It is always difficult as a non-partisan organization such as ours to talk about legislators who have stood up for the principles that our membership views as important without appearing to endorse someone’s candidacy. However, in fairness, there are legislators from our region who, consistently over the years, have advocated for the fundamental proposition that healthy businesses grow healthy communities and have demonstrated such by their advocacy of our platforms.

Within this year’s Chittenden and Grand Isle Senate contests, there are incumbents that deserve to be so noted. Year in and year out the Lake Champlain Chamber government affairs team has relied on Senators Miller, Snelling and Mazza to forge legislative solutions that promote a thriving private sector economy while ensuring that Vermont’s troubled and disadvantaged are protected. We have not always agreed with their every vote on every piece of legislation. However, each has taken the time to listen and to find common ground.

Senator Miller is a former Chair of the Chamber Board; Senator Snelling currently serves on the Board and Senator Mazza has served as a personal mentor to many in the business community. Our region would be a far different place, one not so well off, without their continued support and guidance.