Candidate questionnaire: Asher Edelson
Each of the four candidates in the August 13 primary for two Democratic Party nominations from the Bennington-2 House District was asked by the Bennington Banner to respond to a questionnaire. We asked why they are motivated to run and what their priorities are. These are Mr. Edelson’s responses:
My priorities for the legislative session include transportation, disability accessibility, and healthcare.
I want to fight for Bennington’s commuter rail access, funds for local services such as Green Mountain Express, and grants for sidewalks. I would like for Vermont to have fully accessible trails to expand who can utilize our wonderful state’s outdoors.
I believe Vermont’s Legislature should hire a disability coordinator to ensure that accessibility is on the forefront of any discussion or new development in Montpelier.
Also, I believe Vermont should have universal healthcare, so I will work with fellows in the House to secure that system for Vermonters.
As a legislator, I would like to explore pushing Vermont toward a constitutional convention to enshrine reproductive liberties in our national Constitution. I would also like to advocate for a resolution to express Vermont’s support for reversing the discriminatory practice of ending disability benefits upon marriage.
I am going to be a father in December. This monumental step in my life urges me to serve my state even more so than before. That being said, I love Bennington, and I told [former U.S. Senator] Patrick Leahy – back in 2022 after winning the Leahy Award – that I would seek legislative office in 2024.
Edelson said he is expecting his first child with his partner, Amber.
I am an advocate for public transit, disability justice, universal healthcare , environmental stewardship and accessible housing
This opportunity to serve Bennington and Vermont is major, and I intend to stand by the issues.
"I was born in Atlanta, raised in Tampa, and found my community in Bennington, Vermont,” he said.
Edelson said more information can be found on his website.
Edeslon was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome as a child. He later medically withdrew during his first year of college to get Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery to help mitigate the symptoms of Tourette’s.
Upon graduating from the University of South Florida with a major in political science and a minor in history, he moved to Vermont five years ago.
He is a social studies teacher at VPI Bennington and a board member with the Southwest Tech District. Edelson also is chairman of the Vermont Democratic Disability Caucus and of the Bennington Town Democratic Party. He is a member of the Vermont Democratic Party executive committee.
In the August 13 primary, the other candidates for two Democratic nominations to the November election ballot are Will Greer, Leon Johnson and Rep. Timothy Corcoran. The other incumbent in Bennington-2, Rep. Dane Whitman, isn’t seeking another term.
