About Me
My background
I'm a Shelburne neighbor, small business owner, and deeply invested member of this community. My husband Stephen and I moved to Vermont in 2004, settling first in the neighboring town of Charlotte before making Shelburne our home in 2016. We raised our two children here in the Champlain Valley School District, and are now proud grandparents of two.
Over the years I've had the privilege of serving this community in ways that go beyond business. I volunteered with the School PTO and Friends of CVU, and I was honored to work alongside John Walsh on his beloved Toys for Kids Program, ensuring no Vermont child went without during the holidays. Following John's passing, I remain committed to helping John Kohler carry forward his legacy with the Vermont Toys for Kids Program.
My professional roots run deep here too. I managed the Shelburne Country Store for fifteen years starting in 2007, and in 2015 Stephen and I acquired the Country Christmas Loft — Shelburne's cherished holiday destination. Before Vermont, I served as Accounts Receivable Manager for a multi-location retail chain in Massachusetts, giving me hands-on experience in accounting, tax compliance, auditing, and financial oversight.
I'm running because I want to be a real voice for this district in Montpelier — one focused on making Vermont more affordable, helping retirees stay in the communities they love, welcoming new families to experience everything that makes this place so special, and ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to put down roots, build a life, and raise their own families right here in Vermont..
My top issues
We live here, work here, love here, and retire here. This beautiful land needs to be affordable for all, and no one should be forced to leave because we struggle to keep our spending in check.
My community
I have been part of our Churches, our Schools, our Business community, and our government. I have met the most amazing people, families, and leaders. I owe it to them and everyone in our amazing town to make Shelburne a place where everyone not just survive, but Thrive. Join me im making this a reality.
Shelburne's Future: What Kind of Representative Will We Have?
Published: June 2026 | Deb Mayfield, Candidate for Vermont House, Chittenden District 6
I love this community. Steve and I have been part of Shelburne for 19 years. We've raised our family here, owned and operated businesses, and watched neighborhoods change. We've felt the real tension between growth and preservation.
The housing crisis in Vermont is real, and it deserves thoughtful solutions. But those solutions have to work for Shelburne — and that means having a representative who listens to this community and stands up for our voice in Montpelier.
Growth That Works for Shelburne
I'm not against housing development or growth. I'm for growth that respects who we are as a community. Growth that happens with our input. Growth that doesn't overwhelm our schools or infrastructure.
The best housing solutions happen when communities are partners in the process — when people who live here get to weigh in on what development looks like. That's not anti-growth. That's smart planning.
Kate Lalley comes from a background in regional planning, and she's brought that perspective to the House. Sadly, she's voted consistently to reduce local zoning control — supporting bills that require towns to allow higher-density housing regardless of what local residents want. That's her approach.
My approach is different. When I'm in Montpelier, I'll make sure Shelburne's voice is heard in housing conversations. I'll listen to what our Selectboard, planners, and residents are saying. And I'll represent those interests — not a one-size-fits-all philosophy — every single day.
A Representative Who Actually Listens
What Shelburne needs is someone in the House who understands this community — not someone who comes to town for elections and then votes the party line without thinking about local impact.
I've been part of this community for 19 years. I know the people on our Selectboard. I understand what concerns residents bring to town meetings. And I know that when you make big decisions affecting people's homes and neighborhoods, you'd better listen first.
As your representative, I'll bring that same principle to every vote. I'll ask: Does this work for Shelburne? Did we listen to what this community wants? Are we making decisions together, or are we imposing solutions from above?
My Commitments to You
- I'll listen first. Before I vote on housing or development policy, I'll talk to Shelburne residents about what matters to us.
- I'll represent your voice. Shelburne's concerns about growth, infrastructure, and community character will be front and center in my conversations with other legislators.
- I'll vote for solutions that work locally. Not one-size-fits-all mandates. Not policies that assume Montpelier knows better than we do. Real solutions that Shelburne helped create.
- I'll be fiscally responsible. Housing and development impact budgets. I won't vote for growth plans that pass unexpected costs to homeowners or businesses through property tax hikes.
What This Really Means
Having a representative in Montpelier who gets it, matters. Who listens to this community. Who has spent 19 years building a life here. Who has grandchildren growing up here and skin in the game.
It means Shelburne's voice isn't just heard — it's represented by someone who actually cares about the answers.
I'm running because I believe we deserve that. And I'm ready to try to deliver it.
Learn more about Deb's vision for Shelburne: Deb4VT.com
Paid for by Deb Mayfield for Vermont