“There are several crucial qualities of a leader. Honesty, compassion, courage, and independence are traits we should all expect our elected officials and candidates to possess. There are so many candidates across our state who have shown these qualities over the course of this important election cycle. One of these candidates is senate candidate Ruth Hardy.
As a young person and activist, I recognize that Ruth Hardy is truly an advocate for all Vermonters. She shows the qualities of leadership every day. She has shown them as a school budget expert, as a parent, as a champion of electing Democratic women, and as a candidate for Senate. From working on school boards to training female candidates through Emerge Vermont, Ruth has always worked to make our Addison County communities stronger.
We need more politicians like Ruth Hardy to enact the change our state needs. Leadership matters now more than ever, and in that field, Ruth’s cup runneth over. A fierce advocate like Ruth is exactly the leader we need to replace retiring senator Claire Ayer. Ruth has big shoes to fill, but if the voters of Addison County give her a chance, I’m confident she won’t let us down.”
Ethan Sonnenborn is a 9th grade student at Mount Abraham High School and lives in Bristol. He ran a historic campaign for the Democratic nomination for Governor in summer 2018, the youngest candidate in Vermont history. This letter appeared in the Addison Independent on October 8.
“Ruth Hardy practices what she preaches. After training democratic women to run for office, she decided to toss her hat in the ring herself. She is a highly qualified candidate for the Vermont senate representing the voters of Addison County. Ruth Hardy will be an active and effective voice in the state senate. I know her well as a friend, as a colleague, and as the Executive Director of Emerge Vermont for the last three years. She is well informed about local and state issues. She is a good listener and a quick study. And if she doesn’t know the answer to a question, she will do her best to find out.
Having served on Addison Central school boards for three terms has made her familiar with grassroots politics. Her work with nonprofits and as a volunteer for several organizations makes her knowledgeable about the needs of her community. Ruth will weigh all the facts when she gets to Montpelier and then make a decision. She knows how to get things done.
She has a passion for the state of Vermont and is inspired to improve the lives of all Vermonters.”
Madeleine May Kunin was Governor of Vermont from 1985-1991, served as Ambassador to Switzerland, and founded Emerge Vermont. This letter appeared in the Addison Independent on September 20.
