I’d like to just make a personal endorsement of our state Sen. Ruth Hardy now that I have come to know her after her repeated appearances at Rochester’s Democratic Committee. She was new to us, here in Rochester, after the state’s recent reapportionment process. It was a pleasure to get to know her.

Her legislative priorities are clear from her campaign material, support for affordable childcare, reproductive justice, advocacy for public schools, housing and other issues important to many Vermonters.

But I think what is most defining about Ruth is her willingness to listen, to take the trouble to get out and hear from the folks in her district and work to support them on issues they feel are important to their families and communities. She also responded quickly to an email I sent her with a question about the state’s position regarding Sun Common’s status.

The bottom line to me is that Ruth is a genuinely decent person who cares deeply about what happens to the families in her district, including the recent constituents here on our side of the mountain. She is like the good neighbor all of us would like to have — friendly, attentive and willing to help. So, she has my vote.

Rob Gardner

Rochester