Jubilee McGill

State Representative, Addison-3

As a legislator, I know that the most effective leaders are not usually the loudest voices in the room. They are the people who listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and take the time to understand how decisions will affect people’s lives. I have seen these qualities firsthand in Ari Bolles. She has approached every conversation with genuine curiosity, compassion, and a determination to understand both the immediate challenges and the larger systems behind them.

Ari’s professional experience as a design strategist in civic tech is powerful preparation for public service. She knows how to untangle complicated systems, center the voices of the people most affected, and turn careful research into practical action. Ari will bring intelligence, integrity, and a deeply people-centered approach to the Vermont House. I am proud to endorse her and would be honored to serve alongside her.

“Have you heard the news?!?! Ari Bolles has earned the endorsement of Vermont's largest union, the Vermont National Education Association, as well as the Vermont Progressive Party!

I know Ari from the Ferrisburgh Central School community as a parent volunteer and through the way she advocates for her own child in a way that lifts up all students. When she announced her candidacy, I took the time to learn about her platform and compare it with the other candidates, and I came away incredibly impressed.

As an elementary school teacher, education isn't just my career; it's my passion! Every day I see the incredible things our public schools do for children and families, and I also see the challenges our educators, school staff, and students face. Although I can't vote in this election because I don't live in the district, I do teach here, and I care deeply about the future of the communities and schools I have the privilege of serving. I'm sharing these thoughts as a private citizen; not on behalf of my school, district, or employer.

What stands out to me about Ari is that she understands our local schools are the heart of our rural communities. She believes we can support students, fairly compensate teachers and school staff, and be responsible with taxpayer dollars without assuming that more consolidation is always the answer. She also values giving educators, families, and local communities a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their schools.

Most of all, Ari understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. Every child has unique strengths, interests, and needs, and every student deserves access to the educational path that helps them thrive. One of my own children will be attending a technical high school this fall, and I couldn't be more grateful for that opportunity. Career and technical education changes lives, and I appreciate Ari's commitment to ensuring those opportunities remain available for all Vermont students.

If you live in the district, I hope you'll take a look at Ari Bolles' platform before voting on August 11. This Democratic primary is especially important because three candidates are running for two seats, meaning the outcome of the primary will help determine who goes on to represent our communities. If you're eligible to vote, I hope you'll take the time to participate. Every vote truly matters in a race like this.

Our kids deserve leaders who understand public education and are ready to fight for them!”

• Tricia Van Vliet, Ferrisburgh Central School

“…I am enthusiastically supporting Ariel, because I appreciate her clear and straightforward policies on education, healthcare, taxation, and housing. Full disclosure, Ariel is a long-time dear friend of mine which admittedly creates some bias, but also allows me to fully know, appreciate, and communicate Ariel's depth of character and capacity. Ariel is not a career politician, but a genuine human, parent, and member of our community who is intelligent and compassionate. She is exactly what we need in a politician these days! I think you'll also find her to be a thoughtful listener who will take our concerns to the Vermont House. She represents all of us.

Finally, Ariel has spent the past 6 years of her nearly 15 years of design strategy experience working in civic tech. As someone who has dedicated her career to improving government services, Ariel understands both the opportunities and the challenges of making government work better for everyday people. Ariel's track record of listening to those most affected by decisions, leading change in complex systems, and finding common ground will serve our district well in the State House.”

• Ali Waltien, Ferrisburgh

“In these times of decisiveness, Ariel is a new voice of hope. She is running for state rep for Ferrisburgh. She is caring, bright, articulate and open to listening and learning. Please consider voting in the primary for Ariel.”

• Diane Gottlieb

“…I know Ari through our work together on the Ferrisburgh Town Center Committee and as fellow community volunteers and school parents. Ari is thoughtful, creative, and one of those people who truly listens. She has a remarkable ability to understand complex issues, bring people together, and turn ideas into action…”

• Lindsey Brown, Ferrisburgh

“Ariel is a community-oriented thinker, doer, and listener who grew up in the Champlain Valley. As a fellow mother of young children, it feels encouraging to be able to vote for a representative who is in that same chapter of life. While I didn't personally know Ariel growing up, her mother was my piano teacher, and her father was our town's pastor and bus driver. Individually, they both made a strong and positive impact on our tiny town. It is in her bones to be woven into her community in a meaningful way and care deeply about her neighbors.”

• Amelia Davis, Ferrisburgh

“Ari is a working parent and will prioritize issues of affordability—including health care, housing, progressive taxation and education.

But mostly, I wanted to remind voters of her work last winter with “Soup and Bread.” Partnering with the Vergennes Congregational Church, Ari organized community volunteers and local restaurants to serve meals of soup and bread to hundreds of local residents. These dinners were free, and donations were accepted from those who could afford to contribute. More than $6,000 went to the Rogers & Hazard Relief Society to help neighbors who are struggling with unexpected urgent expenses, to groups working with local migrants and to the church’s broader missions. Ari plans to continue this tradition next winter.

Her initiative reflects the kind of leadership our district needs —practical, compassionate and rooted in bringing people together to meet real needs. Ariel Bolles has already shown what she can accomplish for our community, and I believe she will bring that same dedication and effectiveness to Montpelier.

I encourage voters to support Ariel Bolles in the Democratic primary.”

• Carol Hanley, Ferrisburgh