We first met Mari when she was canvasing our neighborhood during her first run for the legislature and immediately formed a bond because of our mutual and passionate concerns for the environment and social justice. Right from the beginning Mari impressed, even amazed us, with her background, her vocation, her energy, and her work for the common good.
Graduating with a degree in Natural Resources, Management and Policy, she has applied that experience to her advocacy for the environment and mitigation of the impacts of climate change.  This last summer she traversed the state advocating for the Vermont Global Climate Solutions Act and is a key member of the Climate Caucus. (Both the Vermont Sierra Club and Vermont Conservation Voters endorse her candidacy.)
Working as a nurse has given her an inside view of the problems affecting the health care system and patients that she brings to her service on the House Committee on Health Care. During her 30 years in nursing she has been a strong advocate for workers rights, serving as a union organizer and negotiator. And her experience with workers issues and patients’ financial struggles has given her insights and sympathy related to issues of social justice in a stratified society where those at the bottom (and middle) are engaged in a day-to-day struggle to put food on the table, afford housing, and care for their kids. She also serves on the House Discrimination Prevention Panel, and is endorsed by Rights and Democracy.
But, you have to meet Mari to appreciate her: she looks you in the eye, listens, and responds from her heart. When you contact her on an issue or visit her at the State House you know you are being listened to and she will respond. We are incredibly lucky to have her as a representative and need to re-elect her so she can continue to represent those of us who love this state and its citizens.
Richard and Gail Butz
Bristol