Elizabeth M. Ready

Ready was born in Burlington on October 7, 1953, and became a resident of Lincoln in 1976.

Ready was educated in Burlington and graduated from Rice Memorial High School. She attended the University of Vermont and Burlington College, from which she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. Ready later attended Norwich University, where she studied Public Administration.[http://vermont-elections.org/elections1/2003ExecBios.pdf Vermont Executive Branch Biographies], published by Vermont Secretary of State, 2003, page 351

For several years Ready taught basic literacy skills to adults in rural Addison County. She then became a consultant to the Vermont Department of Education, where she was credited with founding the Adult Diploma Program and working with vocational centers throughout Vermont to design programs for adult students.

In 1986, Ready joined Governor Madeleine M. Kunin's Office of Policy Research and Coordination.

In 1988, Ready founded the Addison County Community Trust, an organization which works to develop affordable housing, protect farmland, and preserve natural resources. She served as the Trust's Director for 12 years.

A Democrat, Ready served in several local offices, including auditor, planning commissioner and selectman in Lincoln and as a member of the Addison County Regional Planning Commission.

In 1988, Ready was elected to the Vermont Senate. She won re-election five times and served from 1989 to 2001. During her Senate service she was on the Natural Resources Committee for twelve years and served as chairperson for four. In addition, she served on the Agriculture Committee for eight years, the Finance Committee for six, and the Appropriations Committee for six. For six years she also served as a member of the Joint Fiscal Committee.[http://vermont-elections.org/elections1/2002candinfopub.pdf Candidate profile, Elizabeth M. Ready], published by Vermont Secretary of State, 2002, page 35

In 2000, Ready was the successful Democratic nominee for Auditor of Accounts, defeating Republican John S. Hall of St. Johnsbury and two minor candidates.[http://vermont-elections.org/elections1/2004CandPub.pdf Candidate profile, Elizabeth Ready], published by Vermont Secretary of State, 2004, page 17

Ready won re-election in 2002, defeating Republican Bruce Hyde of Fayston and three minor candidates.[http://vermont-elections.org/elections1/2002gecand.htm Candidate List for Vermont], published by Vermont Secretary of State, September 26, 2002[http://www.ourherald.com/news/2002-10-17/Community_News/com04.html Newspaper article, Hyde Seeks To Unseat Ready], Randolph Herald, October 17, 2002{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110522114412/http://vermont-archives.org/govhistory/elect/results1/pdf/stoff5aud.pdf General Election Results, Auditor of Accounts, 1848-2008]}}, published by Vermont State Archives and Records Administration 2002, page 18

In 2004, Ready ran for re-election. Randy Brock of Swanton was chosen as the Republican nominee.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120415001415/http://vermont-archives.org/govhistory/elect/primary/pdf/p2004.pdf Vermont Primary Election Results]}}, published by Vermont Secretary of State, 2004

During this campaign, Brock accused Ready of having false information in her biography, with her State Senate biographical sketch and commercial publications including Marquis Who's Who in American Politics and the State Yellow Book incorrectly indicating that she had received a bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont rather than Burlington College, and that she had completed a master's degree from Norwich University.Newspaper article, Biographical Errors Become a Major Issue, by John Zicconi, Vermont Press Bureau, September 28, 2004[http://www.7dvt.com/2004/vermont-chainsaw-massacre Newspaper column, Vermont Chainsaw Massacre], by Peter Freyne, Seven Days, September 29, 2004[http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/71883/ News report, Errors in Ready's Biography Draw Fire From Brock], by John Dillon, Vermont Public Radio, September 27, 2004

In the 2004 general election, Brock defeated Ready 52% to 42%, with 6% going to the candidate of the Liberty Union Party. Ready's defeat was largely attributed to questions about her integrity that were raised as the result of her incorrect biography.[http://www.vermontguardian.com/dailies/112004/1104.shtml News article, Brock Consolidates GOP power] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407035946/http://www.vermontguardian.com/dailies/112004/1104.shtml |date=2012-04-07 }}, by Kathryn Casa, Vermont Guardian, November 4, 2004

After leaving office, Ready became executive director of the John W. Graham Emergency Shelter in Vergennes.[http://www.wch.vcn.com/wwjan08.htm#reach Affordable Housing Out of Reach For Some County Residents] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906214827/http://www.wch.vcn.com/wwjan08.htm#reach |date=2011-09-06 }}, by Megan James, Addison Independent, November 22, 2007, republished in Wyoming Winds, a publication of The Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless[http://www.7dvt.com/2008shelter-directors-demand-emergency-funding News article, Shelter Directors Demand Emergency Funding], by Mike Ives, Seven Days, October 1, 2008[http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/86746/ News article, Stimulus Money Helping Homeless Find Housing], by John Dillon, Vermont Public Radio, December 22, 2009[http://www.johngrahamshelter.org/contact/contact.html Contact page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912005924/http://www.johngrahamshelter.org/contact/contact.html |date=2011-09-12 }}, John W. Graham Emergency Shelter, accessed November 12, 2011

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Ready, Elizabeth M.}}

Category:1953 births

Category:Living people

Category:State auditors of Vermont

Category:Politicians from Burlington, Vermont

Category:People from Addison County, Vermont

Category:Women state legislators in Vermont

Category:Democratic Party Vermont state senators

Category:Norwich University alumni

Category:American people who fabricated academic degrees

Category:21st-century American women

Category:Rice Memorial High School alumni

Category:20th-century members of the Vermont General Assembly

Category:20th-century American women politicians