October 8, 2026 by John Kinston, Independent for State Representative
If you have not already, you will soon vote for the Governor of Vermont, as well as your representatives for the Vermont Senate and Vermont House of Representatives. Please take the time to explore where your candidates are aligned. The policy differences between Go
October 8, 2026 by John Kinston, Independent for State Representative
If you have not already, you will soon vote for the Governor of Vermont, as well as your representatives for the Vermont Senate and Vermont House of Representatives. Please take the time to explore where your candidates are aligned. The policy differences between Governor Phil Scott and candidate Amanda Janoo could not provide more of a contrast. The Governor calls for controlled spending without more tax increases to allow for growth and opportunity. Ms. Janoo sees a future of significant growth in new government programs funded by higher taxes. This linked article from Vermont Digger (https://vtdigger.org/2026/10/07/vermont-governors-race-will-test-voters-appetite-for-raising-new-taxes-or-cutting-them/) is lengthy but provides a lot of the detail between their respective positions.
Your candidates need to be very clear where they are aligned. Let me, once again, be perfectly clear. I agree with Governor Scott on his approach to spending and taxes. Vermont does not need higher tax rates; it needs to increase its tax base with responsible growth. This approach will offer more opportunities for meaningful employment and allow our stagnating population to grow and rebalance by retaining and attracting a growing workforce.
An excerpt from the Vermont Digger article just referenced is as follows:
“…Her (Ms. Janoo) campaign has proposed a 2% tax surcharge on personal income over $250,000 and an 8% surcharge on personal income over $500,000…”
I have had a 40 plus year business career, most of it in Vermont. I can all but assure you that a tax policy like this will stifle growth of both business and population. What many people don’t realize (understandably) is that most businesses in Vermont are “pass through” entities such as LLCs and other types of partnerships. Those entities are taxed at the individual taxpayer level. Why would a business subject themselves to one of the very highest tax structures in the country? Why would existing businesses in Vermont stay if given a viable alternative? How do businesses taxed at these rates reinvest in expansion, more hiring, higher wages and better benefits? The answer is they won’t come here and if they have the option many will not stay. I have seen this firsthand with our current tax structure; people and businesses leaving the state. What is proposed by Ms. Janoo would be stifling to our economy, and our population and, as a result, our tax base would be dramatically impacted.
So, am I being an alarmist? Yes, I am, because the alarm needs to be sounded. Ask your candidates where they stand with regard to taxes and spending and whether they support the tax structures proposed by Ms. Janoo. I have been perfectly clear where I stand. Have your other candidates for the senate and house done the same?
I am asking for your vote so that we can continue to move this wonderful state forward…together. It continues to be an absolute pleasure meeting so many of you and discussing the challenges and opportunities that face our community and state. If elected I will work tirelessly to address these challenges and create new and vibrant opportunities for Vermonters.
Please remember to vote and, once again, thank you for your time.
John Kingston https://kingston4vt.com/
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
October 12 The Hinesburg Record
John Kinston, Independent for State Representative
Hello again. For those I have not yet met, my name is John Kingston, and I am running as an Independent to be your State Representative (Chittenden District – 4). I am asking for your vote and would like to tell you why.
I’m a husband, father, grandfather a
October 12 The Hinesburg Record
John Kinston, Independent for State Representative
Hello again. For those I have not yet met, my name is John Kingston, and I am running as an Independent to be your State Representative (Chittenden District – 4). I am asking for your vote and would like to tell you why.
I’m a husband, father, grandfather and businessperson. My wife Diane and I moved to Vermont over 30 years ago and raised our two wonderful children here. We started our married life together in a rented flat in the Boston area with student loans and plans for a family and home. I was the first member of my immediate family to graduate from college, and together Diane and I pursued our respective careers, raised a family and made a home in Vermont. It has been and continues to be a wonderful place to live…and I want my children and grandchildren to have the opportunity to take the same ride.
You learn a lot by raising a family, advancing a career, and running businesses. You meet so many wonderful people along the way and you learn so much from them. I never cease to be amazed by the willingness of people to help each other. Teachers and coaches looking out for kids. Employers trying to provide the best they can for their employees in terms of wages and benefits. Neighbors who step up when someone is in need. You experience all the good and it becomes a part of you.
Today, when I’m not campaigning, I spend time on a number of for-profit and non-profit boards. It’s enormously rewarding work. One of these is the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps which does tremendous work with young people interested in conservation, agriculture and apprenticeship programs such as timber framing. These young people get paid positions learning skills in these areas while gaining valuable life experience. All of the boards I sit on care deeply about their employees and it is a core principle to their respective missions. It is one of the reasons I chose to work with these amazing organizations.
As with life, in business you learn the important skill of listening. You learn to be aware of the context in which discussion is taking place. You learn to question and when necessary, you learn to press. This is when leadership takes place. The courage to admit you don’t understand or that you don’t agree. The willingness to challenge in search of the best solution. Dialogue that is always respectful and on point but will not relinquish simply to get along and follow the crowd.
If you are looking for an independent voice to challenge the status quo in the Vermont legislature then I am your candidate. I am interested in solutions to the many challenges we face. Solutions that solve everyday problems for Vermonters like affording their property taxes. A commonsense approach with no ideological baggage.
Thank you for listening. Please make sure you vote.
John Kingston https://kingston4vt.com/
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
October 8, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6533)
If you are following the candidates for the upcoming election, you are hearing a lot about Universal Primary Care (UPC). So, exactly what is UPC? It’s not entirely clear, but for some candidates it is a precursor to, yet again, structuring a single-payer healthcare system in Vermont
October 8, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6533)
If you are following the candidates for the upcoming election, you are hearing a lot about Universal Primary Care (UPC). So, exactly what is UPC? It’s not entirely clear, but for some candidates it is a precursor to, yet again, structuring a single-payer healthcare system in Vermont. Single payer healthcare was attempted during Democratic Governor Shumlin’s administration, and he wisely halted it recognizing the enormous tax increases that would be necessary to support it.
I support efforts to improve access and affordability to primary and preventative healthcare for all Vermonters. It is the best thing for the overall health of Vermonters and the best way to bend the cost curve over the long-term. I believe we can do that within existing structures without raising new taxes. How? By continuing the administrative cost cutting at providers; and directing the funding offered by the Rural Health Transformation Program (almost $1 billion over the next 5 years). If properly focused, those funding sources offer the opportunity to attract and retain more primary care physicians and practitioners; and to also incent patients to use preventive care services to avoid chronic illness.
Your candidates need to be clear. What do they mean by UPC? If it’s a step towards another attempt at single-payer healthcare in Vermont; how is it funded and who pays for it?
As always, please reach out if you would like to further explore this or any other issue.
Thank you and please make sure you vote.
John Kingston https://kingston4vt.com/
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
October 5, 2026
I posted the following on August 18, 2026 on Front Porch Forum:
THE COST OF HEALTHCARE
Vermont has the most expensive private healthcare insurance rates in the country. There are many reasons for this, but it starts at the provider level. Just under half of all healthcare spending takes place at our hospitals that have some
October 5, 2026
I posted the following on August 18, 2026 on Front Porch Forum:
THE COST OF HEALTHCARE
Vermont has the most expensive private healthcare insurance rates in the country. There are many reasons for this, but it starts at the provider level. Just under half of all healthcare spending takes place at our hospitals that have some of the highest administrative costs in the country. Since Medicaid and Medicare charges are capped, these high costs are shifted onto private payers which in turn results in the high cost for health insurance for individual and business plans.
As your hopeful state representative in Montpelier, I would support legislation that does the following:
· Fund access to primary and preventive care initiatives. Doing this well is simply the right thing to do to support good health and to also start bending the cost curve of healthcare down.
· Fund incentives for more primary care physicians to stay and relocate to Vermont.
· Fund incentive programs that encourage the use of primary care services and healthy lifestyles.
We can pay for this by further empowering the Green Mountain Care Board with proactive oversight to reduce the administrative costs burdening Vermont hospitals and rate payers. We must also use the Federal funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program (“RHTP” $195 Million grant for each of the next 5 years) to support these initiatives.
Our challenges with healthcare will require realistic solutions. Promising additional services without any means to support and fund those services does not help Vermont. Our healthcare providers need to be held accountable to high standards of service provided in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The primary oversight for that is our Green Mountain Care Board, which in turn needs to be held accountable as our key regulatory body to oversee healthcare services.
Healthcare is a complicated issue, and I would welcome discussing it with you.
Follow-up to this post:
Since this post we have seen some recent developments around healthcare in Vermont. Much of this is positive and moving us broadly in the right direction. But there is much work left to be done:
· UVMMC, under the new leadership of Dr. Stephen Leffler, is demonstrating a commitment to the Green Mountain Care Board to work more transparently and collaboratively. This includes a recent commitment by UVMMC to cut $100 million per year over the next three years, largely in administrative costs. I will support legislation that provides the necessary oversight of healthcare providers and insurers to both ensure fiscal responsibility and quality service.
· The RHTP is a generational opportunity. A grant of almost $1 billion over the next five years. I will support legislation that assures that the Vermont Department of Health uses this funding to provide ready access to primary and preventative care for all Vermonters. One of the primary objectives of this funding should be to attract and retain primary care physicians. These funds should NOT be used to fund operating losses at Vermont hospitals.
· The Larner College of Medicine at the UVMMC is working closely with the Green Mountain Care Board to provide more transparency around the fiscal structure at this school of medicine. This is a wonderful Vermont institution and increased fiscal transparency will benefit the school, hospital, students and patients.
There is much work left to do to address the healthcare challenges in our state, but there is also positive momentum on a number of fronts. We must continue moving in the direction of helping Vermonters be healthier with access to quality primary care; and by addressing the cost of healthcare with fiscal discipline and transparency. I will support legislation that continues those efforts.
Thank you.
John Kingston https://kingston4vt.com/
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
September 29, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6524)
It has been an absolute pleasure meeting so many of you in person and messaging through email and my website. I look forward to more of that over the next month.
Mail-in ballots go out on October 1st and in person voting takes place at our town hall on November 3rd. My only request
September 29, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6524)
It has been an absolute pleasure meeting so many of you in person and messaging through email and my website. I look forward to more of that over the next month.
Mail-in ballots go out on October 1st and in person voting takes place at our town hall on November 3rd. My only request is that you vote, regardless of your preference for candidates. In these divided times Vermonters can show the way Democracy best works.
As is always the case, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I welcome hearing from you.
Thank you.
John Kingston https://kingston4vt.com/
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
September 28, 2026 The Hinesburg Record
Given the fiscal challenges we face in Vermont, I think it is very important for voters to understand where candidates stand on spending and taxes. Candidates need to be clear on where they stand on these critical issues, especially now. Governor Scott provides this clarity. This link
September 28, 2026 The Hinesburg Record
Given the fiscal challenges we face in Vermont, I think it is very important for voters to understand where candidates stand on spending and taxes. Candidates need to be clear on where they stand on these critical issues, especially now. Governor Scott provides this clarity. This link
(https://ljfo.vermont.gov/assets/Uploads/Budget-Instructions-Overview-8.21.26.pdf) is from a memo from the Governor’s Commissioner of Finance and Management, Adam Greshin. It outlines the Governor’s direction for the upcoming budget session.
This memo clearly states the Governor’s objectives:
1) Address affordability by addressing spending and taxes.
2) Reduce the tax burden on Vermonters.
3) Keep spending at or below the rate of inflation.
4) New initiatives and programs need to have clear objectives (goals) which are measurable.
5) Use all of the above to offer more opportunities for Vermonters to work and thrive in Vermont.
The message is clear. We can improve service levels (including education and healthcare) without increasing taxes.
Vermont is already heavily taxed, and the Governor’s administration is addressing this despite a legislature that is heavily weighted to higher taxes. The progress that is being made was helped by a more balanced legislature after the 2024 elections. Supermajorities in both the House and Senate were overturned, allowing for a more balanced approach to spending and taxation. We need to continue this momentum.
We need to ask our candidates how they plan on paying for new initiatives and why existing structures cannot be addressed and corrected. If they are wed to new taxes, what are they and who is going to pay them? Many candidates believe there is a ready source of tax revenue from high income taxpayers and second homeowners. Besides the negative policy implications of that approach, the data indicates that the revenues simply are not available.
If I am your representative in Montpelier, I will support legislation that promotes economic opportunity and lowering our tax burdens. Those two initiatives are often highly linked. I will do my best to provide as much clarity as I can on my positions.
Please reach out to me with any questions you might have and please visit my website for more information on my positions.
Thank you.
John Kingston https://kingston4vt.com/
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
September 24, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6519)
ACT 181 was a well-intentioned effort to reduce regulatory burden on land development largely by easing the restrictions on when ACT 250 permitting would be required for residential development. Most would agree that the Tier 1A and 1B designations in designated growth areas made
September 24, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6519)
ACT 181 was a well-intentioned effort to reduce regulatory burden on land development largely by easing the restrictions on when ACT 250 permitting would be required for residential development. Most would agree that the Tier 1A and 1B designations in designated growth areas made good sense. Then came the overreach. Tier 2 and 3 designations increased the implementation of ACT 250 permitting on rural property owners, placing yet more restrictions on people who make their living off their land like farmers and loggers. The backlash in this case was very fast and very vocal.
The legislation was passed in 2024 when Democrats and Progressives had a super majority in both houses of the legislature. They used that majority to override the Governor who vetoed that legislation largely because of the Tier 2 and Tier 3 provisions. The following year this legislation was amended to address the concerns of rural landowners. That was possible because the supermajority was broken during that election cycle. This linked piece from Troy Headrick (P/D turned Independent) (https://troyheadrick.substack.com/p/the-warning-vermont-democrats-arent) shows how one-party control limits listening and leads to poor legislation. "Group think" is not what we want in our legislature.
We must continue the progress we are making to a more balanced legislature. I will be that independent voice to challenge for common sense government. No partisan politics; no go along to get along. I will be a voice for building consensus on what benefits Vermonters.
Please reach out to me with any questions you might have and please visit my website for more information on my positions.
Thank you.
John Kingston https://kingston4vt.com
kingstonjvt@gmail.com
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
September 21, 2026 The Hinesburg Record
Claire MacDonald, staff reporter
After a 40+ year career in business, Kingston believes he has the experience to identify problems and build a consensus to solve them.
John Kingston wants a version of Vermont that his children and grandchildren can stay and thrive in, where they won’t be pushed out
September 21, 2026 The Hinesburg Record
Claire MacDonald, staff reporter
After a 40+ year career in business, Kingston believes he has the experience to identify problems and build a consensus to solve them.
John Kingston wants a version of Vermont that his children and grandchildren can stay and thrive in, where they won’t be pushed out by the rising costs that have already exiled so many.
The Connecticut native and 30-year Vermont resident is running for the Chittenden-4 House Representative seat as an Independent with the primary goal of addressing the statewide issue of affordability.
“If I had to encapsulate a platform, it would be fiscal responsibility,” he said. “What I’m hearing loud and clear from people are two primary issues impacting their ability to stay here – school funding and property taxes, and healthcare.”
Kingston describes himself as “semi-retired” from an over 40-year business career, half in public accounting and commercial banking and half working with Butternut Mountain Farm and Lake Champlain Chocolates.
He said his business background has provided him with key skills that he’ll be able to transfer into government work, such as identifying problems and building consensus to address them.
Now, he serves on several for-profit and nonprofit boards, and launched his campaign for representative in the spring of 2026.
“I saw Phil Pouech was going to leave the seat, and he immediately endorsed Kelsey as a Democrat, and there was likely not going to be any opposition to the position,” he said. “I said, ‘This will be good; it would give voters a choice, if nothing else.’”
He noted that the decision to run as an Independent has made his campaign a bit challenging, but that it feels right for him.
“You have to build up [a base of support] yourself, door to door. It’s harder to raise money as an Independent,” he said. “The Democrats and Progressives have controlled the state legislature for the past 30 years, and some of that with supermajorities. I wasn’t comfortable with [that] because that felt like getting entrenched with what was already not working very well…and nationally, I can’t identify with the Republican party right now. I said, ‘why not [run] as an Independent’?”
His campaign has been entirely self-funded. He added that his wife, Diane Kingston, has helped him with his website design. He said he’s been knocking on doors around town since May, and estimates that he’s knocked on anywhere between 1,000-1,200.
If elected, he says he will communicate regularly with Hinesburg residents about what he’s seeing in Montpelier.
“I want to be approachable,” he said. “If you want to talk about an issue, individually or in a group, let me know. We’ll find the time to do it.”
The Record asked Kingston - and his Democratic opponent Kelsey Pasteris – to answer six questions.
To read the full article and John's answers click link below:
September 14, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6509)
Many of the issues facing us in Vermont are complex and often nuanced. I want voters to be best informed and so I do my best to be specific on where I stand on issues. As I have mentioned before, Front Porch Forum (understandably) limits the length and number of posts a candidate c
September 14, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6509)
Many of the issues facing us in Vermont are complex and often nuanced. I want voters to be best informed and so I do my best to be specific on where I stand on issues. As I have mentioned before, Front Porch Forum (understandably) limits the length and number of posts a candidate can make on their forum. That said, it's a wonderful forum to reach the community and I use it to state positions but always referencing my website and also encouraging folks to reach out to me directly.
I encourage everyone who is looking for more information to visit my website (linked below). There is a fair amount of information there, and some more specifics under the Positions and Media sections. Anything I have posted or has been written about me is in the Media section. Better yet, if you don't see what you are looking for reach out to me directly. You can do that via email (address below) or through my website. If you respond to me through FPF please do so through "Contact Author" as that way I can respond without limitations. I am also happy to get together and chat.
I have heard from many of you, and it has been a pleasure meeting fellow Hinesburg residents and learning about what is on your mind. I look forward to more of that.
Thank you.
John Kingston
https://kingston4vt.com/
kingstonjvt@gmail.com
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
September 9, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6504)
It is easy to view our affordability challenges around school funding, healthcare, and housing as a need for additional financial support, that is, higher taxes. But Vermont is already one of the highest taxed states in the country (personal and business income taxes, property taxes
September 9, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6504)
It is easy to view our affordability challenges around school funding, healthcare, and housing as a need for additional financial support, that is, higher taxes. But Vermont is already one of the highest taxed states in the country (personal and business income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, and estate taxes). Layering on higher tax rates on an already heavily taxed and stagnating population will not address the core issues around affordability. In fact, they will exacerbate the problem as an impediment to growth.
Vermont has one of the costliest education systems in the country and the highest private health insurance rates in the country. Those are not revenue challenges; they are cost challenges. Unless we address those challenges in that manner, we run the risk of taxing an ever-dwindling number of taxpayers even more. Our goal, through responsible economic growth, should be to increase the number of taxpayers, NOT increase the tax rate on ever smaller numbers of taxpayers.
The good news is that we are seeing some meaningful progress on school funding and healthcare. But we need more balance in the Vermont Legislature to continue this work and focus on building opportunities for all Vermonters. If you vote for me as your State Representative, that is where my focus will be; cost containment, job growth and economic opportunity.
Please reach out if you would like to further discuss this or any other issue.
Thank you.
John Kingston
https://kingston4vt.com/
kingstonjvt@gmail.com
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
August 25, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6488)
"We need moderate, common-sense legislators who understand the need for policies that make it more affordable to live, work, and do business in Vermont. John has the know-how and background to help bring the conversation back to the center."
Phil Scott, Governor State of Vermont
I am
August 25, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6488)
"We need moderate, common-sense legislators who understand the need for policies that make it more affordable to live, work, and do business in Vermont. John has the know-how and background to help bring the conversation back to the center."
Phil Scott, Governor State of Vermont
I am honored to have received the endorsement of Governor Scott as I seek to be your State Representative for Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4). Over the years the Governor has made a practice of endorsing his fellow Republicans as well as Democrats and Independents who align with his balanced approach to governing. As an Independent candidate I align closely with the governor on many fiscal and social issues. Addressing affordability around property taxes, healthcare and housing with sustainable solutions are key priorities for me to best represent you.
As is always the case, please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything you would like to discuss.
Thank you.
John Kingston https://kingston4vt.com
kingstonjvt@gmail.com
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
August 18, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6481)
Vermont has the most expensive private healthcare insurance rates in the country. There are many reasons for this, but it starts at the provider level. Just under half of all healthcare spending takes place at our hospitals that have some of the highest administrative costs in the c
August 18, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6481)
Vermont has the most expensive private healthcare insurance rates in the country. There are many reasons for this, but it starts at the provider level. Just under half of all healthcare spending takes place at our hospitals that have some of the highest administrative costs in the country. Since Medicaid and Medicare charges are capped, these high costs are shifted onto private payers which in turn results in the high cost for health insurance for individual and business plans.
As your hopeful state representative in Montpelier, I would support legislation that does the following:
• Fund access to primary and preventive care initiatives. Doing this well is simply the right thing to do to support good health and to also start bending the cost curve of healthcare down.
• Fund incentives for more primary care physicians to stay and relocate to Vermont.
• Fund incentive programs that encourage the use of primary care services and healthy lifestyles.
We can pay for this by further empowering the Green Mountain Care Board with proactive oversight to reduce the administrative costs burdening Vermont hospitals and rate payers. We must also use the Federal funding from the RHTP ($195 Million for each of the next 5 years) to support these initiatives.
Our challenges with healthcare will require realistic solutions. Promising additional services without any means to support and fund those services does not help Vermont. Our healthcare providers need to be held accountable to high standards of service provided in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The primary oversight for that is our Green Mountain Care Board, which in turn needs to be held accountable as our key regulatory body to oversee healthcare services.
Healthcare is a complicated issue, and I would welcome discussing it with you.
John Kingston https://kingston4vt.com/
kingstonjvt@gmail.com
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
August 4, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum
(No. 6467)
Politics in our country is very divisive right now. For that reason, it may be more important than ever to demonstrate that our democracy can work, and we can all do that by exercising our right to vote.
Our next election is the primary on August 11th. Request the party ballot that y
August 4, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum
(No. 6467)
Politics in our country is very divisive right now. For that reason, it may be more important than ever to demonstrate that our democracy can work, and we can all do that by exercising our right to vote.
Our next election is the primary on August 11th. Request the party ballot that you think best suits you and regardless of whether it’s for Democrats or Republicans, it’s most important that you participate in this process.
As a reminder, since I am running as an Independent, I will not be on the primary ballot, but I will be on the general election ballot in November (both the mail-in ballots and at the polls).
Thank you.
John Kingston https://kingston4vt.com/
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont..
July 27, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum
(No. 6459)
Last Sunday was one of those perfect Vermont summer days: low 70s, no humidity, bluebird sky and just enough breeze to keep the bugs at bay. It was the perfect day for a hike and walk which started at my home and then onto the HART trails to visit residents in our community. It was a w
July 27, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum
(No. 6459)
Last Sunday was one of those perfect Vermont summer days: low 70s, no humidity, bluebird sky and just enough breeze to keep the bugs at bay. It was the perfect day for a hike and walk which started at my home and then onto the HART trails to visit residents in our community. It was a wonderful day for such a trek, and I had plenty of time to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in places like Hinesburg and Vermont.
What made the outing most special was all the wonderful folks with whom I met. Friendly and open dialogue, some challenging questions and points of view to further contemplate. It gives me real hope and inspiration that we can address our challenges together and make Vermont an even better place. Don't get me wrong, our challenges are formidable and I am a realist, but days like that bring out the optimist in me as well.
To all those who were so generous with your time and considerate with your questions and points of view, thank you! We may not agree on all points, but you continue to show me a path to meaningful and respectful dialogue which helps me better understand the issues at hand.
Please visit my website (https://kingston4vt.com/) and reach out to me with anything you would like to discuss.
John Kingston
Independent Candidate for State Representative (Chittenden District 4)
Together…for an even better Vermont.
July 21, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6453)
Hello again, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
I am the Hinesburg Board Representative for the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. I also interact with various policy gro
July 21, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6453)
Hello again, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
I am the Hinesburg Board Representative for the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. I also interact with various policy groups like The Vermont Futures Project and Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Along with these groups and most legislators and state officials I have talked to, our stagnating population, especially among young people, is a major concern for our state's future.
This issue impacts almost every aspect of our challenges around affordability including housing, healthcare and school funding. Responsible growth allows Vermont to build its tax base by adding taxpayers without increasing tax rates. We can do this by addressing
affordability issues while simultaneously making Vermont a destination for businesses offering exciting opportunity and high-paying jobs. This will require well thought through policy and legislation that provides reasonable regulatory and tax structures. We can do this while also protecting our environment and the character of our beautiful state.
Will this be easy? Of course not. But it can be done with leadership that is thoughtful and looks to put in place common sense policy and legislation. We can do this!
Please reach out to me if there is anything you would like to discuss and please visit my website (https://kingston4vt.com/) when you have a chance. Finally, remember to vote in the primary election on August 11th (as an Independent I will not be on the ballot for the primary, but I will be for the general election on November 3rd).
Thank you.
John Kingston
Together…for an even better Vermont.
July 15, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6447)
Hello again, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
I have already had the pleasure of visiting many Hinesburg residents and will continue that effort through the campaign season. Everyon
July 15, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6447)
Hello again, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
I have already had the pleasure of visiting many Hinesburg residents and will continue that effort through the campaign season. Everyone has been welcoming and receptive to constructive dialogue. I greatly appreciate that. I encourage everyone to reach out if there is anything you want to discuss. If you would like to get a group together to meet that would be wonderful as well.
I will also continue to post on Front Porch Forum on issues that I am hearing are top of mind for folks. For posts that are lengthier I will often provide a link to my website as candidates are limited to 2000 characters per post on FPF. If you respond to one of my posts on FPF I will message you directly. The reason for this is that as a candidate I am limited to five posts per month. Also, issues are often complex and are best addressed with direct dialogue whenever possible. I fully intend to address all inquiries from my website and responses from FPF.
Please remember to vote in the upcoming primaries on August 11. I will not be on that ballot since I am running as an Independent, but I will be on the ballot for the general election in November.
I look forward to seeing you in the near future. Reach out to me anytime and visit my website if you have a chance.
Thank you.
Together…for an even better Vermont.
July 9, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6440)
Hello again, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
Over the course of the next several months leading to the general election on November 3rd (I am running as an Independent and therefore
July 9, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6440)
Hello again, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
Over the course of the next several months leading to the general election on November 3rd (I am running as an Independent and therefore will not be in a primary) I will be posting on issues which I believe are central to the challenges facing our community and state.
Maybe no other issue has received more recent attention than school funding and its impact on property taxes. This is a significant burden for many Vermonters both young and old. Our present school funding structure is largely attributable to Act 60 passed in 1997 which established a single statewide education fund with the goal of providing equitable funding across all of Vermont. This law has been modified over the years and is very complex and not well understood.
I would argue that the complexity of the current structure has led to a lack of transparency and accountability resulting in the sharp rise in education costs (approximately 40% since 2021) while student counts have been in steady decline. Today Vermont spends over $30,000 per student placing it among the most costly states in the country to educate its K-12 students. As a result, communities are now burdened with some of the highest property taxes in the country. This is not sustainable and over the last two legislative sessions school property taxes have been "bought down" in each year by more than $100 million by reallocating funds from the state's general and road funds. Yet again, this is not sustainable.
Maybe even more concerning is that standardized test scores measuring student performance have fallen over the last decade. Where Vermont was once a national leader in education outcomes, today our standardized test scores (NAEP) rank near the middle in performance nationally for 4th and 8th grade math, while reading scores rank better.
So, what do we do? I believe the enactment of Act 73 (to be implemented in 2029), while not a perfect or complete solution, can move Vermont in the right direction. The foundation formula contemplated in that act should bring more accountability for both academic performance and fiscal responsibility to the leadership of the school districts. It's clear at this point that the political will to execute on school consolidation is not present in the Vermont legislature. Maybe it's a better approach to have the school districts, who are much closer to their communities, tackle this.
As your hopeful State Representative in Montpelier, I would look to promote legislation that enacts a foundation formula and follow-on legislation to Act 73 as might be needed that accomplishes the following:
• First and foremost, that every child in the state receives a quality education. Equal educational opportunity for all children.
• Establishing a foundation formula that stems the cost growth presently experienced and reduces cost increases to the rate of inflation or below.
• Consider legislation that would address the inefficiencies in Vermont's educational cost structure. Today, Vermont has the highest ratio of staff and teachers (per 100 students) in the country.
• Increase decision making and accountability for both academic and fiscal performance to the school districts.
I grew up in a household of modest financial means where education was always emphasized in importance. It was the catalyst for rewarding work and a rich life. We must address our challenges with education in Vermont so that our students and educators have a sustainable education system. The opportunity awaiting our children depends on it.
Please visit my website (https://kingston4vt.org) and please feel free to reach out to me if you would like to chat.
Thank you.
John Kingston
Together…for an even better Vermont.
June 30, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6429)
Hello, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
First, let me state that I believe the vast majority of people involved in government and who hold public office do so with the very best of
June 30, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6429)
Hello, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
First, let me state that I believe the vast majority of people involved in government and who hold public office do so with the very best of intentions. I believe that to be particularly true in our community and state. But good intentions are often not enough. Prioritizing issues, problem solving and building consensus are critical to good legislation that leads to good policy. The only way to effectively address priorities like affordability is with this approach. Idealistic solutions often mean going along with the majority, and that often leads to poor legislation, poor implementation of that legislation, and unintended consequences.
As a candidate to be your representative in Montpelier, I cannot promise you immediate solutions to all our challenges. No one can do that. I can assure you, however, that I will always research, question and challenge, and that I will always do what I believe is in the long-term best interest of our community and state. Sometimes what's best is simply to say "no", and I will not hesitate to do that if I believe it makes sense. I firmly believe that can be done with open and civil dialogue across the political spectrum.
I strongly encourage you to read this Seven Days article (https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/waysandmeans/vermonts-lawmakers-push-big-ideas-but-struggle[...]em/) on under-funded state mandates. It is an excellent overview of legislation and regulation that, while well intended, was not well thought through at the expense of Vermont taxpayers. Change is needed in Montpelier, and I would like to help with that change.
Please visit my website (https://kingston4vt.org) and please feel free to reach out to me if you would like to chat.
Thank you.
John Kingston
Together…for an even better Vermont.
June 25, 2026 The Citizen
Brianna Brady, staff reporter
Like many independent political candidates, Hinesburg resident John Kingston doesn’t feel particularly aligned with either Republicans or Democrats.
So, in deciding to throw his hat in the ring for the House seat representing Hinesburg, he’s doing so without affiliating himself with a
June 25, 2026 The Citizen
Brianna Brady, staff reporter
Like many independent political candidates, Hinesburg resident John Kingston doesn’t feel particularly aligned with either Republicans or Democrats.
So, in deciding to throw his hat in the ring for the House seat representing Hinesburg, he’s doing so without affiliating himself with a major party. With no primaries to contend with, after he files with the Secretary of State, Kingston’s name will go directly to the general ballot in November.
“I’ve always had an interest in this, and now I find myself with the time and capacity to do it,” he said. “Typically, when I vote, I try to understand the candidates in their positions, you know. I’m not looking at the capital letter at the end of their name. "
Kingston describes himself as “semi-retired.” He spent most of his career in business, first as an accountant and then leading local food and beverage companies. He was the CEO of Butternut Mountain Farm in Morristown and spent the last few years of his career as the chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Lake Champlain Chocolates.
He’s still doing some consulting and sits on the advisory board at Lake Champlain Chocolates as well as the board for the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps.
While he’s lived in Vermont for over 30 years, Kingston bought his property in Hinesburg in 2020, building his home and moving in about three years ago.
As far as issues go, education is top of mind for Kingston. While he said he supports a quality education, he’s concerned with the level of education spending. Having sat in on selectboard meetings, he thinks it is likely putting pressure on municipalities to spend less on things like public safety, roads or recreation.
“We’re spending a tremendous amount on school funding, and then with our school property tax, and we’re getting declining results based on the standardized test scores,” he said. “The question I ask is why was that trend allowed
to go on for so long, and why are we continuing to struggle to get effective legislation to deal with that?”
His concerns about education spending versus outcomes are tied into the other related issues: affordability, housing and an aging and declining population.
One solution he seeks to achieve through the Legislature is better employment opportunities for young people.
“Our young people don’t stay here. Part of the reason they don’t stay here is because it’s not a terribly affordable place to live,” he said.
He’d also like to see more public-private partnership when it comes to building housing, such as what’s happening in the South End of Burlington right now or in Hinesburg’s large housing project collaborations.
It’s going to take time, he noted, but he emphasized that he wants to see the state do both things at once: increase housing stock and build up well-paying jobs.
Kingston hopes his background in business might help him be successful in the Legislature.
“Business is a lot about problem solving and identifying problems — working on plans to address them, and to improve the business. I know that’s not entirely and completely applicable to
government and elected office, but I think a lot of those skills overlap,” he said.
In the last year, he has also taken on the role of Hinesburg’ s representative to the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, which he said has been a good learning experience. When it comes to planning around transportation, water or the environment, he said he’s been trying to soak up as much as he can.
Overall, he’s hoping voters see him as someone who’s not afraid to go against the grain when it’s called for.
“I’m a pragmatist, and you know, I like to think I’ve had a successful business career largely because I’ve relied on common sense and the ability to question when questions need to be asked. I’m not afraid to do that,” he said.
May 26, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6387)
Hello, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
Over the last month or so I have had the pleasure of meeting many of our town residents to sign my ballot petition. That is a key part of the p
May 26, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6387)
Hello, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
Over the last month or so I have had the pleasure of meeting many of our town residents to sign my ballot petition. That is a key part of the paperwork that will allow my name to appear on the ballot for the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Since I am running as an Independent, I will not be running in the primary elections which will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Please make sure you vote in each of these elections.
In meeting with town residents, I have learned quite a lot about what is on people's minds. Not surprisingly, affordability is at or near the top of the list for just about everyone. The conversations have been very helpful and always respectful. Frankly, I'm enjoying it very much. I plan on getting out "door-to-door" as much as I can. You will see me in either my black Chevy Colorado or on my bicycle. I welcome more conversations. I will also post periodically on Front Porch Forum as it is a wonderful platform for community engagement.
Please feel free to visit my website (https://kingston4vt.com/) and to reach out to me at any time.
Thank you.
John Kingston
"Together…for an even better Vermont."
May 25, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6385)
Thank you to all that attended this moving event with thanks to the musicians, Boy Scouts, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, and Emergency Responders who proudly represented. Most of all, thank you to our Veterans and to those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
My father passed away
May 25, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6385)
Thank you to all that attended this moving event with thanks to the musicians, Boy Scouts, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, and Emergency Responders who proudly represented. Most of all, thank you to our Veterans and to those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
My father passed away in 2019 at the age of 95. At the tender age of 18 he enlisted as a Marine to serve in WWII. This day always meant a lot to him, and he instilled its importance in his three sons.
A wonderful community event!
May 6, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6364)
Hello, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
Why am I running?
I am running because I believe we can do better. We need to make progress on affordability and growth, and we need to do that
May 6, 2026 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6364)
Hello, my name is John Kingston and I will be running as an Independent to be your State Representative here in Hinesburg (Chittenden District 4).
Why am I running?
I am running because I believe we can do better. We need to make progress on affordability and growth, and we need to do that in a fiscally responsible way. Vermont and our local communities are wonderful places to live, but they are at risk if we don't take the necessary actions to protect them.
Why am I running as an Independent?
I have had a 40-plus year business career and I am a relative newcomer to elected office. I do not carry ideological baggage; I simply see that our legislature is not making the progress that needs to be made on key issues facing our communities and State. Addressing issues is more important than party. For me the harder path as an Independent is the right choice.
Please visit my website (https://kingston4vt.org) and reach out to me with any issues you wish to discuss. Over the coming weeks and months you will see me around town or going door to door on your street. I will either be in my black Chevy Colorado or riding my bike. I look forward to having a meaningful dialogue with you, to gaining your trust and hopefully to earn your vote.
Thank you.
"Together…for an even better Vermont."
kingstonjvt@gmail.com
802.734.1826
December 3, 2025 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6205)
First, I will thank Rep. Waters Evans for her service in the legislature. Those positions require significant commitment and are a true public service.
Having said that, the current state of school funding will require action. I, and I suspect most Vermonters, want a plan to move forwa
December 3, 2025 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 6205)
First, I will thank Rep. Waters Evans for her service in the legislature. Those positions require significant commitment and are a true public service.
Having said that, the current state of school funding will require action. I, and I suspect most Vermonters, want a plan to move forward and the leadership to do so. "Don't panic" and "trust me" without regards to specifics is not the right message in my opinion. Everyone recognizes the value and importance of quality education. But without a workable school funding system that controls runaway school property taxes the ability of Vermonters to live and educate their families in this wonderful state are at risk.
Moving forward with ACT 73 will require addressing the recent actions of the Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force which bypassed its responsibility to propose school district consolidation in favor of yet another layer of bureaucratic oversight. How will our legislature address this? Is there the political courage in Montpelier to move forward with a plan that brings fiscally responsible school funding into place?
The one thing of which I am certain is that no plan will satisfy everyone. Leadership is the courage to recognize that and move forward so that progress can be made.
John Kingston
Hinesburg
February 27, 2025 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 5902)
We are fortunate to live in a town where so many citizens are committed to community service. The current Hinesburg Selectboard members and candidates should be valued and respected by our community. They commit significant time to address the issues facing our town. This is not easy
February 27, 2025 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 5902)
We are fortunate to live in a town where so many citizens are committed to community service. The current Hinesburg Selectboard members and candidates should be valued and respected by our community. They commit significant time to address the issues facing our town. This is not easy work and requires a mature and balanced approach to appropriately address problems. They put themselves out there to be challenged by the public and sometimes open themselves to criticism. They understand this comes with the territory of serving in these roles. They do all this on what is essentially a volunteer basis.
This is our democracy at work at the local level. Representative and sometimes a little messy. We should be thankful that we have town officials and candidates for these offices committed to this process.
Personally, I am grateful that we have an election in process that, regardless of outcome, will continue to serve our town.
December 4, 2024 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 5816)
Merrily, thank you for your update. Also, thank you to the Selectboard for your hard work. This budget session is a particularly challenging one considering the recent increases in property taxes and, understandably, many citizens will be disappointed by yet more increases in the fut
December 4, 2024 Hinesburg Front Porch Forum (No. 5816)
Merrily, thank you for your update. Also, thank you to the Selectboard for your hard work. This budget session is a particularly challenging one considering the recent increases in property taxes and, understandably, many citizens will be disappointed by yet more increases in the future. I think it is important to keep in mind that the primary driver of the recent increase in property taxes was associated with school taxes. This is a particularly thorny issue given the complexity of school funding and the structural reform that may be needed to address that. It may be easy to conflate town and school property taxes but, of course, they are two separate budgets and subject to two separate governing bodies.
I have attended many of the Selectboard meetings during this budgeting process. It is clear to me that there is little in the way of meaningful cost savings to address without cutting from public safety (police, fire and EMS) and infrastructure (highway). All of those departments have just recently been re-staffed and from my vantage point it would appear unwise to make dramatic cuts to these critical service providers to our town at this time. As Merrily points out in her post, the increase in town property taxes is driven primarily by revenue shortfalls with the operating budget increasing only 3.2% or roughly the rate of inflation.
Once again, thank you to our town officials for your service.
Copyright © 2026, John Kingston for State Representative
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