Deb Mayfield

Deb Mayfield earned a high school diploma from Natick High School. Her career experience includes working as a business owner and president. As of 2024, she was affiliated with Shelburne/Charlotte GOP.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Deb Mayfield, a dedicated business owner deeply rooted in the Shelburne community. My journey in retail began in a family-owned company where I managed auditing and accounts receivable, which helped me develop strong skills in strategic fiscal planning. During my time there, I witnessed the company grow from 5 to 15 stores, and that experience taught me the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and community engagement.

In 2007, my husband and I had the opportunity to purchase the Shelburne Country Store. This venture allowed us not only to contribute to the local economy but also to strengthen community ties. In 2015, we expanded our commitment by acquiring The Country Christmas Loft, focusing on creating a nurturing and welcoming space for families and visitors alike. We pride ourselves on placing family and community values first in everything we do.

My experiences have instilled in me a strong desire to represent our community in Montpelier. I understand the everyday challenges that families and local businesses face, and I am committed to ensuring that their voices are heard in decision-making processes. I believe in the power of collaboration and community input to drive positive change. I am excited about the possibility of serving our community in this new capacity and working towards a brighter future for all of us.

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?

Fiscal responsibility is key to ensuring a government’s longevity and efficiency. By prioritizing fiscal responsibility, budget proposals focus on sustainable spending, avoiding deficits, and reducing debt. This approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively, programs are funded adequately, and long-term financial health is maintained. Legislators must strive for balanced budgets that prevent future financial burdens on citizens, ensuring economic stability for both present and future generations.Taxing Social Security benefits can place a financial strain on seniors, many of whom are on fixed incomes. Removing state income tax on these benefits can enhance the financial security of older residents. This change can help seniors retain more of their earnings, allowing them to better afford living expenses and healthcare costs, thereby improving their quality of life. Additionally, it demonstrates a societal commitment to respecting and supporting the aging population.

Military retirees have devoted significant parts of their lives to serving the country. Exempting their retirement pay from state income taxes is a measure of gratitude and support.Existing environmental and energy policies may sometimes impose financial burdens that outweigh their benefits, especially on low- and middle-income households. Advocating for the repeal and replacement of these measures involves a strategic review to identify policies that are not cost-effective or that disproportionately impact certain demographics. The replacement policies should retain the original intent of promoting sustainability but in a manner that is economically feasible. This may include introducing more gradual implementation timelines.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Protecting healthcare, safety, and community quality involves implementing policies and initiatives that promote public health, reduce crime, and maintain environmental standards. Ensuring that adequate healthcare services are available for all residents is crucial, which includes access to mental health care and addiction treatment. Community quality can be enhanced by maintaining clean, safe, and green public spaces; supporting economic development programs; and fostering a sense of community through social programs and events. By focusing on these areas, the government can address immediate health and safety concerns but also fosters a thriving, resilient community environment.

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

I admire Dolly Parton for her commitment to her community, those she knows as well as those she does not. She reflects no political alignment and does so much to give back to her community and beyond with a dedication to making a positive impact.

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

no

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

An elected official should have Integrity and commitment to serve their community, There has to be a willingness to engage in conversations with people they represent who agree with them and also people who may have opposing views.

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

Having managed and owned local businesses, I have cultivated a deep appreciation for community engagement. My experiences have taught me the importance of fostering relationships, understanding community needs, and prioritizing the well-being of the residents.

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

The core responsibilities of an local elected official is listening to what the voters needs are and advocating for local interests.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Financially responsible while still meeting the needs of Vermonters

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

Jimmy Carters presidency, Americans were taken hostage by Iran, gas shortage and having to wait for hours on set days for gasoline, and high inflation. I would have been around 10 years old

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

My first job was 1983(?) working at a summer computer camp that taught computer programming as a seasonal position.

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

The state legislature and the governor should work together for the best interests of the people of Vermont. If there is something that the legislature passes as a bill and the governor vetos it, before overriding the veto, the legislature should reach out to the governor to find out reasons why it was vetoed and if there should be changes made to the bill to make it better for the people.

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

Spending and affordability

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

The government should be run by the people and for the people. It should not be a lifelong commitment for one person to a career. If people of the community took a limited time to serve and give their perspective, I believe that it would better reflect the people it serves.

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

I do believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators, everyone is there to work together to represent the people of Vermont

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

Jim Douglas was a legislator in 1972.

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

At this time I am only focused on state legislator

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I would like to see if there is a way to eliminate the Social Security benefits tax or the Military Retirement tax

What committees interest you?

Commerce and Economic Development - Human Services

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The voters should know what their taxpayer dollars are being spent on