Hojun Choi
MONTPELIER — Most high school students from central Vermont may not yet have a vote, but many had a chance to have their voices heard by Vermont gubernatorial candidate Amanda Janoo at a forum in Montpelier in late October.
Students’ concerns raised at the forum echoed those expressed by the state’s voting-age population — namely, affordability in Vermont. The forum, held Oct. 20 at Montpelier High School, also had participation from students of U-32 and Twinfield Union high schools.
Janoo, a Democrat, is running against Republican Gov. Phil Scott, who did not attend the high school forum. The two candidates were scheduled for a debate, hosted by Vermont Public, on Oct. 21. Early voting in the 2026 general election is underway, and Election Day is Nov. 3.
Janoo, in addition to focusing her answers on her experience of being born and raised in Vermont, told students she thinks many of the state’s problems can be addressed by rethinking the existing economic structure.
“When we talk about the economy, it often feels like something really abstract out there that happens to us, but it’s just a word for the way we produce and provide for one another,” Janoo said.
Janoo said she thinks a statewide universal healthcare system would alleviate a significant burden on people who are struggling with affordability.
To address homelessness, Janoo told students she supports solutions that create permanently affordable housing rather than those she described as “temporary,” adding that she thinks “every Vermonter should be housed.”
“And you integrate that with wrap-around services they may need, whether that may be mental health support, addiction support, or employment support to help people get back on their feet,” Janoo said.
One student asked Janoo what she plans to do to protect immigrant communities from violence from ICE agents.
Janoo said she views the current federal administration as fascist, but that she thinks states can “help push back.” To protect the state from repercussions from standing up to the federal government, Janoo said she thinks the state should strengthen its local supply chains for basic needs, such as food and energy.
Janoo said she is also against state and local law enforcement helping ICE agents, and said she has been heartened to see how some Vermont communities have been organizing nonviolently in response to local ICE raids.
“I believe in this moment, when I believe we are facing a lot of democratic crises, Vermont can show up and be a different type of democracy, one where we do have direct voice and power in determining our budget, determining our policies, and determining our vision for our state,” Janoo said.
Following the forum, Janoo told The Bridge she was impressed by the dialogue and encouraged by students’ informed questions.
Janoo said the public forum at the high school was an extension of her efforts during her campaign to learn what Vermonters want the state’s future to be.
“Sure, there is the affordability aspect, but what does the Vermont that will keep young people here look like?” Janoo said.
Janoo said a valuable lesson she has learned from her campaign was the innovations and creative solutions that Vermont cities and towns have already created to respond to flood resilience, homelessness, and economic development.
“(In) government, we often want to provide top-down mandates, but the most effective thing is to encourage, support, and nurture what already has energy,” Janoo said.
Students from Montpelier High School’s class on social change organized the forum. Perry Bellow-Handelman, who teaches the class, said she was proud of what they were able to achieve with the event.
“I think they did a powerful job,” Bellow-Handelman said. “This is deeply important to them, and they understand the importance of the choices we make as a state right now. I find this generation genuinely wanting to talk about the hard issues.”
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