Zach Scheffler

Zach Scheffler was born in St. Albans, Vermont. Scheffler's career experience includes working in community development and as a technology professional. He earned an associate degree from the Community College of Vermont in 2009 and a bachelor's degree from Castleton State College in 2013.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I've lived, worked, and volunteered in Franklin County my entire life. For the past ten years I've directed civic, community, and municipal efforts to connect neighbors and solve problems. I'm a Vermont tech worker who is organized, collaborative, and communicative. Not only do I listen, I'll work hard to return your emails and phone calls.

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?

We must BUILD HOMES. Expanding our housing supply gives more seniors and working families the freedom to stay in Vermont. I'll work to simplify zoning and demand audits of state housing grants to ensure we get the homes we paid for.We have to STOP TAX SPIKES. Property taxes are being driven up by local school budgets. Those budgets are being inflated by rapidly rising healthcare costs. By fixing healthcare, we can lower school budgets and stabilize property taxes. I'll work to empower our state healthcare regulator to push back against the corporate monopolies that broke our healthcare system.We must DEMAND RESULTS. That means requesting audits of state agencies, projects, and programs. But it also requires a listening leader who can answer your phone calls and reply to your emails. I will do exactly that, and bring your experiences with me to Montpelier.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about housing and government accountability. We must build homes to give more of us the freedom to stay in Vermont and keep our communities thriving. We must also demand more from Montpelier and deliver a government worth paying for, especially in these uncertain times. Vermonters deserve that.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Zach Scheffler is a lifelong Vermonter born and raised in Franklin County. He works as a community manager at Front Porch Forum, a Vermont-based community building service. Many know Zach from his past work at the local newspaper, public TV station, and as a volunteer first responder. He continues giving back to the community as a board member of his municipal energy committee, the county Young Professionals network, and his local Democratic Party. More than anything, Zach enjoys meeting, greeting, and gathering neighbors together. He graduated from Castleton State College in 2013.

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?

Uniting neighbors has never been more important than it is today. And folks in St. Albans know almost everyone deserves dignity, respect, and a warm welcome. But right now, our unity is being put to the test. Demagogues divide us based on when we got here, what we look like, who we love, or what side of the tracks we live on. That's deeply harmed our sense of community, public safety, and our trust in the common good.

As state rep, I'll do what I've always done: Listen deeply and without judgment; bring people together at events and on projects; and help folks navigate a complicated world with honest information.Lowering costs is critical. At a national level, you're seeing inflation cool, jobs made, wages rise, and pushbacks on price-gouging. And yet, too many of us in this rural state are grappling with the high cost of living. Keeping a home, caring for a family, getting to work, and living a healthy life is hard.

Certain politicians are promising easy fixes. I think they're selling you a bill of goods: Higher taxes or deeper cuts can't do it alone. As state rep, I'll support plans that pair fair taxes with effective, efficient programs to drive down costs and invest in the common good.Expanding freedoms is essential. Being free to find and keep a home, care for your loved ones, get an education, start your small business, earn a good wage, and live a healthy life are all ways each of us contribute to the common good.

But right now, it seems certain politicians would rather give hand-outs to the wealthy few than a helping hand to the rest of us. As state rep, I'll work to give more Vermonters a fair shot at a better life.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I care deeply about community-building. In rural places like ours, big tech and social media have torn deeply away at the fabric of local life. This has increased isolation and loneliness, which in turn has decimated public trust. That makes working together to solve problems (big and small!) even harder. It's an issue that's affected me in my personal life, as well as that of my family, friends, and coworkers.

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

Being open, accessible, and down-to-earth are deeply important, eclipsed only by a firm belief in the principles of liberal democracy.

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

I've been told my compassion and curiosity are qualities folks would like to see in a legislator. I think they're right.

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

I believe that engaging voters, listening deeply, informing constituents, and acting according to their wishes are key responsibilities.

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

Like many younger Vermonters, I've always worked a side-gig alongside a full-time job. Thanks to CCV, I've worked as a designer and web developer since freshman year.

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

I've had "Everybody's Talkin'" by Harry Nilsson on my mind since I first heard it in 2012.

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

Co-equal and collaborative.

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

Housing access, healthcare availability, caregiving, and managing the effects of climate change.

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

Yes. A trusting relationship among legislators, like neighbors, goes a long way to bridge divides.

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?

At work, I've heard countless stories from folks who've lost or found their home. Both are equally affecting.