the political season, there are also primary races in three districts in central Vermont. The races include two contests among Democrats and one among Republicans.
In Washington 2 (Moretown, Northfield and Roxbury), Democratic Rep. Maxine Grad is facing a challenge from Nathan Freeman and Joe Dorman. The winner will face Republican Rep. Anne Donahue in November.
Meanwhile, in Lamoille-Washington 1 (Elmore, Morris-town, Woodbury and Worcester) Barbara Damon and Peter Peltz are squaring off against Rep. Shap Smith in a three-way race for the two-seat district. Two GOP candidates, Retta Dunlap and Alexandra J. Garven, will contest the two winners in November.
For the GOP primary in Orange-Addison 1 (Braintree, Brookfield, Granville and Randolph) David Atkinson, Tom Barkley and Bob Wolffe will square off, with two emerging to face Democratic incumbents Rep. Patsy French and Rep. Jim Hutchinson in November.
In total, Republicans were participating in only eight House primaries across the entire state. Jon Copans, executive director of Vermont's Democratic Party, said there were several Democratic primaries across the state. There are currently 83 Democrats, 60 Republicans, six Progressives and one Independent in the Vermont House of Representatives.
Below are profiles of the candidates in the three local primaries:
Washington 2
Moretown, Northfield, Roxbury
Nathan Freeman
BIO: A native Vermonter with roots in Northfield, he was educated at UVM, studying English, anthropology and public administration.
WORK: Upholstery – in the family business which has been in place since 1984. "My father started the business, and I'll be taking over at the end of the year," he said. "I also design and build my own furniture."
POLITICAL ROOTS: Drawn into politics by former Rep. Jean Ankeney. "But it was something I was thinking of doing in about 10 to 15 years, when my girls went in college. However, being made aware of school budget issues, I sat down with some parents who were concerned about passing the school budget, and it went from there."
KEY ISSUE IN THE DISTRICT: "I believe the property tax issue will be the top issue, here and across the state."
OTHER COMMENTS: "Our current representative has widely been seen as a single-issue advocate, and I think we need to broaden the approach."
Maxine Grad (incumbent)
BIO: Lived in Vermont 24 years, home is Moretown. Educated at Clark University with a degree in geography, got a law degree and master's in environmental law from Vermont Law School.
WORK: "I spend a lot of time as vice chair on the House Judiciary Committee. Before that I practiced law for 10 years, chaired the Governor's Commission on Women and taught at Woodbury College and the Community College of Vermont. I also have three children: a son (age 2), daughter (age 11) and another daughter (age 14)."
POLITICAL ROOTS: "The Democrats are closest to my core values in terms of social policy, work issues, civil rights, education and environmental issues. I guess it was a natural progression from chairing the Governor's Commission on Women. I have always been interested in public policy. I enjoy working in the House, too, because I have so much contact with my constituents. It is more personal position than perhaps being a senator, that looks after a larger district."
KEY ISSUE IN THE DISTRICT: "… people are very concerned about property taxes and the amount that they pay. But it really is difficult to single out one issue: There's health care, public safety and veterans issues."
OTHER COMMENTS: "I have served for six years in the House and made some progress, receiving a number of awards in recognition of my leadership in public safety on behalf of crime victims; as head of the Children's Forum; for helping to establish the Purple Heart trail; for criminalizing the abuse and neglect of elderly adults; I was also one of the lead sponsors for the child-restraint laws; and I've helped to bring resources to our communities – for example helping to secure $100,000 for the people of Roxbury for the beaver dam project."
Barbara Damon
BIO: Has been in Vermont almost 10 years, was educated in Wisconsin, then went to Marymount College in New York.
WORK: "I own a direct marketing business. I have been in this business for 30 years, but Damon Direct has been incorporated in Vermont for nine years."
POLITICAL ROOTS: Inspired to get into politics by Howard Dean. "I have always voted for the person and not the party, and I decided that this country is run on the two-party system. If I wanted to make a difference, I had to pick one of the parties. I had basic philosophical differences with the Republicans: the war in Iraq, health care. I went to a meeting in Morristown, became part of the committee. And when this opening came up for state representative, a lot of people urged me to run.
"I have always been involved in politics, and I think we all are to a certain extent. For example, I have been active in helping to get out the vote, through the League of Women Voters for a long time."
KEY ISSUE IN THE DISTRICT: "I believe the biggest concern is property taxes. Further, I believe that what drives taxes are two things basically, the high cost for health insurance and the high cost of energy. These are two things that we absolutely must address if we are going to hold our taxes in line."
OTHER COMMENTS: "The whole process has been a joy for me. I have been so pleased that my daughter and grandchildren have helped in my campaign this summer. I think we have all learned a lot about getting involved."
Peter Peltz
BIO: Has lived in Vermont since 1969, educated at Tufts University with a bachelor of fine arts.
WORK: Building contractor.
POLITICAL ROOTS: "In the early '70s, having been a justice of the peace for many years … I basically believe in the principle of doing what's best for all. And I think the Democratic Party, with that in mind, honors and works with the Vermont tradition of looking out for one another.
"To be honest I don't even know how long I have been in local politics, something like 30 years. I really like doing it, I think it makes a difference, and it is good for me – it is a good exchange. It is good for us to help each other, and to protect and enhance our lives together."
KEY ISSUE IN THE DISTRICT: "It's property taxes most likely. The irony is the cost of taking such a lot of money out of people's pockets. For example, we have always had tremendous support for our schools. But there is concern now. In Woodbury in particular people are talking about affording the school financing."
OTHER COMMENTS: "From my standpoint I am concerned about the exodus of young people from the state. And being on the board of the Green Mountain Technical Career Center, I really want to see kids who aren't college bound learning trades so we keep them here. Here's something everyone may not know: The average age of a carpenter is 54."
Shap Smith (incumbent)
BIO: Has lived in Vermont around 30 years, including some time away. Went to Peoples Academy and UVM, studying political science and English; has a law degree from Indiana University at Bloomington.
WORK: "I am a lawyer, mostly litigation with a variety of focuses, but a specialization in copyright and trademark law."
POLITICAL ROOTS: "I started attending local committee meetings in 2001 and things went from there. I went into politics because I care deeply about Vermont and I have two young children (4-1/2 years and 17 months). I am concerned as to the direction of Vermont and wanted to do something about it. I really like talking with people, getting to meet people. It's a great thing to be able to do – to serve the community."
KEY ISSUE IN THE DISTRICT: "I have been knocking on a lot of doors and there are a variety of issues at the local level: property taxes and health care dominate, also education is on people's minds. But surprisingly to me, most of the feedback I have been getting going door to door is about national issues – the war in particular and people being against the war."
OTHER COMMENTS: "I am looking forward to the campaign. I really enjoy the contact with people, that is one of my favorite parts of the role. There is so much more we need to do. Take education. I keep coming back to the fact that we approach education from what can we afford to finance. We should be asking the question – what kind of education do we need for our children in the modern world, then ask the question, how are we going to pay for it?"
David Atkinson
BIO: "I moved here in 1981, left in '90 and came back in 2001. So, 15 years, and I have owned property here since '87. Attended a one-room school in Mendon, Mass., and broadcasting school in Boston.
WORK: Tree surgeon.
POLITICAL ROOTS: "I am running on the Republican ballot as a Libertarian. I haven't actually joined the Republican Party, but I am allied with them. I see eye to eye with people from many parties, because Libertarians are fiscally conservative, and socially liberal. I got bitten by the bug when in high school. I had an excellent history teacher who interested me in how things happen and why."
KEY ISSUE IN DISTRICT: "… I would say property tax is right up there near the top, if not at the top, especially for people who have been in the state for the longest. Some longtime Vermonters are having to sell up just to afford their property tax."
OTHER COMMENTS: "There are a lot of people who feel disenfranchised and hopeless, and they ought to realize that the ballot box is where they should express their desire for change. It's the only thing left, other than running for office."
Tom Barkley
BIO: Lived in Vermont almost three years. Educated at University of Alabama, Stanford and the University of Alabama at Birming-ham. "I have a Ph.D. and an MD."
WORK: Health care consulting.
POLITICAL ROOTS: Joined the GOP "years and years and years ago. Mainly because the Republican Party at the time had the values that I adhered with; I am a small government person – I don't like a lot of government influence and a lot of government programs. Especially in the health care arena – I have seen government programs literally cause deaths. Having to follow government protocol can very well lead you into situations where you cannot properly treat patients."
"This is actually my first foray into running for anything politically. What I have noticed here is in Vermont is the lack of fathers' rights. Did you know that if you have a child with a female and you are unmarried, the male by law has no legal rights to his own child?"
KEY ISSUE IN THE DISTRICT: "Health care reform – there has to be something done; can't treat the people without insurance, and people with insurance can't afford the deductible. The other thing is taxes. Vermont is as heavily taxed as the people in Alabama where I came from."
OTHER COMMENTS: "I am running primarily on fathers' rights issues. I think most people in the state don't know what the situation is."
Bob Wolffe
BIO: Lived in Vermont "most of my life from the age of 8, although time away for military service." Educated at Braintree and Randolph Union High School and in the U.S. Army.
WORK: Heating technician.
POLITICAL ROOTS: "I believe I am actually registered as an Independent, with a Libertarian focus, although my family has always voted Republican. When approached to run under the GOP banner, I decided it was a good idea. … Governance in this country is at a stalemate and we need to get back to good governance, and the observance of the individual's rights at every level."
KEY ISSUE IN THE DISTRICT: "Taxes. Vermont is about the fifth worst state for high demands on the individuals' wallets. Property taxes are calculated poorly and state income tax is unconstitutional. The government is bleeding the middle classes dry."
OTHER COMMENTS: "At this point in my life I have the time and determination to do this job well, to try and help the situation, to try and make things better."
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