Testimonials
vermont state SENator Claire Ayer
“Chris is a respectful listener, does his homework, and works hard. He's got solid experience in agriculture, energy, and education, and community service has been a lifelong habit. Chris has my vote for the Vermont Senate.”
vermont state senator tim ashe, president pro tem
“I’ve known Chris for years but the last two years as Senate President I’ve come to appreciate him even more.
He’s one of the hardest working legislators I’ve served with - he’s often the last one in the State House preparing for the next day when I leave each night. He’s totally conscientious - really striving to understand all the ins and outs of proposed legislation before casting a vote. He’s humble - he grinds away doing some of the most important work in the State House without seeking fanfare or publicity for publicity’s sake.
Chris just plain goes about the things the way an elected official should. He does what he believes is right, he thinks for himself, and builds coalitions.”
Vermont state senator & majority leader, Becca Balint
“I serve alongside Chris Bray in the Vermont State Senate, and it is my sincerest hope that he will be re-elected. Addison County voters would be hard pressed to find anyone to serve who will be more dedicated or more committed to finding positive outcomes for regular Vermonters.
As the chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Bray has been a champion of water quality, clean energy, and protecting Vermonters from toxic chemical exposure. He is a watchdog for all of us on these extremely important issues. And, importantly, Bray puts in long hours to study every angle and to consider a range of perspectives before moving forward with legislation.
Senator Bray asks important questions that get at the crux of an issue, and his inquisitive mind seeks strong solutions and a better way forward. He is not knee-jerk on any issue, nor is he someone who “goes along to get along.” When he supports or opposes an issue, careful research and preparation back his position. This job is not about politics for him; it’s about advancing well-crafted policy on behalf of the people of Addison County.
As the caucus leader, I wish all senators were so thoughtful and self-reflective in their work. Bray’s approach, values and dedication make him stand out in a crowded field of candidates this election season. Senator Chris Bray has earned your vote with hard work, deep knowledge, and integrity. If re-elected, he will continue to work diligently—developing meaningful policy for Addison County and taking a stand on pressing issues that are shaping Vermont’s future.”
Representative David Deen, Chair,
House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish, & Wildlife
“I have worked with Chris Bray as my fellow chair of Natural Resources Committee for six years, he in the Senate and I in the House. I have found him cooperative, balanced, knowledgeable, and a strong supporter of a clean environment. He respects using a transparent process for deciding public policy about natural resource issues. When, for example, the new rules for agricultural water quality (RAPs) were developed, Chris chose an approach that ensured that farmers themselves were at the table as the guidelines were written.
Chris also recognizes that our natural environment is not one to be ‘locked up,’ but rather one that should be used and enjoyed, contributing to a healthy rural economy. His work over the last decade embodies the belief that a healthy economy and a healthy economy can, and must, go hand-in-hand.
Perhaps most importantly, Chris is the embodiment of a sound citizen legislator in that those of us who serve know we could not possibly know everything, but the good ones are willing to take the time and make the effort to learn what we do not know. Chris is one of the good ones. Based on his track record, the environment, and all Vermonters, will be well served with his reelection.”
ReverEnd george Klohck, MIDDLEBURY
“When we look for people who will represent us in government, shouldn’t we look for people with a ‘can-do’ spirit? I am thinking about leaders who look for ways to actually get things done instead of telling us that our idea is good and then going on to list reasons why it can’t happen.
There are six candidates who are running to represent Addison County, Huntington, and Buel’s Gore in the Vermont Senate. Ruth Hardy and Senator Chris Bray are both candidates who stand out ahead of all the rest. Sen. Bray, in his years in the legislature, has been tireless in his efforts to find innovative ways to protect the environment and provide jobs for Vermonters. Remember his program, Farm to Plate, which brought better food to us and created thousands of jobs. Ruth Hardy, in her professional life and volunteer service, has worked very hard to help communities provide the best educational opportunities in the most economical way. She was executive director of the Open Door Clinic for several years. But, that only begins to tell their stories.
Here’s an example where leadership is needed now: the high cost of health care, which is a constant worry for the many people who cannot afford good health insurance. Expensive insurance drives up the budgets of school boards who provide health insurance for teachers and other employees. And, businesses, especially small businesses, that try to provide attractive benefits for their employees struggle with high costs of health insurance. There is something that can be done about this, and Ruth Hardy and Chris Bray are the only candidates here who understand this and are ready to do something about it.
Universal Primary Care is a proposal that makes sense. It is the idea that public financing would make it possible for anyone to go to a doctor, a primary care physician, without having to pay. Hardy and Bray know that this would save lives AND SAVE MONEY.
How? Think about it! People whose budgets are tight would not put off seeking help when they are ill or have troubling symptoms. Earlier treatment often prevents more serious illness from developing and, in some cases, even saves lives. Easier access to doctors would keep some patients from waiting till they had to go to an emergency room for help. Clearly, universal primary care would save money and even help everyone live happier lives with less worry about getting help when ill.
It would take too much space to write here about all the excuses other candidates give for saying that this can’t happen now here in Vermont. I’ll just say that I do not believe them. These naysayers also ignore the fact that since 1989, Vermont has successfully operated Dr. Dynasaur, a universal public health care program for children. I believe Hardy and Bray, who give careful attention to what citizens want and need, and who apply a can-do spirit to find ways to do it. They will apply their energy in the Vermont Senate to work for universal primary care. Not only that, they will approach other needs of Vermonters in that same spirit.
Please join me in voting for Ruth Hardy and Senator Chris Bray.”
HANNAH SESSION, BLUE LEDGE FARM, LEICESTER
“Politics are hard in a small town, and this year’s race for our county’s two senate seats is no exception. I attended a recent forum in Middlebury and got to hear from all candidates. I certainly think highly of all four Independent and Democratic candidates.
Marie Audet runs a highly respected dairy farm and has done a tremendous amount for dairy in our state and comes across as a kind and heartfelt person. Paul Ralston is a dynamic businessperson who has grown a great brand.
This election, however, I am supporting Ruth Hardy and Chris Bray for our two senate seats and here is why: These two are workhorses. I have known Ruth as a school board member, leader of Emerge, and now as an extremely thorough, energetic, and ever-present candidate on the campaign trail. It seems as though when Ruth commits to something she lives, eats and breathes it.
As our current senator, Chris Bray is probably the most reachable legislator imaginable. Whenever I have had a question, comment or concern Chris responds every time —usually that day! Even if you disagree with him (as I have on occasion), Chris puts in the time to listen and respond thoughtfully and at length. He truly seems to live the role of public servant. If we send them to Montpelier we know they are both 100 percent ‘all in’ representing us.
Secondly, both Chris and Ruth are not afraid to admit when they don’t know something. Early in the campaign Ruth sought out my and others’ advice on issues involving agriculture as she is the first to admit it is not her area of expertise (my husband and I have a goat dairy farm and manufacture cheese). I trust people who choose to seek out answers from those on the front line instead of relying on hearsay or falling in line with party positions.
Chris has always been an advocate of agriculture, but when he helped to craft a bill called ‘Citizens’ Right to Know,’ part of it was especially controversial with farmers. He listened to all of our concerns and when the bill came back before him he made changes to the bill which directly addressed our concerns (ask him about it — I can assure you he will get back to you).
I think both Ruth and Chris are very practical and fiscally conservative. I don’t buy that only Republicans (or Independents) know how to promote business. Democrats in Vermont have a record of promoting fiscal and social programs that in my mind are true economic drivers. Our family business, for instance, exists because of Democratic programs like Dr. Dynasaur and various state-funded land and energy conservation programs — not despite of them.
Lastly, and most pragmatically, we have a good system of checks and balances in our state. We also haven’t denied a Governor a second term since 1962, so though this isn’t an endorsement for Gov. Scott, in the case of his re-election we need a strong Democratic voice in the Senate. We need to keep advocating for programs that are real economic and community drivers, and that reflect well on our state on the national scene, and I feel that Ruth and Chris will do this.”