David Harrington BARRE - David Harrington of Barre Town announced today that he will run for the Vermont State Senate to represent Washington County.

Although this is Harrington’s first legislative run, he is no stranger to public service, having served 28 years with the Vermont State Police and 8 years on the Barre Town School Board, the last four years as Board Chair.

He currently works as a director with the Central Vermont Community Land Trust, where he is responsible for managing nearly 400 affordable housing units for low-income Vermonters, seniors, and those in need of transitional housing.

“I’m calling myself ‘a new choice for Washington County,’ because I will bring a fresh perspective to the Legislature. But I also have a solid track record as a thoughtful and effective public servant,” Harrington said.

“As State Senator, I will continue to remain approachable, demonstrate leadership and courage, and listen carefully to all sides of an issue in making thoughtful, independent decisions based on common sense.”

Harrington’s tenure on the school board was marked by smooth relations with the teachers’ union. He led the charge to run contract negotiations through open dialogue rather than through lawyers and mediators, which

resolved conflicts quickly and openly and saved the school district as much as $10,000.

As a state trooper, Harrington successfully lobbied the Legislature and the Dean Administration in 1998 for additional troopers for DUI enforcement. He also created the Central Vermont State Police Citizens Advisory Board, and played a lead role in stepping up arson investigations throughout the state.

Harrington, a Republican, will campaign in the three-seat Senate race with incumbent State Senator Bill Doyle and Ed Larson, both of Montpelier. None of the Republican candidates faces a primary.

Harrington is a native Vermonter and has lived in Washington County for more than 20 years. He is married with two grown children.