Hunter, West Highlight Education, Cost of Living and Local Priorities at Bennington-4 Forum

MANCHESTER — Democratic State Representative Rob Hunter and Democratic candidate Thomas West joined the other candidates for Bennington-4 Monday evening for a wide-ranging discussion about the issues facing the district and Vermont.

The October 5 forum at Manchester Community Library brought together Hunter, West, Republican Al Clayton and independent candidate Michael Fernandez. Hosted by GNAT-TV in collaboration with the Manchester Journal and Manchester Community Library, the event gave voters an opportunity to hear from the candidates ahead of the November 3 General Election.

For Hunter and West, the discussion reflected many of the issues they have emphasized throughout the campaign: the rising cost of living, education, housing, economic opportunity and the challenge of keeping Vermont communities places where people can build — and sustain — a life.

Hunter, a retired educator who is completing his first term representing Bennington-4, has made education a central part of his work in Montpelier. A former Burr and Burton Academy teacher and English Department Chair, Hunter currently serves on the House Committee on Education. He has argued that Vermont can address the cost and structure of education while protecting the schools and educational opportunities that communities value.

Hunter has also emphasized the importance of listening to Vermonters as lawmakers revisit major policy decisions, including education and land-use policy.

West, a Manchester resident, Army veteran, Manchester Planning Commission vice chair and Justice of the Peace, has centered his campaign on the economic pressures facing Vermonters and the future of rural communities. His priorities include expanding housing opportunities, supporting strong schools, strengthening local businesses and creating jobs that allow people to build long-term careers in Vermont.

Throughout his campaign, West has argued that reducing the pressures facing Vermonters will require looking beyond any single expense and addressing the larger combination of housing, healthcare, energy, property taxes and everyday costs that increasingly strain household budgets.

The two Democrats are running together for the district's two House seats. Hunter is seeking reelection, while West is seeking the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Rep. Kathleen James.

Clayton and Fernandez also participated in Monday's discussion, offering voters perspectives from the Republican and independent candidates in the race.

Bennington-4 includes Arlington, Manchester, Sandgate and a portion of Sunderland. Voters may select two candidates in the November 3 General Election.

The complete candidate forum is available through GNAT-TV: https://www.youtube.com/live/vRQDiUdZnts?si=bHTkp7GIbPigGM_H