John Bartholomew serves the residents of Hartland, Windsor, and West Windsor and the state of Vermont as a member of the Vermont House of Representatives. He is assigned to the House Committee on Transportation.
He is a veterinarian with over 20 years of federal government experience. Now retired from the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), he served for 15 years as a Branch Chief at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), part of the National Institutes of Health. Previously, he was a contracted employee of the National Cancer Institute. He served in both the Air Force and Army, stationed at Incirlik Air Base (NATO) in Turkey and at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.
John focuses his legislative efforts on issues of climate change, affordable health care, development of a viable long-range energy plan, support for local agriculture and small farms, transportation, support of the arts, and quality education. An over-arching concern is balancing the budget with a continuing projected shortfall.
One of John's primary concerns is Vermont’s energy future. This state needs a comprehensive energy plan. It is imperative that we explore all of the possibilities available, have well-researched discussions, and make wise decisions about our energy future. We must not overlook the importance of efficiency and conservation. Exploring the possibilities for renewable energy is critical. Vermont has the opportunity to become a leader in renewable technology and to create well-paying jobs in the process.
John Bartholomew recognizes that an ongoing challenge is building a responsible, balanced budget that meets the needs of all Vermonters, especially our most vulnerable members. He is very concerned about people being able to afford to heat their homes, put food on the table, pay for fuel to get to work, and afford other necessities to allow for quality and healthy lives.
John’s professional experience in federal government gives him insight and expertise in management, fiscal responsibility, and human resource administration. At the NICHD he administered a budget of $12 million and a government and contract staff of 65.
John is the recipient of various awards, including the Army Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Public Health Service Commendation Medal, Public Health Service Meritorious Service Medal, and the Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal. He earned the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University (1981) and received his undergraduate education in zoology and botany at the University of Oklahoma. He retired from the Public Health Service at the rank of Captain (O-6).
John and his family relocated to Vermont to pursue a simpler lifestyle. They live in a co-housing community on a small farm, where they are directly involved in food production, raising sheep, maple sugaring, and other farming enterprises. John served on the board of directors of the Upper Valley Music Center and of Revels North. He also coordinates and teaches local programs in traditional music and dance. He and his family enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and are actively engaged in building community, supporting local agriculture, and fostering arts and educational opportunities in the Upper Valley.
“I am looking forward to addressing the important issues Vermont is facing today,” John Bartholomew says. “My goal is to reach out to voters, to let them know that I will listen to their opinions, respond to their concerns, and serve the best interests of all Vermonters.”
John Bartholomew with his daughter Marta and wife Julianne
Election Day 2010, Damon Hall, Hartland, Vermont