News
Lawmakers get ready for a busy final month
One of the most powerful of the Windham County legislators is undoubtedly Emilie Kornheiser, P/D-Brattleboro, the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. Her biggest priority going into the session was advancing a universal paid family leave bill. And she did!
Hundreds rally at State House in support of solving Vermont’s child care crisis
500 children, parents, grandparents, early childhood educators, employers, and community leaders packed the Vermont State House steps and lawn to rally with dozens of lawmakers from every corner of Vermont and of every political affiliation, uniting together to show support for solving Vermont’s child care crisis.
Youth Vote for Brattleboro passes in Vermont House
H.386 would amend the town charter to allow “youth voters” to vote for local offices, and serve as members of Representative Town Meeting and the Select Board.
“I’m really excited for the youth of Brattleboro,” said Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Windham 2-1, of Brattleboro. “The more we can do to make youth feel welcome in our community and feel they can participate and engage in civil service and politics, the better off I think we all are.”
‘Trying to make life work’: Child care legislation draws hundreds to Statehouse rally
“We've made important strides in improving family wellbeing, for fellow Vermonters with last year's passage of the child tax credit with an expanded earned income tax credit with investments and housing and more,” said Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Brattleboro, who chairs the chamber’s tax-writing Ways and Means Committee. “But we can continue to fulfill a promise that we as legislators here made to Vermonters with a passage of a universal family medical leave bill and affordable accessible child care funding.”
Hundreds rally to push child care bill across finish line
The House and Senate are still reconciling their versions of the biggest Democratic priorities of the session and to what degree they can balance universal paid leave and child care. To pass both, lawmakers are saying they need courage.
“We know that when caregivers in our state are supported and kids’ basic needs are met, we are stronger as a state. and look at you all here today,” said Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Brattleboro.
Capitol Recap: The constitutional arguments for — and against — tax increases in Vermont
Brattleboro Rep. Emilie Kornheiser is the chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. She says taxes, and what they represent, is the reason she got into public service. And she says how and when to tax is in some ways the most important job that a body like the Vermont Legislature undertakes.
Facing a crisis, House panel considers transforming the property value reappraisal system
“This was not on my agenda coming into the session as, like, the project to take on,” Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Brattleboro, the committee chair, said at a hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 1. “But it does seem like we’re in a crisis. This is the moment to fix it if we’re going to fix it.”
Capitol Recap: Advocates urge Vermont lawmakers to permanently fund universal school meals
Brattleboro Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said that if lawmakers do decide to fund universal free meals, then the money should come out of the education fund.
Vt. Democrats unveil universal paid family leave bill
“The incredible struggle of the working class under those circumstances, of the struggle of not being able to pay our bills -- because we aren’t working under those circumstances,” said Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Brattleboro, who chairs the Ways and Means Committee and is leading the charge on the new bill.
What is the government we need, and how do we pay for it?
So in her nomination speech, Kornheiser quoted part of a Marge Piercy poem, “To be of use.” The part she quoted — “who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward/who do what has to be done, again and again”
Vermont Lawmakers Question Job-Creating Subsidies at a Time of Low Unemployment
"Maybe this isn't actually the right time for a program like this to be operating," Rep. Emilie Kornheiser (D-Brattleboro) told colleagues last week.
There are lots of fresh faces in Montpelier this legislative session
The committee on ways and leans also has a new chair in Emilie Kornheiser who will run the house committee responsible for the state's tax policies.
House committees get 9 new chairs, while leaders restructure environmental jurisdiction
Reps. Diane Lanpher, D-Vergennes, and Emilie Kornheiser, D-Brattleboro, will helm the committees that craft Vermont’s most consequential, must-pass legislation, Krowinski announced.
Blooming where you’re planted
"Coffey, Kornheiser forego moving up for the chance to win another term in the Vermont House"
Reps. Ancel & Kornheiser: Leaving money on the table for whom?
"According to a recent story, the Legislature inexplicably decided to leave money on the table, even though the money was federal money and the supposed beneficiaries of that money were Vermont small businesses. "
Kornheiser could chair House Ways and Means
"State Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Windham 2-1, served as vice chairwoman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, and is in line to become chairwoman if reelected."
Corporate tax reform bill, signed by Phil Scott, expected to benefit manufacturers
"Gov. Phil Scott signed a corporate tax reform bill into law Tuesday that is expected to slash taxes for manufacturers in Vermont."
Senate rejects veto override on Brattleboro Youth Vote
“Younger community members of Brattleboro are going to have to wait to participate in local elections after the Senate failed to override the governor’s veto.”
Following symbolic veto override, Senate agrees to Scott’s compromise on firearm background checks
The Vermont Senate on Friday advanced a firearm background check bill, S.4, that met Gov. Phil Scott’s demands following his veto of a farther-reaching bill, S.30.
Vermont House gives tentative green light to $1,200 child tax credit
“As many members in this chamber have said before me, our budgets and our tax code are reflections of our values,” Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D/P-Brattleboro, who reported the bill on behalf of the House Ways and Means Committee, said to her colleagues on the floor on Tuesday. “By passing the Vermont Child Tax Credit, we’re communicating clearly and unequivocally here that Vermont cares about kids and families — that this is the place where you can make it work.”
Majority of Windham, Bennington House members vote yes on Proposition 5
“This is likely the most important vote I’ll make in my service as a legislator,” Rep. Emilie Kornheiser said. “Reproductive liberty is foundational to Vermonters’ ability to participate — in our communities, the economy, and to care and build our families.
“This is also an opportunity for direct democracy,” Kornheiser said. “Changing the constitution is a weighty issue, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to hear directly from voters about our community’s faith in reproductive liberty.”
Retail cannabis revenue share proposed for municipalities
BRATTLEBORO — Towns and cities don’t know exactly what their slice of the retail cannabis revenue in Vermont will be yet, but a couple of proposals would make the prospect more appealing.
Two years after landmark study, state task force considers overhaul of school funding system
A legislative task force appears likely to recommend revamping Vermont’s school funding formula, potentially breaking with recommendations issued in a landmark study two years ago.
Task force proposes new school funding system for students learning English
A legislative task force has proposed overhauling Vermont’s system for allocating money to schools for students learning English.
NBC5 In Depth: Ensuring Vermont's students have equitable access to education
Burlington Vt. - With so much focus on the COVID-19 pandemic in recent months, reform in public education has become a "sleeper issue" that has escaped much of the spotlight.
Educational equity is about all of us
Vermont’s commitment to equitable access to education is enshrined in our constitution, which established the “instruction of youth” as a fundamental right.
Senate fills out per-pupil weighting task force membership
The membership of three legislative summer task forces was fleshed out on Wednesday, in appointments made by the Vermont Senate’s Committee on Committees.
Rental registry bill to be taken up in veto override session
A bill addressing renter health and safety and providing incentives for the purchase and updating of the state’s unused rental units will be considered by the Vermont Senate when it convenes later this month.
Legislators look back on historic, unusual session
Members of the Windham County delegation reflect on victories, pitfalls, gaffes, surprise benefits to giving people access to the legislative process, and — finally — a resolution to an impasse on composting with chickens
Taxation that helps our neighbors and our communities
Monday, May 17, was Tax Day. I know the topic of taxes can spark strong reactions in Vermonters, yet taxes pay for things we like and share, such as libraries, schools, roads, trash collection, and they are a valuable tool for closing the wealth gap.
Look Ahead, Vermont: Budgets, pensions and weights loom as session nears final days
The finish line for the 2021 legislative session is in sight. So Look Ahead Vermont will take a slightly different approach, looking at the issues rather than the calendar.
Vermont House unanimously apologizes for its role in eugenics policies
Ninety years to the day a bill legalizing sterilization targeting Abenaki people, French Canadian and French Indian immigrants, the poor and the mentally ill was signed into law, the Vermont House of Representatives confronted the grim history of the state's eugenics movement and unanimously endorsed a resolution apologizing for its actions nearly a century ago.
House roundup: Child care bill graduates to Senate
A proposal aimed at making child care in Vermont more affordable has passed the state House of Representatives with broad support.
Vermont vs. vacation rentals: New bills aim to regulate Airbnbs, end party houses
"There are intense public health implications for an unregulated party house in the middle of a pandemic that makes all this feel more urgent," said Vermont Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Brattleboro, one of the sponsors of the House short term rental bill.
Bill addresses short term rental issue
A new bill seeks to regulate properties being used for short-term rentals like lodging establishments if operators don’t meet certain residency requirements.
Kornheiser's 'door' open for conversation
Emilie Kornheiser, state representative for Windham 2-1, invites constituents or anyone interested to join her weekly office hours Sundays at 11 a.m.
Lawmakers present host of plans to improve addiction treatment
A coalition of lawmakers and prosecutors, inspired by personal stories of struggle against addiction from Bennington state Rep. Dane Whitman and Newfane activist Brenda Siegel, marked National Recovery Day by calling for substantial changes refocusing the state’s attention on the opioid epidemic as a health crisis.
Bill seeks overhaul of state's sexual assault laws
The state’s sexual assault criminal statutes are outdated, especially when it comes to defining consent and the role of alcohol and drugs, according to supporters of a bill now before the House Judiciary Committee.
Look Ahead Vermont: Getting into the nitty-gritty of child care access
“It is the intent of the General Assembly that immediate investments are necessary to support Vermont’s economy, ensure that all families with young children have affordable access to high-quality early childhood education, and that Vermont’s early childhood educators, the backbone of our economy, are fairly compensated and well supported.”
A Case Study in Arguing Against Your Own Interests
Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Brattleboro, has introduced H.58, a Right to Repair bill specifically aimed at farm equipment.
School tax rate increases now more favorable
School tax bills are no longer projected to increase by as much, thanks to quick work by the Vermont House Ways and Means Committee after reassessing how revenues will affect the Education Fund.
Town Meeting vote-by-mail bill sails through House
The Vermont House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill allowing towns to move the date of Town Meeting Day or send ballots by mail, in order to protect residents from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Poll: Vermonters Support More State Funding For Child Care
As a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, Kornheiser will be among the lawmakers working to identify new funding streams for child care investments.
Look ahead, Vermont: Leadership, issues focus of House Democratic Caucus
With Democrats and Republicans choosing leadership positions this past week, their attention now turns to the task ahead: Guiding Vermont out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kornheiser Thanks Windham-2-1 voters
I am so honored to have the opportunity to keep working with this community and in this nation, so we can someday say that government is truly for us and by us.
After the Vote
Post-election vigils call for fair and complete count of all ballots — and, ultimately, a peaceful transition of power — in the aftermath of a contentious national presidential election
Kornheiser returns to Vermont House
Emilie Kornheiser will be heading back to the Legislature with an eye toward making Vermont a more equitable place.
"Honored to have the opportunity to keep working with this community, so we can someday say that government is truly for us, and by us," the Democratic state representative said following Tuesday's election. "Brattleboro saw record voter turnout for this crucial election. This is in part due to our passion and our fear -- we have a renewed understanding of how much our vote and our voice matter. But it is also because of the incredible degree of access we bring to our elections here in Vermont."
Committed to community, Kornheiser seeks reelection
"I always believed and worked hard to make sure government is really effective at meeting the needs of people,” Kornheiser said. “And I think the cracks that were revealed in our unemployment system is a good reason why you want government to be effective."
Report: COVID-19 Disproportionately Impacts Women's Health, Work & Financial Security
A new state report finds women in Vermont have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus. The COVID-19 disease itself has affected their personal health, but the economic downturn associated with the pandemic has also seen a uniquely large impact on women's financial stability and economic security. This hour, we'll take a close look at the report's findings.
Message to constituents from the Windham County delegation
We, your Windham County legislators, want you to know that during this difficult and challenging time we are available to assist you. The governor's Stay Home, /Stay Safe order remains in effect, but the good news is that these measures appear to be slowing the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, we are well aware of the severe impacts of the crisis.
Census participation urged, numbers reported to be low
Kornheiser pointed to two different ways populations can be difficult to count.
"One of them is populations that are economically marginalized folks who move a lot, folks who feel sort of disconnected from government, racial minorities," she said, "then really rural populations are a second hard to count population. Windham County has both of those things together."
Kornheiser said Windham County has less infrastructure than bigger counties like Chittenden to help with outreach. Gannon noted as of Tuesday, Vermont had the fifth lowest response rate in the country; it was at 41.5 percent.
When running for office, minority candidates fear for personal safety
Reps. Emilie Kornheiser, D-Brattleboro, and Diana Gonzalez, P-Winooski, also joined in on the call. While both said they haven’t experienced severe instances of harassment, they both take precautions to keep themselves safe as a public figure.
Kornheiser, who is Jewish, said she has a separate landline she uses as a public number for constituent calls. She also said she has a “really big and really scary” dog. She said her family was deeply affected by the Holocaust, so she’s always had a fear that someone was “coming for” her.
Brattleboro Community Television stays relevant during pandemic
BRATTLEBORO — Cor Trowbridge, executive director of Brattleboro Community Television, sees all media groups trying to stay as relevant as possible in a world dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Carolyn Partridge: Legislature passes bills, resolutions to help cope with COVID-19 realities
It's been another week of interesting developments. I hope you are all adjusting to staying at home unless you really need to go out. The news from places like Italy, New York City, and New Orleans is frightening and the goal is to take precautions to avoid those kinds of situations here in Vermont.
Browning out, Kornheiser in on Ways and Means
ARLINGTON — Rep. Cynthia Browning, who has frequently disagreed with the Democratic House leadership on key issues, was removed Thursday from the Committee on Ways and Means by Speaker Mitzi Johnson.
For businesses, more questions than answers
BRATTLEBORO—The Brattleboro Development Credit Corp. held its first weekly internet-based conference call on March 20 for businesses and other organizations trying to wrestle with the economic outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another US state may join Nevada and decriminalize prostitution
Vermont lawmakers are mulling a new bill that would legalize prostitution in the state.
Lawmakers seeking to limit non-compete clauses
Lawmakers are taking another run this year at a bill that would limit how much employers can control what their workers do when they leave for another job.
Women’s Legislative Caucus: Support investigation into women’s prison allegations
Allegations of physical and sexual abuse and the harassment of incarcerated women by some correctional officers at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility (CRCF) are extremely disturbing. We, the undersigned members of the Women’s Legislative Caucus, are also alarmed by the alleged continued exploitation of women post-release. We support a full investigation by the Administration, with appropriate support from the Attorney General’s office and the Legislature.
Kornheiser grabs nomination
BRATTLEBORO — Since April, Emilie Kornheiser had been campaigning in hopes of securing the Democratic nomination for the Windham-2-1 state representative seat.
Since beating incumbent Valerie Stuart in Tuesday's primary election, she is going to take a breath before getting into the next journey of her political career.
"I'm going to relax, then I'm looking forward to campaigning on behalf of the whole Democratic ticket into November," she said referring to the general election. "We have a lot to do in this state to pass the bills we need to pass and have conversations that we need to have."
After going unchallenged during her eight years as state representative, Stuart lost in a 589-227 vote, according to unofficial results announced by Brattleboro Town Clerk Hilary Francis in the Municipal Center shortly after the polls closed Tuesday night.
Kornheiser told reporters she thought her campaign brought out a lot of people who don't normally vote in primary elections.
"That was old fashioned get out the vote," she said. "It was realizing that people want to feel connected, they want to be part of democracy and they need to be invited in. That's why I was knocking on every door. It was running a really solid social media campaign. It was having a lot of events in a lot of diverse neighborhoods with a lot of diverse invitations."
Kornheiser defeats Stuart, a four-term incumbent—In state representative race, a rare primary challenge ends in an upset
BRATTLEBORO—Voters in Windham County had several contested primary races to vote in in the Aug. 14 Democratic primary.
And the Windham 2-1 House district that encompasses West Brattleboro saw a big win for newcomer Emile Kornheiser, who defeated four-term incumbent Valerie Stuart, 589 to 227.
Kornheiser will be running unopposed on the Nov. 6 ballot.
Speaking at her victory party at American Legion Post 5, Kornheiser thanked her supporters.
“We turned out more people for a primary than we have in a dozen years” she said. “It shows that people want to vote, they want to speak and be heard. We saw so many people today who hadn’t voted in years.”
Kornheiser said economic justice is a big part of her agenda for when she gets to the Statehouse, and she is looking forward to bringing the stories of the people of West Brattleboro to the Legislature.
Brattleboro voters show up; Kornheiser defeats Stuart in Windham-2-1
BRATTLEBORO — Turnout during the primary election Tuesday was higher than Town Clerk Hilary Francis anticipated....
In the hotly contested race for state representative in the West Brattleboro district known as Windham-2-1, Emilie Kornheiser toppled incumbent Valerie Stuart by a vote of 589-227.
Tuesday's primary election marked the first time Stuart was challenged for the seat in her eight years representing Windham-2-1. Francis said more than 50 percent of early voting had been done by voters in that district.
Stuart served on the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, and the House Committee on Education before that. She previously said she wanted to continue looking at funding technical education programs, marketing Vermont in an effort to retain and attract younger people, making the state more affordable for families, having women better represented in careers across industries and fighting climate change.
Before the votes were tallied, Stuart said she had seen a big showing at the polls.
"We want people to vote, we've made it easier for people to vote, we want public engagement," she said. "It's good to see."
Kornheiser launched her campaign in April.
"I decided to run because I really wanted the lens of politics to be expanded a little bit," she said at the time. "I want people in Montpelier to be represented by someone who understands what it means to live here and what the variety of experiences of most of the citizens in the state looks like."
Kornheiser has worked in early childhood development as a case manager, a specialist for the state's Promise Community initiative and a director for the state's Early Childhood Action Plan. She helped found the Windham County Action Network. She also serves as a Brattleboro Town Meeting member.
Her campaign for Legislature focused on livable wages, fighting climate change, strengthening the state's health care system, education, affordable housing, social supports and access to high quality utilities.
Before the votes were tallied, Kornheiser said the election felt "busy and exciting" and called it "the middle of a really great journey for the community."
"I think our community really wants a full, transparent, dynamic election experience," she said.
Sanders' Our Revolution endorses Kornheiser
BRATTLEBORO — Our Revolution has made its first endorsement in Vermont this election cycle. The organization, dubbed "the next step for Bernie Sanders' movement," has endorsed Emilie Kornheiser for Vermont House of Representatives in Brattleboro District 1 (Windham 2-1).
On learning of the endorsement late Tuesday, Kornheiser tweeted "So proud to be part of a national movement to have a government FOR the people and BY the people that SERVES the people."
Kornheiser says her campaign platform is strongly aligned with Our Revolution's priorities, including "Medicare for all," paid family leave, and a higher minimum wage. She advocates investing in existing institutions to reflect the needs of the community, approaching economic development as community development, and focusing on access to quality healthcare and education, affordable housing and social supports, clean energy, and reliable and affordable telecommunications.
"Committing to community means investing in both people and the systems that support them," Kornheiser said in a statement. "When we invest in our communities, we grow strong economies, build broad tax bases, and create capacity to direct our resources toward what really matters."
Kornheiser is challenging incumbent Rep. Valerie Stuart in the Democratic primary. The final day for voting in the 2018 primary is Aug. 14.
Letter: Kornheiser support
Editor of the Reformer,
I believe in partnerships. Time and time again when I see examples of people improving the lives of others in our community, I see that partnerships have made that happen. Whether it's multiple agencies coming together in Brattleboro to spearhead project C.A.R.E. that provides real help to those suffering from addiction, or the hundreds of individuals who have given money and energy to insuring that our kids can have a skate park, I see partnerships as a driving force for good.
I support Emilie Kornheiser for State Representative because I have seen clear evidence that Emilie believes in partnerships too, and that she will be an excellent choice to represent the interests of Brattleboro residents. Her current efforts doing workforce development for Youth Services, which is partnering with Groundworks Collaborative to develop a jobs program, has been impressive to me. Her role as the leader of Brattleboro's Human Services Committee, a group tasked with making very difficult decisions in partnership with Town Meeting Representatives, has been outstanding. Her history is one of identifying problems, brainstorming solutions, then facilitating partnerships that will lead to solid outcomes.
Finally, on a more personal note, when I speak to Emilie on a subject about which we may have differing views, I don't feel a stubborn opposition but rather a willingness to listen, an ability to acknowledge my view of the issue, and then a sincere desire to partner with me in reaching an understanding - the first step in forming an alliance in finding a solution. That's the person I want representing our town. Emilie will be a true asset for us in Montpelier, and I hope the voters of District 1 will join me in supporting Emilie Kornheiser and our shared belief in the power of partnerships.
Tim Wessel
Brattleboro, Aug. 8
Letter: More Kornheiser support
Editor of the Reformer,
I want to encourage all my neighbors in West Brattleboro to vote for Emilie Kornheiser as our state representative. This kind of thing is new to me. Myself, I was not particularly involved in politics before the last election, and that was a real wake up. Things suddenly seemed to slide in a dark direction and I was looking around for a way to get involved and do something, anything, to help. I went to a Democratic Party meeting expecting I could sign up to fight the good fight, but I was wrong. It was just business as usual, mixed with some hand wringing. Other groups were much focused on addressing the crisis, but they seemed so scared and negative that I wasn't sure what good, new direction we could find. As I stuck with it I noticed that Emilie Kornheiser was consistently finding a path that combined optimism, commitment to values, and the generosity of spirit to really engage with folks that disagree. She has been showing up, speaking and organizing tirelessly since the last election. She is always reminding us that solutions exist, that we can pursue these solutions without compromising on our values, and that in the end we will only get there by working with folks in our community that we initially are at odds with. One of the gifts of the last few years is that people like Emilie have been willing to step forward and run for office. Emilie is an honest, clear communicator who has knocked on just about every door in our district. She has shown that she is willing to work hard and work with everyone. If we want things to be different in our country in the coming years, we need to make changes right now in who holds office locally and who represents us in Vermont. There have not been a whole lot of bright spots in our political life recently, but right now we have this opportunity. You can vote in the town clerk's office and it takes about three minutes. It is a wonderful, simple way to take a step in the right direction.
Matthew Wright
Brattleboro, Aug. 8
It's Vermont election season again! Here's what you need to know.
Vermonters go to the polls again in the primary election on August 14, where they will choose the candidates for the November election for Governor, statewide offices, and the Vermont Legislature. Follow our guide to learn more about the candidates in their own words, as well as read election coverage, see roll call votes, and more.
As a business owner, I will be voting for Emilie Kornheiser
I will be voting for Emilie Kornheiser to represent me in Montpelier. At the heart of Emilie’s platform is the idea that we all do better when we see ourselves as part of a community, instead of in isolation. I believe that Emilie is right.
As a business owner, I recognize that my employees’ challenges are my challenges. People who have a sense of stability in their lives are able to make it to work, and perform better when they are there. Access to affordable healthcare and childcare, sick and family paid leave time, and a decent base wage all help create that stability. The more we can do to support these fundamental needs, the more our workforce and economy can thrive.
Emilie has the vision, drive and experience that will help transform these values into practical legislation that will benefit all of us, together.
Ben Madow
Brattleboro
Kornheiser: Commitment to environmental sustainability, energy efficiency
I am writing in support of Emilie Kornheiser’s bid to be elected as the state representative from District 1 in Brattleboro. Her people skills, knowledge of and commitment to the Brattleboro community, and personal integrity make her an ideal candidate to represent our district.
A particular issue that is important to her is dear to my heart. She is a strong advocate for environmental sustainability and has shown a deep commitment to energy efficiency.
I urge all voters in District 1 to consider voting for her.
Jonathan Morse
Marlboro
Urges votes for Mrowicki, Balint, White, and Kornheiser
In these more-than-difficult times, it takes real courage and tenacity to be a voice for marginalized people.
Representative Mike Mrowicki of Putney and Senators Becca Balint and Jeannette White have consistently and effectively advocated for people with disabilities and for poor and low-income community members; they have fought for legislation that addresses systemic racism in Vermont.
We are extremely fortunate to have their representation in Montpelier, and I hope you will join me in voting for their continued presence in the Statehouse.
Similarly, I have worked with Emilie Kornheiser for the past two years on several workgroups for social change and justice. Emilie has the ability to bridge people from different viewpoints, to build consensus without losing her passion, and to listen deeply. She will make a great addition to the southern Vermont delegation, and I wholeheartedly endorse her bid for state representative.
Julie Cunningham
Brattleboro
Letter: Kornheiser listens and takes action
Editor of the Reformer,
I am writing to encourage our neighbors who live in Brattleboro District 1 to vote for Emily Kornheiser for representative in the August 14th primary election.
What really impressed me about Emily Kornheiser is when I watched her at the West Brattleboro Bar-b-que this spring talking to people who dropped by. For more than three hours she actively listened. And I mean actively listened. She intently focused on the person speaking and then spoke only to clarify and fully understand the person's concerns. She was not in a hurry to move on. It was a diverse community with diverse concerns and I saw she was concerned with all of it.
Others have already elaborated on her demonstrated activities for economic development, health care inequality, social justice, and our environmental responsibilities. Voting began June 29 at the Town Clerks's office.
Stewart McDermet
Brattleboro, July 19
Kornheiser: 'clear, consistent, authentic message, competence, and vision'
I offer my enthusiastic support for Emilie Kornheiser’s bid for state representative.
I’ve lived and worked in the Brattleboro area for my entire adult life. As a clinical psychologist, I care deeply about our community — though recently, like many of us, I have become increasingly skeptical and distressed about politics and politicians.
When I shuffled into Emilie’s campaign kickoff gathering, my cynicism came along. But then she began to tell us about her inclusive worldview; she revealed a nuanced and humane understanding of community engagement.
Characteristically (as I have since discovered), she also left ample time to hear what was on our minds. Emily listened so carefully and, with warmth, smarts, and respect, addressed a range of challenging and fearful questions.
Her energy was inspirational and transformative. As she lifted my sagging spirits, Emilie was impassioned and expansive; I even found myself on the verge of tears when she talked about homelessness in our beloved town.
Incredibly, I left that first encounter with a renewed bounce in my step. I continue to be so impressed by her clear, consistent, authentic message, competence, and vision for the future.
We need compassionate leadership, perhaps now more than ever. I believe Emilie — and her generous, unjaded heart — will work tirelessly for us all.
I’m on my way to vote for her right now, and hope you will, too.
Martha B. Straus
Brattleboro
Letter: Kornheiser stands with working families
Editor of the Reformer,
As a District Vice President for the AFL-CIO, as the former Union Rep. for AOT and Vermont Department of Health workers in the Brattleboro area, and as a former Brattleboro resident myself, I am pleased to offer my personal endorsement of Emilie Kornheiser for State Representative. I have known Emilie for 20 years and always recognized her as being on our side. Emilie stands with us working people on the issues we care about. She supports a $15 an hour livable wage, paid family medical leave, and universal healthcare as a human right. She is also a strong advocate for organized labor. All told, I cannot think of a better person in the community to represent the people of Brattleboro. Emilie shares our values and will be a strong advocate for working families. A vote for Emilie is a vote for a better more democratic and more equitable future for Vermont.
David Van Deusen
Cabot, July 19
Letter: Kornheiser for Representative
Editor of the Reformer,
After attending the Windham 2-1 Candidate Forum at the West Brattleboro Fire Station, my choice for State Representative is clear. I will be voting for Emilie Kornheiser. Emilie is insightful, articulate, and thoughtful. Her clear and direct communication style will make her a valuable asset in the legislature not only for the district but for all of Southern Vermont. Her ability to ask difficult questions and her commitment to bringing people together make her approachable for all the different constituents that live in District 1.
Bill Jahn
Brattleboro, July 13
Kornheiser: demonstrates knowledge and sensitivity
I am impressed by Emilie Kornheiser’s experience and preparation for public service. She has engaged in a wide variety of work settings — local and international, policy-making and service-oriented.
In Vermont, she has engaged with both the Snelling Center for Government and Emerge America to be ready to fully participate in Vermont’s policy life. She has thought carefully about the best way to use her multiple talents, and I am pleased that she demonstrates knowledge and sensitivity about the fundamental challenges to Vermont’s economy, social-justice framework, and environmental responsibility.
Balancing the demands of all three is crucial to our ability to take care of Vermont and Vermonters in the years ahead.
There is hard work to do, and Emilie is prepared to undertake it. I am pleased to support her candidacy for state representative in Brattleboro’s Windham 2-1 district.
Jeffrey M. Lewis
Brattleboro
Kornheiser: insightful leadership
I am writing to express my support for Emilie Kornheiser’s candidacy for state representative.
I’ve lived in Vermont for 27 years and in Brattleboro for 21 years. I have been a teacher in this town’s public schools for 20 years, and I’ve been teaching for over 30 years.
I first met Emilie while she was leading a large contingent of townspeople in her role as the Green Street Promise Community Coordinator. I was drawn to her insightful leadership, and I became involved in the formation of the Promise Community largely as a result.
Through Emilie, I learned to look at and to listen to my fellow townspeople more closely. Emilie believes in community, and she actively promotes the connections that develop a strong one.
I contribute to and support Emilie’s campaign because I want the politics of Brattleboro and the state to support the communities we live in, and I invite my neighbors to do the same.
Dianne Clouet
Brattleboro
Appreciates Kornheiser's leadership style
I strongly support Emilie Kornheiser’s candidacy and election to the office of state representative.
I had the pleasure of serving with Emilie on the Brattleboro Food Co-op’s board of directors and found her to be a clear and thoughtful thinker, very good listener, and team player, able to help build consensus and direction.
I appreciate her leadership style, and believe that she’ll be a great representative at the state level.
John Hatton
Westminster
Letter: Kornheiser for Representative
Editor of the Reformer,
I am inspired to write by the candidacy and campaign of Emilie Kornheiser for State Representative of District 1. I have lived in Brattleboro for 20 years and been a nurse at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for almost 15 years. During that time I have had many conversations with Emilie about the state of the world and our community, and have come to rely on her informed, intelligent, compassionate, clear-eyed, and creative perspective. She is courageous in her truth-telling, but never grandstand-y or gratuitously confrontational. Emilie has a rare gift for bringing people into the conversation without sacrificing her own point of view. She is not afraid of ideas, and her politics have a nuance and generosity that are rare in today's climate. I am excited and proud to support Emilie's campaign and to vote for her early at Town Hall. I cannot wait to see what she does once she is elected! Thank you.
Leah Nussbaum
Brattleboro, July 13
Letter: Kornheiser for Representative
Editor of the Reformer,
I am writing to encourage my Brattleboro District 1 neighbors to vote for Emilie Kornheiser for Representative in the August 14th primary election. Over the past two years, I've had the opportunity to work with Emilie on several community organizing projects. I was immediately impressed with her broad and nuanced understanding of the issues facing our community, her compassionate approach, and her creative and courageous solutions to our challenges—from economic development to healthcare to inequality. I admire and appreciate Emilie's ability to bring people together in difficult conversations, her skillful facilitation, and her honest desire to truly hear every side of every story. During these times of divisive politics, Emilie is the new kind of leader we need: empathetic, creative, smart, outspoken, knowledgeable, and courageous. The primary election began on June 29; I hope my neighbors will all support Emilie in this campaign. Sincerely, Robin MacArthur Marlboro
Robin MacArthur
Marlboro, July 10
Political newcomer focuses on outcomes
BRATTLEBORO—“We don’t have to be singing the same Kumbaya song,” Emilie Kornheiser said. “We just need to know our destinies are wrapped up together.”
A first-time candidate for Windham 2-1, Kornheiser wants to talk to everyone in Windham County, regardless of whether they live in West Brattleboro. In the August primaries, Kornheiser will face incumbent and fellow Democrat Valerie Stuart to represent Brattleboro’s District 1.
Check this out! Action Fest on June 29.
Emilie had a great conversation with Olga Peters on Green Mountain Mornings—hear about plans for the Action Festival and more!
Spending policies should address the future
The governor has been pushing a story of high taxes and bloated schools with his talking points about "affordability," but isn't it the job of a leader to look to the future? I've been knocking on my neighbors' doors for the last month, talking about what matters: taxes, education, healthcare, families, and why I think we need new representation in Montpelier. These conversations inevitably circle back to the questions we need to be asking of any of our policies: Who is most affected? What might be the unintended consequences?
Emilie Kornheiser files petition to run for Windham 2-1 House seat
Brattleboro – Emilie Kornheiser has filed her Election Nominating Petition to run for State Representative in Windham 2-1 (Brattleboro District 1). Her petition included 200 signatures, far exceeding the 50 signatures required.
Emilie Kornheiser files petition to run for Windham 2-1 House seat
Brattleboro – Emilie Kornheiser has filed her Election Nominating Petition to run for State Representative in Windham 2-1 (Brattleboro District 1). Her petition included 200 signatures, far exceeding the 50 signatures required.
Kornheiser previously announced her candidacy at an event in West Brattleboro attended by more than 70 members of the local community. At that event, she emphasized her desire to find systemic solutions to the challenges facing Vermonters: “I’d like to see our politics move from sound bites and band-aid policies to creative thinking about systems and impact. My professional background is in accountability—helping governments and organizations get results. I’d like to bring that work to our state legislature on behalf of my community.”
A strong advocate of grassroots democratic engagement, Kornheiser plans to focus her campaign on building participation in the political process: “I want this campaign to be an opportunity for us to have real conversations about what we want and need for our communities—in Brattleboro and in Vermont.” So far, the campaign has more than 100 donors and more than 50 volunteers working to engage their neighbors in participatory democracy.
Emilie Kornheiser for State Representative
Emilie is running against an incumbent for District One Representative. Listen to the Podcast and learn more about her. https://soundcloud.com/earspoon/emilie-kornheiser-for-state-representative
Emilie Kornheiser hoping to build a better community
Emilie Kornheiser's superpower is facilitation; that's what she and people close to her say.
On Saturday, close to 75 people showed up as Kornheiser, a Democrat, launched her campaign for the Vermont House of Representatives. Kornheiser is running to represent Windham 2-1, or Brattleboro District 1, which encompasses west of Interstate 91, East Orchard Street, and Upper Dummerston Road.
Campaign Kickoff
Watch the video of the campaign kickoff party! Emilie gives an inspiring talk about why she's running, and answers great questions from the audience. More than 70 community members gathered at American Traders on Marlboro Road for the kickoff on April 14—the energy in the room was palpable, and the video captures the electricity. Special thanks to Ezlerh Oreste for filming!
Emilie Kornheiser Announces Candidacy for Vermont House of Representatives
Emilie Kornheiser has announced her candidacy for the Vermont House of Representatives from Windham 2-1. Also known as Brattleboro District 1, the district includes the areas of Brattleboro west of I-91, East Orchard Street, and Upper Dummerston Road. Kornheiser will challenge incumbent Valerie Stuart in the August 14 Democratic primary.
Kornheiser invites the public to join her for a campaign kickoff party and community conversation on April 14, 4-6pm, at American Traders on Marlboro Road. The event will feature music, food, childcare and activities for children, and a chance to speak with neighbors about community priorities.
Kornheiser plans to focus her campaign on building participation in the political process. “I’m running because I want to bring us together to create a government that works for everyone,” says Kornheiser. “I want this campaign to be an opportunity for us to have conversations about what we want and need for our communities—in Brattleboro and in Vermont.”
More than 20 years ago, when she was a student at Marlboro College, Kornheiser had her first experience of participatory democracy. “That first moment of realizing that my voice mattered—that by speaking up, I could change my community—it changed me,” she says. “I want everyone in the community to get that bug—to realize that their particular skills, interests, and perspective can and should be part of the equation, and that we are so lucky to live in a community that CAN be transformed to reflect the voices of everyone living in it.”
“Committing to Community” is the focus of Kornheiser’s campaign platform. She advocates investing in existing institutions to reflect the needs of the community, approaching economic development as community development, and focusing on access to quality healthcare and education, affordable housing and social supports, clean energy, and reliable and affordable telecommunications.
Kornheiser is the Director of Workforce Development for Youth Services, a new position focused on creating a spectrum of employment opportunities for Windham County youth, rooted in mentorship and building on the strengths of our many small businesses. Until recently, she was the Early Childhood Action Plan Director for Building Bright Futures, the statewide public-private partnership focused on improving the well-being of young children and families. Active in local and state organizations, Kornheiser is a Brattleboro delegate to the Windham County Democratic Committee and a co-founder and leader of WeCAN (the Windham County Action Network) and the Women’s Action Team. She represents District 1 in Brattleboro’s representative town meeting, and Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson recently appointed Kornheiser to the Vermont Commission on Women.
“Brattleboro has been my home since I was seventeen,” says Kornheiser. “Since I first moved here, I’ve been a student, a waitress, a business owner, a social service worker, and an international development consultant. This community came together to support me when I was a young single mother, and I’m committed to making the connections and developing the resources to make Brattleboro a place where everyone can thrive.”
For more information, visit http://www.emiliekornheiser.org/
Here we Are with guest Emilie Kornheiser
Emilie was appointed to the Vermont Commission on Women in 2017. She serves on many local community organizations and is currently the Director of the Early Childhood Action Plan for Building Bright Futures of Vermont.
A Conversation with Emilie Kornheiser
An interview with Brattleboro Community member, Emilie Kornheiser about the Vermont Commission on Women, building resilient communities, and the recent Agency of Human Services proposal for a new Prison in VT.