NEWPORT — Xavier Stevens announced his candidacy Sunday for Vermont State Representative of District Orleans-2, representing Newport City.
Stevens, a leader with NEK Indivisible and NEK local, said he wants to help turn Newport City into an economic and cultural hub for the surrounding area.
“Newport City is such an amazing town with fantastic potential,” Stevens said. “There is so much to offer from the bike path, time on the waterfront, local events, and the Pick & Shovel. Newport has the bones of a major city.”
Stevens said he has lived in the Northeast Kingdom practically all his life. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy, received his degree from UVM, and plans to grow old in Newport City.
“I want to see a Main Street with bustling storefronts, on both sides of the street,” he said.
Stevens said his campaign will focus on affordability, accountability and the environment.
“I am going to tackle the rising cost of living directly,” Stevens said. “I intend to alleviate the burden of property taxes on people trying to just live in Newport. I will incentivize development of actually affordable housing to support the growth of small local businesses.”
Stevens said he plans to hold monthly town halls on weekends year-round to ensure constituents can share their thoughts.
“As a homeowner, and full-time employee, it is hard for me to make the time to meet with our representative and share my thoughts and opinions on the growth of Newport,” he said. “Instead, I am going to be a transparent representative. You deserve to have your voice heard, even if you work a standard 9-5. You have the right to know where your tax dollars go.”
Stevens said he is running not for himself, but for the people of Newport.
“I intend to roll up my sleeves and do the work required to ensure that the decent, hard-working people of Newport City are properly represented in Montpelier,” he said.
One would expect a party affiliation to be noted in an announcement for office. His website doesn’t directly mention one either, but since he’s funded via Act Blue, it would be fair to assume he’s Democrat/ Left affiliated. If so, no, thanks.