Vermonters pride ourselves on being independent and this year I am voting Independent for Vermont Senate — Audet and Ralston.
I was born In Barre 70 years ago, a time Vermont voted mostly  Republican — today we tend to vote Democrat. My dad worked in the granite quarries and used to say, “The only difference between the Democrat and Republican parties is the Democrats will at least pretend they’re for the little guy.”
I don’t know if that is true or not, but I do know members of both parties can be restrained from doing something they think is right if it does not go along with the party line. Folks as old as I am will remember how that worked out for Jim Jeffords. Folks today see what is happening to Governor Scott for not siding with the NRA-backed Republicans.
I have known Paul Ralston for over 40 years and have never seen a single instance where he has been less than caring, pragmatic and professional. Paul listens, learns from mistakes, and knows how to solve problems. The fact that he is teaming up with Marie Audet, of the Audet farm, convinces me that  Addison County will be well served if we can send two independent senators to  Montpelier.
Get out to vote — and vote Audet and Ralston — Independents for Senate.
Cliff Adams
Bristol
 
Editor’s note: The author noted as a postscript that he was the founder of Cubbers in Bristol, Rockydale pizza in Bristol, and Togos Restaurant in Vergennes.