Esther Charlestin in 2024 VT Governor's race
On Social Security:
More people retiring than entering the workforce
Q: So what are the key issues that you feel need to be addressed, not only on the campaign trail, but as governor?A: The things that come to mind for me is workforce. We have a lot more people retiring than we do entering the workforce.
We have towns who are recruiting people to move there and be a part of the community. And that's a problem as we think about where Vermont will be 20 years from now.
I also think about climate change, the floods that happened over the summer. It won't be the last time and are we ready?
What things do we have in place to make sure we're in a good space? And of course, housing.
Source: WAMC on 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Jan 22, 2024
On Civil Rights:
Co-chairs the State of Vermont's Commission on Women
As she pursued her career, taking on diverse roles in higher ed and in the public school system, she ran a successful campaign for the Middlebury Selectboard. In 2023, she received a Leahy Award for exceptional leadership in the community.
She currently co-chairs the State of Vermont's Commission on Women, a role that reflects Esther's dedication to creating a just and equitable world, where every voice is heard and respected.
Source: 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial campaign website EstherForVT.com
Jun 12, 2024
On Education:
Affordable Childcare for All
- Sustainable Education Systems & Affordable Childcare for All
- Attainable Housing & Livability
-
Climate Resilience & A Just Energy Transition
Source: 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial campaign website EstherForVT.com
Jun 12, 2024
On Energy & Oil:
We really have to confront the reality of climate change
Another issue Charlestin plans to address in her campaign is climate resiliency in the state, especially in the aftermath of last summer's devastating flooding. We need to have climate resistant communities," Charlestin said. "Are
Vermonters really ready with the current infrastructure if another flood happens? Because it could. This means we really have to confront the reality of climate change."
Source: The Middlebury Campus on 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Jan 25, 2024
On Families & Children:
Affordable childcare and attainable housing
Esther Charlestin is running as the lone Democrat. "I have been embraced by an amazing community and enjoy the beautiful landscape, but I have fallen victim to the hardships that a lot of Vermonters face, and that has really shaped my priorities," said
Charlestin. "One of which being support of our education, affordable childcare for all, attainable housing, and then of course building climate resilient communities."
Source: ABC22 WVNY/FOX44 WFFF on 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
May 20, 2024
On Principals & Values:
Quit job over racist acts directed towards her
A former Vermont school administrator has revealed that she was forced to quit her job after bouts of racial harassment caused her mental and physical health to decline and made her work in "a place of perpetual fear." In her position,
Charlestin said she called teachers out for their differential treatment of students of color versus white students. However, Charlestin's tone changed as an administrator when she realized racial microaggressions and blatant acts of
racism were also directed towards her. She discovered "I hate n----- Dean" written on the wall in the girls' bathroom. "This message was indeed for me," Charlestin continued. Then, in May, she was directly called the N-word.
Charlestin, who had been
employed at Middlebury Union for less than a year, resigned from her post over summer with her last day being Sept. 1. She said she realized that she "loved [her] community, but didn't trust it."
Source: The Daily Beast on 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Sep 27, 2023
On Welfare & Poverty:
Support Act 250: more affordable homes
Vermont's housing crisis is constantly on my mind, and it is an issue I feel must be attacked from multiple angles. First, we need to build more affordable homes.
Plain and simple. And updating Act 250's land use policy to allow for the construction of more affordable homes was the kind of bipartisan compromise I would champion if elected, rather than vetoing it as Gov. Scott did.
Second, we need to increase aid for low and middle income residents to purchase, rent, and keep homes. This means looking at inclusionary zoning,
supporting housing first models, implementing rental and second home taxes, and increasing urban density.
Source: Candidate Connection: 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2024
On Education:
Our schools MUST be fully funded
There are two undeniable truths about the way our education system is funded: 1) Our schools MUST be fully funded. Full Stop. 2) The burden of funding our schools at an adequate level falls disproportionately onto lower and middle income Vermonters.
As governor, I would work to develop and implement innovative and viable funding models to ease the education tax burden on low and middle-income Vermonters while ensuring our schools are preserved.
Source: Candidate Connection: 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2024
On Energy & Oil:
Invest in local clean energy projects
Climate Change is costing Vermont residents money and pain right now, and it will only get worse going forward if we do not act. The bills passed by our hardworking legislature are the kinds of progress we need to be making in addressing climate change.
Bills such as h.687 h.289 and the Climate Superfund act are comprehensive compromises that demand a better, more sustainable future for our state while acknowledging the need for a just energy transition.
Additionally, we need to invest in local clean energy projects that ensure both equity for all residents as well as taking a local approach
to our shift to clean energy and sustainability.
Source: Candidate Connection: 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2024
On Drugs:
Education and treatment for young drug users
Duval: I don't think overdose prevention centers would address root cause of this drug. It's not just opioids, it's drugs generally, the supply of these drugs, and would make it easier for users to continue to use. The way to address that is to get
the supply back into official channels. Back to the point where doctors are prescribing medications for addiction that aren't for addicts, and having a safer supply that causes the underground market to shrivel up.Charlestin: Well, I would approach
it making sure that we educate young folks, because I think the marketing is for young people to get into it. And so making sure that they know the dangers and working with school districts. I would say having Medicaid cover 90-day treatment centers to
make sure that the folks are getting the help that they need. So yes, they can stop. But what about the support after would be important, and working with police to make sure it's cracked down.
Source: Vermont Public Radio on 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial debate
Jul 25, 2024
On Gun Control:
There is more to be done on gun ownership regulation
I would say there is more to be done on gun ownership regulation. As a mother, I refuse to allow background check loopholes and
legal ownership of assault rifles to endanger the lives of our children. We can have lawful gun ownership in Vermont and still have common sense gun laws.
Source: VTDigger.org on 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Jul 22, 2024
On Health Care:
Expand access to mental health services in education system
Healthcare is a necessity to every person's life. I believe that increasing access to health care services is a core aspect of increasing equity and prosperity for all Vermonters. Specifically, one area of health care I hope to expand is access to
mental health services in our education system. Mental health care is healthcare, and we need to ensure that children have the same access to it in schools as they do the ability to go to seek physical medical attention when they are sick or injured.
Source: VTDigger.org on 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Jul 22, 2024
On Principles & Values:
First black woman to win VT gubernatorial nomination
Charlestin, 34, is a former Middlebury Selectboard member and school administrator. She is the first black woman in Vermont to win a major party gubernatorial nomination, and only the second in the country. If elected, Charlestin would also become
the first person of color and the second woman to hold the highest office in the state. She currently serves as co-chair of the Vermont Commission on Women. In 2023, she won a Leahy Award for exceptional community leadership.
Source: Burlington Free Press on 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Sep 16, 2024
On Principles & Values:
Condemned with IFFY award for running "Issue-Free" campaign
OnTheIssues attempted and failed to compile the issue stances of Esther Charlestin--which means she actively sought to hide issue stances from the internet, the news media, and the voters.We consider "issue-free campaigners" to be untrustworthy of
holding elected office--the IFFY award means they are "iffy" officeholders. Voters need to know how the candidate will actually vote on key issues. Charlestin did not say--an insult to her constituency--and voters should complain loudly and often.
Charlestin is a municipal elected official and has no excuse as a novice "first-time candidate".
OnTheIssues undertook due diligence--over the entire course of 2024--we found only a 3-topic "platform" that ignored topics like abortion
and LGBT rights--Vermont has led America in the past on these issues, so why can't Charlestin? We managed only to answer 50% of VoteMatch questions by November 2024--our standard for first-time candidates is to find 70% of VoteMatch questions.
Source: IFFY disendorsement in 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Nov 1, 2024
On Tax Reform:
Wealthiest Vermonters should pay their fair share
Q: How will you address Vermonters' growing tax burden?A: My administration will work to lower Vermonters' tax burden by advocating for a progressive tax system,
ensuring the wealthiest Vermonters pay their fair share while cutting regressive taxes and supporting sustainable economic growth that benefits working families.
Source: Seven Days News on 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Sep 17, 2024
Page last updated: Nov 03, 2024