Issues Affecting Vermonters
I believe that over the next few years it will be important to maintain fiscal restraint while supporting important support programs like health care, education and social services.
I am running for Governor because my experience, relationships and deep understanding of the problems we face in Vermont is what we need to prosper.
During my years as an eight-term incumbent and Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have been honored to receive recognition from the League of Cities and Towns, the Vermont Sheriffs Association, the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Vermont, Criminal Justice System, Affordable Housing and the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation. These groups realize that I work hard to balance the needs of all Vermonters while keeping a close eye on the taxpayer's pocketbook. I take my responsibility as Chair of Appropriations very seriously and make sure that Vermonters always know the status of the state's financial situation while keeping in mind the impact that state policies have on individual Vermonters and their communities.
Property taxes, the cost of health care, the cost of gas and the cost of heating our homes is forcing many of us to cut back in other areas of individual spending.
I know it will take a great deal of time and energy and leadership to produce budgets in these tough financial times that will continue to provide the services that Vermonters expect and not put more of a burden on taxpayers.
When we work together, we can find good ways to preserve valuable services and contain costs.
I will run a fiscally responsible, positive, issue-oriented campaign. The campaign season is a great time to discuss issues and explore possible solutions. I look forward to meeting and talking to voters around the state. I hope that my record of service in the past and my ideas on how to address the challenges we face will earn your support and your vote. Please join me in working together for a better Vermont, for ourselves, for our children and for our grand children.