Candice White

Candice White was born in Clinton, New York. She graduated from Ravenscroft School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Boston College in 1991. Her career experience includes working as the marketing director and director of new media for The Atlantic Monthly Magazine; publisher of The American Prospect Magazine; and marketing director and vice president of communications/guest service/brand for Sugarbush Resort. She has been affiliated with the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation and the Vermont Women's Fund.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in upstate New York, graduated from high school in North Carolina, and graduated from college in Boston. I first came to Vermont to ski, renting seasonal houses with friends. I moved to Waitsfield full-time in 2003 with my two young children.

My work experience includes over twenty years in the communications field. I spent ten years working for national magazines in the Northeast. In 2008, I joined the Senior Leadership Team at Sugarbush Resort and served until opening a communications consulting practice in 2018.

I have volunteered my time to solve problems in public education, economic development, women’s equality, and the environment: I served as president of the Waitsfield Elementary School PTA; on the hiring committee for Harwood Union High School; and as a board member and chair for Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation. I am current co-chair of The Vermont Women’s Fund Council.

In 2021, I married Chris Klyza, a professor at Middlebury College. Together, we have four grown children, a Bernese Mountain dog, and a cat. We spend as much time as we can outdoors--hiking the Long Trail, skiing, snowshoeing, cycling, and foraging.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am a Democrat, because I believe it is essential that women have control over their own reproductive rights. This is guaranteed in Vermont, but is in jeopardy nationally.Vermont's school-funding formula is no longer working, and requires immediate action to bring costs down and reformulate an equitable funding mechanism.Climate change is one of the most challenging issues we face, requiring Vermont to adapt smart, affordable policy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about climate change policy. Vermont has suffered recurrent flooding in recent years, and must continue to learn from these storms how we can be more prepared in the future, and what changes we must make to decrease the impact of future storms. I am also passionate about transportation policy in that I see opportunities for better public transportation and smarter highway practices that will contribute to Vermont's climate change resiliency. And I am focused on Vermont's education policy, because the financing of public education, and the outcome of public education, both require review and revision.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my mother, who taught me the importance of supporting women's reproductive rights, and speaking out in defense of what is important to me. I look up to my father, who modeled honesty, generosity, and clear communication. I look up to my daughter, who reminds me to be non-judgemental. I look up to my dog, who reminds me to be kind.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I love this question but don't have an answer right now. Here is a short list of people I have respect for. . .

in politics: Hillary and Bill Clinton; Joe Biden; Michelle and Barack Obama; Ruth Bader Ginsberg; Gloria Steinem; Liz Cheney; Bennie Thompson.

In books: Toni Morrison; Maya Angelou; Anne Patchett; John Irving

Journalists: Jodi Kantor; Megan Twohey

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe an elected official must approach the work with an open mind, a respectful tone, and a collaborative spirit. It is essential to be able to have open and honest conversations with representatives of all political persuasions, and to work to identify common ground.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I try to be respectful and kind to others. And I am a collaborator who invites creative thinking into problem-solving.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of this office is to fairly, respectfully, and bravely represent the priorities of the citizens of this county.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave Vermont with a better approach to public-school funding and a renewed vision for public schools. I would also like to leave Vermont with an exciting map for the future with regards to climate change resiliency, smart growth, and revitalized public transportation.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was tangentially aware of Roe vs. Wade, because my mother began volunteering at a Planned Parenthood clinic around that time and would being my sister and me with her.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was scooping ice cream at an ice cream parlour in Lake George New York when I was fourteen. I worked 30 hours/week all summer, and was paid $2.95/hour.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I like anything by Anne Patchett because I love her perspective on the world and I admire her as a writer.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Nancy Drew--because she models a smart, independent woman to young readers

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"Put a Woman in Charge" by Keb' Mo'

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have had personal struggles, like most everyone: I went through a divorce when I first moved to Vermont; some of my family relationships are quite challenging; I battled breast-cancer in 2016.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I believe there should be mutual respect and regular communication between the state legislature and the governor. These two entities must work together to accomplish positive reform in the state. It is unacceptable for these two entities to blame the other for what isn't happening--the public doesn't care who is to blame. The public deserves a government that works together to solve problems.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Re-envisioning a public-school funding formula and a public school performance policy that Vermonters can afford and be well served by. Creating an affordable housing movement to solve housing issues across Vermont. Adapting/updating a climate-change resiliency policy that protects Vermonters for the future.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

On the one hand, experience in government and politics is helpful in understanding how the legislature works and getting things accomplished. On the other hand, it is important that the legislature is representative of the people of Vermont and the industry of Vermont; thus it is important to have representatives who have experience in the businesses and organizations that make up Vermont.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, it is essential to build relationships with whomever you are working with. It is always beneficial to find some common ground. And in order for an organization to function, there needs to be regular and open communication.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Great question. I don' t have an answer but am thinking about this one.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

unsure--this is my first foray into politics, so I need to take it one step at a time

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have heard numerous personal stories from voters who don't know if they'll be able to afford to stay here because of rising taxes.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I am not a great joke teller.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

unsure

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I would introduce a bill to re-imagine public school funding.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Planned Parenthood Vermont Action Fund; Union of Vermont Educators; Vermont Conservation Voters; Let's Grow Kids Action Network

What committees interest you?

Ways and Means; Education; Transportation

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability is essential to a just society.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

unsure