There is a three-way race for two seats for state representative in the Democratic primary in Middlebury this year. I would like to urge voters to choose Amy Sheldon and Betty Nuovo for these seats on Aug. 26.
There are several reasons. The first, and most important in my mind, is that the financing package for a single-payer health care system will come up for a vote in the 2015 legislative session. Both Amy and Betty are the two candidates who are in favor of single-payer without equivocation, and they can be expected to support a strong, comprehensive financing package. Whether we actually get a single-payer system in Vermont will be dependent on getting a majority in the Vermont House who will support a comprehensive, equitable financing package for single-payer (that will replace premiums). Therefore, our Middlebury primary is very important this year.
In addition, Amy Sheldon has been endorsed by the Vermont League of Conservation Voters, and I expect her to be a strong environmental advocate. Betty Nuovo has served Middlebury well for many years, and she is a dedicated public servant with a strong record on health care, environmental and social justice issues.
Ellen Oxfeld
Middlebury