The new Senate district Chittenden-North (CHI-N) signed into law by the Governor on April 6th includes the rural parts of Essex, Towns of Milton, Westford and Fairfax. It already has a declared Republican candidate. According to the Essex Reporter, Leland Morgan, current Vermont House Representative and Milton resident, recently announced his candidacy for the new seat.

 

Running for the Democratic nomination, thus far, is Essex resident Irene Wrenner. Wrenner just registered her candidacy for the new Senate seat. Currently, Wrenner is the publisher of the Essex Retorter but says she hopes to find someone to take over the publication while she is campaigning.

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Wrenner has 17 years of experience in local government having served on the Essex Selectboard for 12 years and as chair for one. She also has served on numerous committees, task forces and subcommittees including: Energy Committee. Essex Regional Planning Commission and ECOS (Million-Dollar Sustainability Grant) Steering Committee.

 

When asked about her political track record, Wrenner cites bringing the unheard voices of her constituents to the table, proven by her successful campaigns on a number of local ballot questions.

 

If elected CHI-N Senator, Wrenner says she hopes to focus on creating representation for this new and unique district, which is mostly rural but includes some urban and suburban areas as well. Wrenner says she will take the opportunity to amplify the voices that may have been ignored in the senate with the former district configuration.  

 

Wrenner says she anticipates competition in the Democratic primary. Nevertheless, she says she wants the party to elect the best, brightest and most experienced candidate to run for this important seat.