Christopher Siliski secures Rutland-6 House seat

Christopher Siliski secured the Rutland-6 House seat on Tuesday, winning the city’s only contested legislative race with 735 votes to Cindy Laskevich’s 462. The Democrat and former city alderman will head to Montpelier, maintaining the seat for his party after a campaign centered on political moderation and independence.

According to reporting from the Rutland Herald, Siliski’s victory comes as he positions himself as a bridge between polarized political factions. Growing up in a Republican household, Siliski described his own political identity as a blend of fiscal conservatism and social liberalism. He pledged to resist the trend of parties drifting toward extremes, promising to listen to both sides to find “common-sense alternatives.”

The campaign was a grueling effort for the incoming representative. Siliski noted that he and the outgoing incumbent, Mary Howard, spent 15 to 16 hours knocking on doors to connect with voters directly. “Everyone was so kind, so respectful and it gives me motivation to serve the city and the state the best I can,” Siliski said, expressing gratitude to voters from both political sides.

While Siliski faced a challenge from Laskevich—who was making her third attempt at the seat—other local races saw no such friction. Republican incumbents Chris Keyser, Eric Maguire, and Christopher Howland all retained their positions without opposition.

A Vote on Habitat for Humanity Tax Status

Beyond the legislative races, Rutland voters addressed a specific ballot item regarding the tax-exempt status of Habitat for Humanity projects. The measure passed with 3,989 votes in favor to 1,775 against, though the practical impact of the decision remains a subject of local debate.

The push for the ballot item was not without administrative tension. In Rutland Town, the select board declined to place the question on the ballot, concluding that the housing nonprofit’s petition failed to meet legal standards. However, Mayor Tom Donahue moved forward with placing the item on the city ballot regardless, calling the decision not to include it an “extraordinary measure.”

Despite the clear preference expressed by voters, the outcome may not change the current tax landscape for the organization. City Assessor Katie Langlois stated that Habitat’s properties are expected to remain on the tax rolls as a matter of state law, regardless of how the local vote turned out.

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