Friday, May 9
MANCHESTER — A longtime former town official seeks to represent residents in the Statehouse next year — if he is elected to the House in the fall elections.

Jeffrey D. Wilson, who served as town manager for 17 years until 2003, announced his intentions Thursday. He plans to run as a Democrat for the position of state representative that now is held by Rep. Judith Livingston, R-Manchester.

'Make Vermont a better place'

"At age 53, I believe it's time to do my part on the public service front," he said. "I definitely believe we should all chip in to make Vermont a better place for our children, grandchildren, and not push problems off to future generations."

Wilson will challenge an incumbent who has served in the House for 14 years. Livingston said Thursday that she plans to seek re-election.

"I'm running again," she said. "I love my job."

As of press time, no other candidates had expressed interest in the position.

The Manchester area has historically voted for Republican candidates, Wilson said, but he believes local voters have an open mind. "People in Manchester vote for the person," he said, "vote for ideas, programs, policies,

Advertisement
background and the experience the candidate brings to the floor. They're more pragmatic and less ideological."

Wilson works for the Nashville & Eastern and Nashville & Western Railroads as a railroad manager for two freight shortlines and one commuter rail in Tennessee. He said he has been considering a run for the past couple months, and his employer, William Drunsic, has been supportive of him taking time off from work.

In addition to his experience as town manager, Wilson also was the deputy state treasurer in Vermont and a selectman and legislative aide in Massachusetts. He has served on a number of civic boards in Vermont and Massachusetts, including the board of directors for the Vermont Coalition of Municipalities, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and the Vermont Town and City Manager's Association, according to his resume.

"I've long supported good planning," he said. "I've been an advocate of policy that promotes village centers and policy that protects our environment."

Wilson said providing economic development and protecting the environment go together in areas like Manchester, where maintaining a superior quality of life with recreational opportunities draws tourists and creative entrepreneurs to town.

A number of financial challenges are facing Vermont, Wilson said, ones that he would like to help solve with thoughtful policy and sound decision making. "If we're not in a recession, we're very close nationally," he said, "and it's certainly having an impact and being felt in Vermont."

He said he is concerned about the state of Vermont's roads and bridges and about making healthcare affordable to Vermonters.

When it comes to education, Wilson said he strongly believes in investing early, as in pre-kindergarten courses to get children started in the right direction, and in teaching students of all ages about alternative energy sources.

Wilson is the husband of Manchester Elementary Middle School Principal Jacquelyne Wilson.

He said he is looking forward to an issue-oriented House race and is excited about the possibility of representing Manchester.

The state primary will be held on Sept. 9, followed by the general election on Nov. 4.