The winner of that election will be sworn in next January to represent the 1st Franklin District. The staff director said her personal connection to the 1st Franklin District and experience working in policy convinced her to take the leap. As her staffer, Coryat said she saw the same commitment to showing up and following through in Blais’ work. Coryat plans to ensure rural communities are represented in funding formulas and “have a seat at the table” for program and policy decisions. She added that collaboration among legislators, agencies and communities helps amplify the voices of rural communities as they call for regional equity.