By Polly Lynn
posted
Nov 14, 2012
CHITTENDEN - Only 37 votes separated Anne Gallivan, the
democratic challenger, and Jim Eckhardt, the republican incumbent,
for the state representative seat in Rutland-Windsor 1.
Gallivan
won the seat 1,203 to Eckhardt's 1,166 votes. The 2369 total votes
represents 58% of the four towns total population of 4063,
according to the most recent census (Chittenden population 1258,
Mendon 1059, Bridgewater 936, Killington 810.)
Gallivan is eager to get started, saying "I look forward to
listening to everyone's concerns, learning from successful models
and building a consensus," she said, adding "with positivity and
creativity I believe we can overcome many obstacles."
In Chittenden, the hometown of both candidates, Gallivan beat
Eckhardt 404-308.
In Killington, Eckhardt beat Gallivan 339-267.
In Mendon, Gallivan beat Eckhardt 316 to 266.
In Bridgewater, Eckhardt beat Gallivan 253-216.
Increasing jobs were top priorities for both candidates.
However, their suggestions for doing so differed: Eckhardt proposed
attempting to loosen some Act 250 environmental restrictions and
had expressed reservations on single-payer health care, while
Gallivan hopes to bring diverse business to Vermont that conforms
with the state's environmental regulations.
Gallivan, with her 21 years as the librarian at Barstow School
and 36 years in Chittenden, looks forward to bringing her
experience in education as well as knowledge of the local community
to Montpelier "I am very optimistic," she said.
