Vermont Business Magazine On Monday, former Lieutenant Governor of Vermont David Zuckerman announced his bid to reclaim the office he held until running for governor against Phil Scott in 2020. Also Monday, longtime Democratic legislator Catherine "Kitty" Toll of Danville will launch her run for lieutenant governor. She served from 2009-2021. She did not seek re-election in 2020. She previously was chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
Democrats Charles Kimbell, a state representative from Woodstock, and Patricia Preston, Executive Director of the Vermont Council on World Affairs, announced in January that they will run for lieutenant governor.
“Vermont is at a crossroads,” said Progressive/Democrat Zuckerman. “The cost of living is rising and wages are not keeping up, our rural economy is struggling, and the climate crisis is wreaking havoc on our environment. Politicians say we need to get back to normal. But for many, pre-pandemic normal was an everyday struggle. The time for bold action is now.”
Zuckerman is a farmer and business owner living in Hinesburg. He has served in Vermont for over 20 years as a State Representative, State Senator, and Lieutenant Governor. During this time he has been a leader on issues including GMO labeling and agricultural policies, marriage equality, end-of-life choices, workers’ rights, universal healthcare, cannabis reform, pay equity and raising the minimum wage, and environmental issues.
His legislative accomplishments have been recognized by groups from around the state. He is the recipient of the 2008 Outstanding Vermont State Legislator Award from the Vermont Natural Resources Council, The 2013 Renewable Energy Vermont Renewable Energy Legislative Champion Award, and the 2014 Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility Legislator of the Year award.
In an email and a video to Vermonters, Zuckerman emphasized some of the issues his campaign will focus on, including rural economic development, stating: “I want to return to the office of the Lieutenant Governor to build on the strengths of our rural communities by expanding broadband, investing in small-scale manufacturing, expanding access to land for historically marginalized communities, and increasing support for our farmers and loggers.”
He also expressed the desire to continue working on programs and policies that help Vermonters from every corner of the state, from investing in childcare to expanding affordable rental and home ownership options, and the need for swift action to combat the climate crisis.
When elected, Zuckerman said he plans to build off of his previous work, using the office of the Lieutenant Governor to collaborate with people from around the state on these issues. “As I have done in the past, as a Representative, Senator and most recently as your Lieutenant Governor, I will work closely with you, everyday Vermonters, leaders, and organizations who have been fighting and organizing across the state for decades around climate justice, economic justice, and social justice.”
The Zuckerman for Vermont campaign will be hosting a virtual campaign launch event on Monday, February 21st at 7:00 pm. Interested parties can register at this link.
Kitty Toll
Also today, February 7, Kitty Toll will kick off her campaign for Lieutenant Governor at her family farm in Danville, VT. The event will also be streamed live on Zoom.
Toll said she is running for Lieutenant Governor to be a strong voice for those who call Vermont home. With unprecedented federal dollars available, Vermont is at a crossroads. The paths we choose and the actions we take now will define our future.
As a former chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Kitty has extensive experience balancing and managing budgets. She will bring to the office of lieutenant governor thoughtful leadership, a strong work ethic and Vermont values when addressing our state's challenges.
About Kitty Toll
Kitty Toll is a lifelong resident of Danville, Vermont. She was born on August 8, 1959, the youngest daughter of the late Harold and Catherine “Kate” Beattie who raised 14 children on the McDonald family dairy farm.
In 2008, Toll ran successfully for a seat in the Vermont House representing the towns of Cabot, Danville and Peacham. Toll served on both the House Agriculture Committee and House Appropriations Committee - eventually becoming Chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
While in the House of Representatives. Throughout her time as a state representative Toll was selected as a Council of State Governments Toll Fellow (2015), a member of the Council of State Governments Eastern Leadership Academy (2017), and a member of the Council of State Governments Future of Work National Task Force (2019). In 2021, Toll was elected by the Vermont Legislature to the University of Vermont Board of Trustees, for a six-year term.
Toll still lives in Danville today and is married to Abel Toll with two daughters, Kate and Margaret.
WHAT: Campaign Kick Off www.kittyforvt.com.
WHO: Kitty Toll - Candidate for Lieutenant Governor
Shap Smith - Former VT Speaker of the House
Mitzi Johnson - Former VT Speaker of the House
Marty Beattie - Local business owner and Kitty’s brother
Hannah Parker
Nate Yates
Simon Rosenbaum
WHERE: 705 Route 2 East, Danville, VT or Zoom – https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwlcOyhrTgrGNQfG66jXgpg1akD-N_bU5Ss
