The following questions were asked by Alice Dee Scannell and Patrick LaClair, two Fairfax residents who have started the "Fairfax Voter Project," which they say "...aims to provide more awareness and information to everyone in Fairfax about who the candidates on the ballot are and what they stand for"
What is your name? Representative Ashley R. Bartley
What position are you a candidate for? Vermont House of Representatives in the Franklin-1 District encompassing both Fairfax and a majority of Georgia.
Introduction: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself. What is most important for Fairfax votes to know about you?
I’m a lifelong Vermonter, raised in Charlotte, and a graduate of Champlain Valley Union High School. I earned my bachelor's degree in political science and economics from the University of Vermont before starting my career as a Human Resources professional. I’m proud to be the only HR professional serving in the Vermont Legislature. Giving back to my community has always been a priority for me—I’ve served on the Board of Directors for the Franklin County Home Health Agency, as secretary of the Board of Trustees for the Fairfax Community Library, and as a member of a Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee.
In Montpelier, I have served on the General & Housing Committee, the Agricultural Worker Labor and Employment Laws Study Committee, and the Basic Needs Budget Technical Advisory Committee.
I feel truly blessed to call Fairfax my home with my husband, two kiddos and our dog Duke. I also like pina coladas (but prefer gin and tonic) and getting caught in the rain.
Incumbent candidates: What are you most proud of with your past work in this position? What was something you learned that will change how you do the work moving forward? Why are you interested in continuing in this position now?
Montpelier is often its own echo chamber. I heard this going in and that’s why I was focused on being available for my constituents and those who wanted to share their view points on a wide array of issues. Quickly, I found myself front and center on the conversation of the child care and housing crisis. I was proud to be a lead sponsor on a tri-partisan housing reform bill. This legislation had the support of nearly three dozen co-sponsors across the political spectrum and the backing of Governor Scott. While it was not taken up as a whole, many of the important solutions in the bill did make that into other housing legislation.
When I was first sworn in, it was important to me that I listened to everyone around me, form relationships, and listened to constituents. Some of my first pieces of legislation were born from ideas from constituents; and while the supermajority chose not to take up the bills -- related to women’s health, equal pay, and job security; they are important pieces of legislation I will continue to push in January.
I’ve worked closely with my “partner in crime,” Representative Carolyn Branagan, in the House. But I’ve also worked closely with others, including Representative Chris Mattos. His experience in Montpelier since 2017 was hugely helpful and I often spoke with him on how things operate in the building. Relationships, and honesty, matter. That is why Carolyn, Chris and I are running as your Fairfax Affordability Team.
Personality and Character: What are the character traits that you feel you are most known for? What personal values do you think will influence how you operate as an elected official?
As a human resources professional, I’m often in situations where listening and thorough fact-finding are key. This skill set has made me an effective legislator. I’ve shown that I’m willing to work with all political parties, compromise when it benefits my constituents, and make decisions based on thoughtful research and careful consideration.
Goals if you are elected: What are your top three priorities if you are elected to this position?
Affordability
Affordability
Affordability
Whether its skyrocketing property taxes, out-of-control health care premiums, unaffordable housing costs, or another facet of our cost of living crisis, Vermonters are feeling tapped out. Our expenses are growing faster than our wages, and I am fiercely committed to working with Governor Scott and my legislative colleagues to make Vermont more affordable.
Representing Fairfax Voters: If you are elected, how do you plan to share information / receive feedback from residents? How will you approach this position in a way that represents and advocates for all Fairfax residents?
The legislative session can be fast, ever changing and often confusing for those of us trying to keep up (...yes, even myself and I’m there everyday!) Throughout the session, I will continue to post frequent updates on what's occurring in Montpelier and engage with the Fairfax and Georgia communities. You can follow along with any of these social media platforms and our legislative emails.
Ashley Bartley
E-mail: abartley@leg.state.vt.us
Facebook: /AshleyBartleyVT
Twitter: @AshleyRBartley
Instagram: @AshleyBartleyVT
Website: AshleyBartley.org
Carolyn Branagan
E-mail: cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
Facebook: /BranaganforVermont
Performing the role: What are aspects of the position you feel equipped to take on with your current skill set, and what are aspects of the role for which you will need to develop, learn and grow? How will you approach learning the new elements of your role?
While I've always had an interest in politics and public service, being elected to the Legislature was a new experience for me. With one term under my belt, I feel I've learned a tremendous amount from my legislative colleagues and personal experience over the past two years–from balancing committee work with constituent work, to reading and re-reading lengthy bills, and much more.
However, I'm always eager to learn more, and look forward to taking on new challenges and addressing our shared goals in the upcoming biennium
Political positions: What particular statewide or national political trends or topics which you see impacting your work in this role? How would you address them through your sought position?
Every day we kick the can down the road and delay solving our state's challenges is another day that a single mom will be forced to decide whether to pay her health care premium or her property tax bill. Or another day a retired couple will have to dip into their savings because their fixed income isn't keeping up with their rent and utilities. These real challenges that countless Vermonters are facing are both what keeps me up at night, but also what drives me to work tirelessly the next day on behalf of all Vermonters. These are major issues that drive me, Carolyn, and Chris. We’ve felt the same property tax hikes you have. With a more balanced Montpelier—especially in the Senate—we can compel the supermajority to work across the aisle on real reforms.
I’ve proven my commitment to bipartisanship. I played a key role in passing legislation to address the gender pay gap, a bill sponsored by a Democrat. My hope is that by showing up and being willing to collaborate, I can inspire others to do the same.
Other information: What else would you like Fairfax voters to know about you?
I remain open to all feedback and ideas. The best legislation is born by those with expertise on various subject matters. Please reach out if there are changes, ideas, or debates you’d like to be brought to Montpelier
Contact info: If constituents want to connect with you, what is the best way to do so? (Feel free to share any social media or websites as well).
If there are any other questions that voters would like answered they can check out my website https://www.ashleybartley.org/ or they can feel free to reach out to me directly I would love to have a conversation! I can be reached at abartley@leg.state.vt.us.
Other options include:
Facebook: /AshleyBartleyVT
Twitter: @AshleyRBartley
Instagram: @AshleyBartleyVT
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