Local House member has sights set on Vt. Senate
The U.S. and Vermont flags flying in Bridgewater, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
The issues that impact working Vermonters have been important to Becca White, from her childhood and right through to her time in public office. And she’s hoping to continue that work in the Vermont Senate.
White, 28, a local state representative and a White River Junction resident, is vying for a Windsor County Senate seat on the Democratic ticket. Windsor County has three Senate seats, and incumbent Senators Alison Clarkson, of Woodstock, and Dick McCormack, of Bethel, are seeking reelection, while longtime Sen. Alice Nitka is retiring from the post. Chris Morrow, of Weston, remains on the ballot but has dropped out of the race. Vermont’s primary election is next Tuesday, Aug. 9.
White, a lifelong Vermonter and UVM graduate who grew up in Hartford, is a current Vermont House member representing the Windsor 4-2 district. Before her four years in the House, she served the same amount of time on the Hartford Select Board.
During her Senate campaign going door to door, an issue impacting many Vermonters comes up time and time again: housing.
“The thing I’m hearing most about is affordable housing, both for people who want to stay here and continue to live here … and then for renters, just the inability to find a place to rent,” White said. Concerns around fuel and utility costs are wrapped up in those housing issues, she added.
“If it’s not the homeowner, it’s their friend, their co-worker, their family,” White said. “Everyone is impacted by the crisis we’re experiencing now.”
The economy, equity and the environment are also high on her list, and White added they have something in common: “Housing actually cuts through all three of those.”
In Hartford, White’s mother ran a daycare, and her father was a plumber and electrician. And so, giving young, working people a greater voice in public office has been important for White.
When she got to the Vermont House, she recalled, “there was a good mix of women, but not a lot of young people, and not a lot of people who were working.”
White supports a legislative effort Clarkson has led, to review whether Vermont’s citizen Legislature is effectively representing the state.
At the same time, White feels Vermont offers a unique opportunity to participate meaningfully in democratic institutions. She hopes to keep doing so at the State House.
“This is the place where I can put my skills that I have to the highest and best use,” White said.
Reflecting on her time in public office, White said she’s built a lot of relationships that would remain important as a senator. Those include the ability to work effectively with fellow lawmakers, state administration and also local organizers.
“All of those relationship skills, and knowing who to talk to about what, are so invaluable,” she said.
— Gareth Henderson
