Many, many thanks to Marcia Gardner who has been our State Representative for the past four years and done an excellent job! She has worked tirelessly for Richmond and for all Vermonters and I want to thank her for stepping up and serving. Being a legislator is wonderful and challenging work. Many times the “ behind the scenes” work on behalf of individuals is not known. We are so grateful for your service. I am also grateful that Rep. Jana Brown is now taking the lead for Richmond as our new State Representative. As she is sworn in and taking the lead in a pandemic, I want to encourage all to participate in our democratic process and contact her. Having a representative one can call on for any issue related to personal interactions with state government agencies or input on a specific bill is one of the many gifts of living in a democratic society. Your voice matters. Let Jana know what you think about the topics being considered in Montpelier. Let her know how COVID is impacting your life at home and work. Let her know if you need assistance navigating some action with a state agency. Look for Jana’s posting of community meetings on zoom. We are so fortunate to live in this great state of Vermont.
Happy New Year!
—Anne O’Brien, Former Richmond State Representative (2008-2016)