What Vermonters Say About Tim
Senator Bobby Starr, Northeast Kingdom
“Tim is the type of person that won’t quit on you when the going gets tough – his motto is that’s when the tough get going.
Rural Vermont is very important to Tim. Agriculture, forestry and small businesses were strongly supported by Tim during the COVID-19 budget process. He often speaks of the “Two Vermonts” and how we need to make life more equal throughout the entire state.
Tim’s real test of his leadership skills and his ability to work across party lines came out very strong in the State Senate with many 30 to 0 votes on most key issues.”
Senator Mark MacDonald, Orange County
As the Senate’s leader, Tim performed as the best captain a team could have. When things go well, he steps back letting Senate team members enjoy the limelight.
In bumpier patches, he steps up to take the hits, freeing senators to get back to productive work.
Tim and I have worked closely together for a decade: Renewable energy, minimum wage, expanded health coverage, public education, broadband expansion - we have partnered on all of these.
During COVID he’s shown real leadership. Inclusive, good communication, steady, steady, steady.
And finally, it says a lot to me about Tim that he frequently visited Orange County. Not for political meetings, but to meet with mental health workers, teachers, and hospital employees to see how we could best support people on the ground. And he delivered!
Senator Mark MacDonald, Orange County
State Representative John O'Brien
Tim has been fighting for rural Vermont since he got to Montpelier. He understands how hard it is to make a living as a farmer, as a logger, as a small business owner in a small town. His vision of a better Vermont has 14 goals: Every county succeeds.
State Representative John O'Brien
Royalton and Tunbridge
United Nurses & Allied Professionals Local 5086 & 5087
For years, but especially during COVID-19, Tim Ashe has been a champion for mental health care workers in the statehouse.
Tim has a proven commitment to the best interests of front line mental health care workers. He has been meeting and talking with us for months, and we appreciate his leadership in the legislature for both Vermont's mental health patients and workers. Highlights from his record of advocacy for our members include:
state policy requiring the Brattleboro Retreat management to improve relations with the work force;
establishment of a Vermont COVID-19 hazard pay program for workers on the front lines of the crisis;
and enactment of state budget mandated increases in the wages for mental health care workers.
The members of UNAP 5086 and 5087 are grateful to Tim for giving a voice to our concerns at the Retreat.
Cy Creamer
President of UNAP Local 5086 & 5087
Molly Stevens
During the current COVID-19 crisis, Tim continues to demonstrate the strong leadership skills that have defined his years in the Senate.
Tim possesses the experience, commitment and compassion for all Vermonters that we need. Tim also cares deeply about land conservation, expanding local food markets and developing long-term solutions to clean our state's waters.
Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont
“During his tenure, Tim has supported and championed many of the priorities of the Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont. He sponsored the 2014 heart and lung presumption, lead the Senate during passage of the PTSD presumption, has supported multiple bills including regulation of cancer causing toxins, the protection of collective bargaining rights, and support of those serving in public safety.”
Karen Chitambar, Automotive Instructor at North Country Career Center
"Senator Ashe is a true friend of education. He considers issues carefully and takes the time to meet with stakeholders, students and staff alike. He visited the North Country Career Center to begin addressing the workforce development needs of Northeast Kingdom youth, and he never missed a beat when we commandeered him for and impromptu chat with our Auto students."
Senators Ginny Lyons and Michael Sirotkin, Chittenden County
As two state senators with more than 25 years of combined legislative service and observation, we honestly believe the State of Vermont owes Senator Tim Ashe a debt of gratitude. His work ethic and leadership skills have been nothing short of remarkable during these challenging times. Just ask any Senator of any party or perspective, and we are absolutely convinced they will immediately agree.
His steady hand and ability to work openly and collaboratively has truly benefited us all. His fairness and laser focus on the needs of Vermont’s working families has clearly made his tenure as Senate President Pro Tem one of the most productive and efficient in recent memory. From minimum wage to gun safety, to reproductive rights, to protecting the environment and more, no one will dispute that his unique leadership skills--without seeking the limelight--made it all happen, and with the highest degree of professionalism and civility.
Senators Ginny Lyons and Michael Sirotkin, Chittenden County
Senator Chris Pearson, Chittenden County
My time in the Senate corresponds to Tim being President Pro Tem. He's been extremely effective advancing a wide range of progressive issues, including: Passage of a $15 minimum wage, one of Tim’s top priorities, through the Senate twice. After two vetoes we were able to move forward with a two-year increase to $12.55. Under Tim's leadership the Senate has twice voted to end corporate campaign contributions. We passed Net Neutrality, curbed toxic chemicals, protection from data brokers, invested in mental health and opiate treatment - all with direct support and promotion from Tim. Tim made the difference on gun safety legislation. And, we passed workplace protections around sexual harassment. That was all in his first term as Pro Tem. More recently we passed a hazard pay bill that will put nearly $30 million into the pockets of essential workers earning under $25/hour. Again, Tim’s leadership was decisive. Tim has also been instrumental in allocating Transportation budget money to climate-friendly initiatives. It was his initiative (he serves on that committee) to establish a program that helps low-income families get into more efficient vehicles. He pushed for more park & rides. And he pushed to harness Efficiency Vermont's expertise to work on transportation and building efficiency - not just electric efficiency.
- Senator Chris Pearson, Chittenden County
Senator Dick McCormack, Windsor County
Tim is smart; a fast learner and a logical analyst. He has an expansive grasp of the Big Picture and a clear focus on the details. He understands complexity and paradox. And he has EXPERIENCE!
He is a strong person. He’s calm in crisis. He has the courage to take strong stands and lead assertively, but he genuinely respects people who disagree, and is flexible enough to work differences out. Tim has a great sense of humor, and is fun to work with. His foundation is his compassion and strong sense of justice.
Senator Dick McCormack, Windsor County
Ali Dieng, Burlington City Councilor
Tim Ashe is one of the most committed and caring public servants in our state. He has a strong track record of crafting policies and sponsoring initiatives geared toward supporting working families and the most vulnerable populations in our state. I’ve been especially impressed with his proactive work to support New Americans.
Jane Kitchel, Caledonia County Senator
COVID put Tim's leadership skills to the test. He was a key partner with the governor and the House speaker in guiding Vermont through unprecedented times. Despite his heavy legislative workload, Tim provided daily video updates to inform Vermonters on actions being taken to address the many needs created by the pandemic. These were absolutely essential to many Vermonters.
Jeanette White,
Windham County Senator
Fairness, even handedness, attention to detail, respect for all senators, staff and visitors, and knowledge of parliamentary procedures. Tim is all of those as shown in his role as Pro Tem.
Senator Ann Cummings Washington County, Senate Finance Committee Chair
Of the five Presidents Pro Tempore I have worked with, Tim has been the most inclusive. He has tirelessly worked with both the majority and minority caucuses and Committee Chairs to insure that everyone is heard and that everyone knows what is happening. He has demonstrated skill in keeping the Senate focused and moving forward despite the challenges of a pandemic and remote meetings. I've always felt heard and respected under Tim's leadership.
Senator Ann Cummings
Washington County
Senate Finance Committee Chair
Senator Dick Mazza, Grand Isle County and Colchester
I’ve served with many Speakers of the House and President Pro Tems of the Senate. Each has had his or her own unique skill set.
But Tim Ashe has been the complete package. Steady in difficult moments, inclusive, and able to juggle an endless number of issues in his mind.
He has the respect of every Senator, regardless of party, because he treats everyone fairly, and lets every Senator have a voice as we write legislation.
The way he has helped lead the state during the pandemic speaks volumes. From the very first day of the state of emergency, he’s communicated literally every day with the public through his live videos and with the Senate to make sure we were able to meet Vermonters’ needs during the shut down. Despite the sheer volume of what Tim confronted as a leader, he stayed positive and focused.
I’ve also watched Tim mentor newer members of the Senate, making sure they’ll be ready to step up into leadership roles themselves. Tim always talks about the Senate being a team and his actions confirm it.
Senator Dick Mazza
Grand Isle County and Colchester
Elizabeth Ready
Former Vermont Senator and State Auditor
Leaders like Tim Ashe show up in very tough times. Like Bernie, he’s not out to please party insiders, but to get results for the working parent who needs paid leave, for the terrified family crammed in a motel room that needs a home, for the front line workers who deserve hazard wages and not just our glancing thanks. Tim stands out as a leader: for the care he’s shown, his tireless effort, the results he’s achieved and the voice he’s given to Vermonters not always heard.
Elizabeth Ready
Former Vermont Senator and State Auditor
Paul Zabriskie, Middlesex
““Too often ‘Affordability’ is a barrier to change, an excuse to do nothing. But I have seen Senator Ashe’s commitment to addressing economic and environmental injustice through his work advancing progressive policy on energy, transportation, environment, and climate change.””
Seton McIlroy, Chapter Lead, Vermont Chapter of Moms Demand Action
"As leader of the Vermont Senate, Tim [led passage of] Vermont's first significant gun laws on background checks and banning high capacity magazines. We are proud to partner with him in the movement to end gun violence.”
Representative Curt McCormack (Burlington’s Old North End), House Transportation Committee
“As Chair of the Transportation Committee in the House, Tim Ashe has been more than my "go-to” compatriot in the Senate. He is a leader, with good, practical, aggressive ideas that he turns into action to advance a new transportation system of electric cars and buses; more and better transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and expanded Amtrak service.”
“Vermont has a strong progressive history dating back to the 1980’s when the green migration here got underway. To be a State that leads the environmental movement means true conservation. Conserving our waterways from farm pollution, conserving our wildlife as more then a commodity to be harvested, and promoting green energy. The green migration into Vermont has slowed to trickle because we’ve lost our way. For me Tim represents where our State needs to go, not where it is today.”
Dan Galdenzi, Stowe
Representative Janet Ancel, Calais
Tim and I began working together when I was chair of House Ways and Means and he was appointed to chair the Senate Finance Committee. He and I had to find ways to work together, which turned out to be surprisingly easy and productive. Tim works incredibly hard, he thinks creatively and he’s not afraid to take risks in order to advance issues he cares about.
In just a short time, our working relationship turned into a friendship — something of real value in politics.
He provided steady guidance in the early weeks of the pandemic and has always worked on issues of importance to Vermonters — to name just a few: New Americans, Vermont workers (especially those workers on the front lines of the pandemic), homeownership especially for young home buyers, racial justice, mental health, paid leave, broadband access, preK-12 education and higher education, and climate change.
In fact, I can’t think of an issue I care about that Tim hasn’t worked on and made a difference.
Representative Janet Ancel, Calais
Senator Phil Baruth, Chittenden County
“In my ten years in the State Senate, I’ve seen a good cross-section of unexpected emergenices, and elected officals trying to tackle them. I can honestly say I’ve never seen a leader rise to the challenge the way Tim Ashe stepped into the COVID-19 emergency. Tim closed the Statehouse and took the Senate virtual; he directed legislation to compensate front-line workers; he immersed himself in the details of PPE, ICU beds, hospital finances; and he personally made sure that federal dollars reached rural areas, New Americans, small-businesses teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. After four years of Trump, it restored my faith to see someone so very capable face down a crisis so unprecedented.” - Senator Phil Baruth, Chittenden County
Senator Andrew Perchlik, Washington County
Tim has built a tremendous level of knowledge of the processes, pitfalls, and policies of State government. That’s served Vermont well as he helped lead us through the pandemic.
Tim’s experience and policy knowhow gives him a distinct advantage over others when it comes to being able to immediately and effectively support the policies we want to get passed, and signed into law, whether it is increased renewable energy, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, better internet access, weatherization, helping new Americans be successful in Vermont, or new initiatives like Tim’s plan to expand the Youth Conservation Corps.
Tim has formed trusted relationships with legislators, non-profit organizations, and working Vermonters. He is like a farmer that built the soil and planted an orchard understanding that today’s hard work pays off with bountiful harvests tomorrow.
Senator Andrew Perchlik
Washington County Senator
Senator Dick Sears, Bennington County and Wilmington
Tim and I have worked closely together on many important issues over our years in the Senate. When Tim became the Senate’s leader four years ago, he said he’d show as much concern for Bennington County and Wilmington as he would for his own. And he’s done just that. I’ll give you just a few examples.
He was instrumental in helping us to fast-track state funds to extend water lines to households whose drinking water was contaminated by PFOAs. And under his leadership the Senate passed with substantial support a requirement that from here on out polluters will pay for such expenses, not homeowners and taxpayers.
Tim was central in supporting the various funding and policy changes needed to move forward with Bennington’s Putnam Block. He said his goal was to push more state funding to communities that had not been receiving their fair share, and he’s done it.
He visited our county multiple times to learn how things are going on the ground. His visit to United Counseling Services resulted in successful efforts to increase resources for our county’s largest provider of mental health services. More recently, his visit with Bennington County educators led to quick advocacy for flexible delivery of school meals during the pandemic.
Senators from around the state could tell similar stories of Tim’s proactive approach to strengthen each county.
Senator Dick Sears
Bennington County and Wilmington
Chair, Senate Judiciary Committee
VT Building and Construction Trades Council
As a Senator and the Senate Pro Tem, Tim has always been there for Vermont's construction workers and working Vermonters generally, not for the headlines, not for the politics, not for the praise, but because improving the lives of working people is who Tim is.
Whether he was fighting to end the practice of worker misclassification; fighting for a decent statewide minimum wage; working to improve Vermont's workers' compensation system; pushing for fair pay in state construction contracts; or fighting for more affordable and accessible health care; our members and their families see and feel, everyday, the benefit of Tim's work.
Danielle Bombardier,
VT Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Board Member
IBEW 300 Organizer, Training Director
Kathy Fox, Ph.D., Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences and Director of the UVM Liberal Arts in Prison Program (LAPP)
“Tim has always been responsive on issues around justice and its reform. He has pushed for better data and more transparency. He is committed to creating a more fair and efficient criminal justice system. It’s been great to have such an ally in the State House.”
Breck Knauft, Executive Director of Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
“Tim has always been a conservation leader. He consistently finds ways to leverage investments in conservation to achieve far more than environmental health. Jobs, workforce development, and innovative education are all connected, and Tim’s one of the few who sees and acts on these opportunities.”
Katherine Montstream & Al Dworshak
“Tim is articulate, approachable and understands the challenges that lay ahead.”