Marty Feltus

Marty Feltus is a prominent American politician currently serving as a member of the Vermont House of Representatives. Representing the Caledonia-3 district as a Republican, she has been an active participant in local and state governance for several decades. Her political career is marked by extensive involvement in various community boards and committees, reflecting her commitment to public service and civic engagement. Feltus has a background in sales and customer management, which has informed her approach to legislative responsibilities and community leadership.

Early life and career

Marty Feltus was born on April 30, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri. Her early education took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she attended Will Rogers High School. Following her high school education, Feltus pursued higher education at Beloit College in Wisconsin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. This academic background provided her with valuable skills and knowledge that would later contribute to her professional and political endeavors.

In 1977, Feltus relocated to Lyndon, Vermont, where she began her career at Weidmann Electrical Technology. Over the course of twenty-seven years, she worked in various capacities within the company, focusing primarily on sales and customer management. This experience in the business sector equipped her with insights into economic and operational challenges, which would later influence her legislative priorities and decision-making processes.

Feltus's commitment to her community became evident through her extensive involvement in local governance. From 1980 to 1997, she served on the planning commission and zoning board of appeals for Lyndonville, Vermont. These roles allowed her to engage with issues related to land use, community planning, and local regulations. Her contributions to these boards were instrumental in shaping the development and growth of the village during that period.

In addition to her work on the planning commission and zoning board, Feltus served as a village trustee from 1992 to 1997. This position further solidified her role as a community leader and provided her with additional experience in managing local government affairs. In 1997, she was elected to the village's select board, where she continued to serve until 2018. Her tenure on the select board spanned over two decades, during which she played a significant role in addressing the needs and concerns of her constituents.

Legislative service

Feltus's entry into state politics began in 2012 when she was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives. Initially representing the Caledonia-4 district, she worked alongside fellow Republican Patrick Seymour. Her election marked a significant step in her political career, allowing her to transition from local governance to state-level legislative responsibilities. Since her election, Feltus has been actively involved in various legislative committees and initiatives.

Throughout her time in the Vermont House, Feltus has served on several important committees, including the House Appropriations Committee. This committee is responsible for overseeing the state's budget and financial allocations, providing her with a platform to influence fiscal policy and resource distribution. Additionally, she has been a member of the House Sexual Harassment Prevention Panel, which focuses on creating a safer and more equitable environment within the legislative process and beyond.

Feltus's commitment to environmental issues is reflected in her participation in the Working Group on Water Quality Funding. This group addresses critical concerns related to water quality in Vermont, an issue of growing importance due to environmental challenges and public health considerations. Her involvement in this working group underscores her dedication to ensuring that Vermont's natural resources are protected and that the state's water systems remain safe for all residents.

In 2018, Feltus announced her decision not to seek reelection to the Lyndon select board, concluding a long and impactful tenure of over twenty years. However, she continued her legislative work in the Vermont House of Representatives, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to public service. In the 2025 session, she was re-elected to the assembly, further solidifying her role as a key figure in Vermont politics.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of the Caledonia-3 district, Feltus's policy focus encompasses a range of issues that reflect the needs and priorities of her constituents. Her background in local governance and community service has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by residents in her district. Feltus's legislative work often emphasizes fiscal responsibility, community development, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the interests of her constituents.

Feltus's experience on the House Appropriations Committee has allowed her to advocate for responsible budgeting and effective allocation of state resources. She recognizes the importance of balancing the state's financial health with the needs of local communities. Her work in this area aims to ensure that essential services are funded while also promoting economic growth and stability within her district.

In addition to fiscal matters, Feltus's involvement in the House Sexual Harassment Prevention Panel highlights her commitment to fostering a respectful and safe environment within the legislative process. By addressing issues of harassment and discrimination, she seeks to create a more inclusive atmosphere for all individuals involved in state governance.

Environmental issues, particularly water quality, are also central to Feltus's policy focus. Her participation in the Working Group on Water Quality Funding demonstrates her recognition of the importance of preserving Vermont's natural resources. As concerns about climate change and environmental degradation continue to grow, Feltus advocates for policies that promote sustainable practices and protect the state's water systems.

Feltus's legislative work is informed by her extensive experience in local governance and her commitment to serving the needs of her constituents. Her background in business and community leadership provides her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by residents in the Caledonia-3 district. As she continues her service in the Vermont House of Representatives, Feltus remains dedicated to addressing the issues that matter most to her community while navigating the complexities of state governance.