The two Republicans will run as a ticket and will focus on affordability, taxes, and providing a voice for working families.
Fairfax, VT - Today, two candidates for the Vermont House of Representatives formally announced their candidacy for the new Franklin-1 District which includes all of Fairfax and a large portion of Georgia. Ashley Bartley (Fairfax) and Carolyn Branagan (Georgia) will be running to promote a more affordable Vermont, balancing the political make-up and ending the super-majority in the Vermont House, and providing a voice for working families by lowering taxes and working for a more equitable healthcare system.
“I’m excited to team-up with Carolyn Branagan, who has provided great leadership to both the Fairfax and Georgia communities as a Representative and a State Senator. Together, I believe we can use our experience to fight for a more affordable and inclusive Vermont for working families,” said Ashley Bartley.
Carolyn Branagan added “Ashley and I will be a voice of balance, moderation, and effectiveness. I look forward to campaigning with her through November. Together, we will provide balance in Montpelier. As a mother and grandmother, I’ve lived what Ashley and so many families are going through. Vermonters of all generations can no longer afford to punt on the issues families across the state are dealing with.”
Ashley concluded “Vermont families are being torn apart by devastating high prices across the board. They’re worrying about how they’re going to be able to put food on the table and fuel in the tank. Even when they see a modest increase in their paychecks, it’s eaten away by crippling inflation. Sadly, Vermonters have been struggling with the cost of living long before the current inflation crisis. From constantly rising property taxes to skyrocketing child care costs, working families are being “priced-out” of our state. We need voices of working families with new ideas in Montpelier, not another tally to add to the one-sided supermajority.
About Ashley Bartley I was born and raised in Vermont. My family and I fell in love with the community of Fairfax, moving to the town in 2020. I graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School and shortly thereafter earned a degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Vermont.
I am currently employed with Neville Companies, Inc.; a property management firm with clients throughout New England, as the Director of Human Resources & Operations. Over my career, I have developed strong budgeting skills while monitoring the Profit & Loss Statements and have an acute understanding of how the labor market is impacting businesses.
As an active member in the communities I’ve lived in, I’ve volunteered as a tee-ball coach, member of a recreation advisory committee, a volunteer for the VT Donor Milk Center, helped organize Chittenden County’s first Diaper Bank, and have been an advocate on local and state issues. Recently, I was honored to be elected to the Fairfax Public Library Board of Trustees.
I reside on Maple Hill Road in Fairfax with my husband Jeff, two children (George and Reagan) and an eccentric dog named Duke. You can learn more about me at AshleyBartley.org
About Carolyn Branagan Carolyn Branagan is a lifelong Vermonter, born in Windsor, grew up on a dairy farm and as a child attended public schools. She graduated from the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont (BS 1976 and MEd 1984). After graduation she taught elementary school in Fairfax and Fairfield Vermont, and eventually became the grade school principal in Fairfield Vermont.
She has served as trustee of the Vermont Historical Society; trustee of the University of Vermont; treasurer and chair of the Franklin County Republican Committee; member Vermont Legislative Women's Caucus; trustee and chair of the Vermont Maple Festival; trustee and treasurer for Martha's Kitchen (St. Albans free soup kitchen); trustee Samaritan House (St. Albans homeless shelter); trustee Franklin County Home Health; member Friends of Northern Lake Champlain. She is past member and Chair Georgia (Vermont) School Board; Georgia Town History Editor; Georgia Historical Society. She is the current Georgia Town Moderator and chair of the Georgia Select Board. Carolyn Branagan is a lifelong member of the Georgia Plain Baptist Church where she has served as Deacon, Supt. of Sunday School, church treasurer and on several other committees. In 2010 she was chosen Vermont Mother of the Year, and has served as national treasurer for American Mother’s. Carolyn Branagan served as State Representative for the Franklin-1 district and then State Senator for Franklin County from 2002 until 2018, when she was diagnosed with cancer and decided not to run for re-election.
Carolyn Branagan has been married 47 years to Chris Branagan, CPA and founding partner of Kittell Branagan and Sargent Accounting Firm in St. Albans. They have three grown children, two grandchildren, lives in Georgia, Vermont where they produce award winning, pure Vermont maple syrup.
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