To the editor: Chase is smart, capable and authentic

Heather Chase, a long-time friend and neighbor, is smart, capable and authentic. I watched Heather raise four children, two miniature donkeys, a flock of sheep and a brood of chickens, all with grace. As a registered nurse with a master’s in community health, Heather managed the birth center at Springfield Hospital for many years before launching her own successful business supporting the health care needs of women, babies and children.

Heather is deeply committed to health care for all. She supports universal primary health care that includes vision, dental, and hearing. Elders and people with disabilities are hit hardest by these gaps in coverage. As a long-time advocate for people with disabilities and other marginalized populations, I saw firsthand how barriers to universal care, access to public benefits, housing instability, and poverty affected the lives of real people living in Vermont. Heather’s commitment to these issues is not an accident of her platform; it comes from 40 years at the bedside of real people, with real health care needs.

Heather understands Vermont must invest in primary and preventative care, especially in rural areas like southern Windsor County where we live to prevent costly emergency room visits to treat problems that are inexpensive to treat but expensive to ignore. Heather understands that access to comprehensive, rural health care is critical to the health of our population, the health of our economy.

Heather’s experiences go beyond health care. During her nine-year tenure on the Chester Select Board, Heather demonstrated leadership and an ability to collaborate. Her deep understanding of local government led her to serve in the Vermont House for two years serving Chester and parts of Windham County (Athens, Grafton, Windham). Appointed by the Governor, she continues to serve on the Vermont Economic Progress Council, whose focus is on attracting growth and providing support for municipal infrastructure projects.

Through these experiences, Heather understands the very real challenges our small towns and villages face. As a small business owner herself, she is keenly aware that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Ninety-seven percent of Vermonters work for small business. Those workers and their families need well-paid jobs, access to quality health care, housing, and education. Heather will work hard, utilizing her many talents, to address these challenges.

A vote for Heather in the Tuesday, Aug. 11 primary is a vote for Windsor County.

Marilyn Mahusky
Chester