Welcome

I’m Ruth Hardy, and I’m running for the Vermont Senate to represent all of Addison County, the Town of Huntington, and Buels Gore.

I am running because I believe in hard work, community service, and responsive government.

We live in a beautiful state, with a long tradition of direct democracy and strong communities. We value human rights and protecting our natural resources. We are neighbors and friends who help each other when things get tough. Life in our brave little state is pretty good.

There is also work to do to make sure all Vermonters can enjoy the bounties of our beautiful state. The reality is that many Vermonters cannot make ends meet, or struggle with the challenges of addiction or depression. Many Vermonters don’t feel safe in their homes or schools, or welcome in our tight-knit communities. And, we need to better steward our natural resources – land, forests, water, and air – to preserve them for future generations.

I am a working mother who has served my community for the past 16 years, as a non-profit leader, dedicated volunteer, and elected school board member. I know how to work with diverse groups of people to get things done and make our communities better for everyone. I am committed to celebrating what we do well, and improving what we need to do better.

If I see something that needs to be done, I step up to do it. In 2006, when I saw that our local preschool was in danger of closing, I helped the parent board negotiate a solution to keep it open for children and families. In 2009, when I saw that our elementary school didn’t have enough shade, I raised money, gathered volunteers, and planted 16 trees at the Mary Hogan School.

Volunteering for preschools and planting trees with students led me to run for school board, advocate for expanded opportunities for all children, be a leader in unifying our school system, and now to run for Vermont Senate.

I am a hard-working Democrat, and I am passionate about helping others make their voices heard. I want to be a voice for Addison County in Montpelier to help all of our neighbors have the opportunity to live, work, grow, and thrive here.

I want to plant the roots of a bright future for our towns and our state. I hope you’ll join me in this important work.

Thank you!