Powers, Tucker file for Caledonia-1 House race

Two Waterford residents have filed for the Vermont House seat representing Caledonia-1, which covers Barnet, Ryegate, and Waterford. Incumbent Republican Debbie Powers, 60, is seeking a second term. She works as a senior office consultant and customer service representative at The Powers Agency and holds a degree in agricultural business from Vermont Technical College. Democratic challenger David Tucker, 73, is a retired community development and human services professional. He holds a bachelor's degree from Goddard College and a master's in public administration from Harvard's Kennedy School.

Both candidates face uncontested primaries and are expected to advance to the November general election.

Powers said she wants to continue the work she began in her first term. "I want a Vermont that has the same opportunities that we have had," she said. She opposes forced school district mergers and supports the town tuition program that allows families to choose between public and independent schools. She also pointed to work in the Health Care Committee to reduce insurance costs, which she said directly affects education spending.

Tucker said he is running because the district and state are "worth fighting for." He cited rising costs, property taxes, housing shortages, and health care expenses as key challenges. On education, he favors voluntary collaboration among districts rather than top-down consolidation. "I do not support one-size-fits-all approaches imposed on local communities," Tucker said. He advocates for examining factors driving education costs, including health care for teachers and declining enrollment.

Both candidates said they support local control in education reform. Powers emphasized communication between communities and schools, while Tucker called for a broader conversation about education funding and property tax reform.

The general election is in November.

Originally reported by Caledonian Record.

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