Our Platform

Vermont is at a crossroads, and we need a leader with a strong vision. Vermonters deserve sustainable education systems, accessible housing and livability, and strong leadership to become a climate-resilient state with a just energy transition. Esther has experienced these hardships firsthand and is acutely aware of the necessity for real, effective solutions. Here is our platform.

  • Sustainable Education Systems

    Vermont children and families deserve quality childcare and the best educational system possible. As the mother of two young children, Esther is deeply committed to making this a reality across our state. 

    Esther will:

    - Work to develop and implement innovative and viable funding models to ease the education tax burden on low and middle-income Vermonters

    - Explore expanding mental health care funding in public schools

    - Support programs that are expanding opportunities for teacher licenses

    Affordable Childcare for All

    Esther believes that now is the time to make further investments in the childcare system so that we can retain and attract working families and educators.

    Esther will:

    - Support Paid Family Leave for all working families

    - Advocate for Livable wages for childcare providers

  • Attainable Housing

    Charlestin’s administration would expand Vermonters’ access to attainable housing. Attainable housing is crucial for fostering inclusive communities where residents of all income levels and backgrounds can live and thrive in Vermont. 

    Esther will:

    - Augment accessibility and quantity of transitional housing projects in alignment with “Housing First” models 

    - Explore options to aid low and middle-income families in renting and purchasing homes by supporting changes in zoning policies that are a barrier to increasing housing density

    - Enhancing regulatory mandates and municipal supervision pertaining to the implementation of inclusionary zoning within housing development projects

    - Enact Just Cause Eviction for the towns that have passed it

    - Support H.687 legislation to modernize Act 250

    - Exploring the feasibility of raising taxes on second homes and short-term rentals

    Livability

    It's time to address poverty, strengthen economic stability, and foster a more inclusive society where small businesses, farmers, and individuals can afford to support and elevate their families

    Esther will:

    - Secure livable wages for all working Vermonters including migrant workers

    - Collaborate with labor unions to enhance safeguards for workers

  • Vermont requires a just energy transition that safeguards and prioritizes our most vulnerable populations, reaches our net zero energy goals, protects our natural resources and holds those who are responsible accountable.

    Esther will:

    - Support efforts within the Climate Superfund Act and enforce accountability measures for polluters

    - Support legislation similar to H. 298 for a better Renewable Energy Standard

    - Explore investment in sustainable development including renewable energy projects, public transit, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and conservation

    - Work to elevate dam safety enhancement

    - Support Increasing watershed resilience by restoring wetlands, promoting sustainable land use, and managing stormwater runoff