M ou nta i n T i m e s
Volume 47, Number 44
FREE range news — authentic community reflections, no coinage necessary.
Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
YOUR LOCAL
ELECTION DAY DIGEST By Curt Perterson
YOUR GUIDE TO RUTLAND AND WINDSOR COUNTY RACES Learn what the candidates have to say on seven hot-button issues facing Vermont this session. Be informed, then vote! Sentate Races: Rutland County: page 2B Windsor County: page 8-9B House Races: Rut 5-1: page 2B Rut 5-4: page 2-3B Rut-Wdr-3: page 4B Rut-6: page 4-5B Rut-Wdr-2: page 6B Wdr-Rut- page 7B Wdr-1 page 9B
VOTE! Don’t forget to vote in the Nov. 6 mid-term election. Polls close at 7 p.m. Your local polling place can be found by calling or visiting your town clerk’s office or the Vermont Secretary of State’s website at www.sec.state.vt.us.
Mounta in Times is a community newspaper covering Central Vermont that aims to engage and inform as well as empower community members to have a voice.
mountaintimes.info
Questions with Windsor County candidates
By Curt Peterson
We asked the candidates for the three state senate seats and two state representative positions in Windsor County to share their thoughts on five issues a recent Castleton University voters’ poll indicated were most important to Vermonters. For the Senate, we contacted incumbent Democratic senators Alison Clarkson, Dick McCormack and Alice Nitka, Republican challengers Randy Gray, Wayne Townsend and Jack Williams as wll as Independent Mason “Cloud” Wade. Wade, Williams and Gray failed to respond formally, but we did receive some input from them. For the Vermont House, we contacted Incumbent John Bartholomew and newcomer Zachariah Ralph, Democrats, as well as Republican Wesley Raney, who are vying for two seats. We asked about education, specifically Act 46 School Consolidation and “forced mergers”, about progressive education taxation, about climate change and renewable energy, about jobs and the economy, about single-payor, universal healthcare, and we asked what issue drives the candidates run for office. Here is a synopsis of their responses: On education Wesley Raney stated simply, “I oppose Act 46.” Wayne Townsend agreed: “I am against Act 46 – control of schools should remain in local hands.” Dick McCormack voted against Act 46, but feels it is the law, adding, “Repeal would be
destabilizing.” He cites Barnard, which the Board of Education voted last week to force to merge with the Windsor Central consolidated district as a town that “doesn’t fit the Act 46 model.” The BoE should extend the deadline for compliance and clarify terms for flexibility,” McCormack said. John Bartholomew “didn’t support Act 46,” he said. He’s in favor of local control for schools, and against “forced merger,” he said.
“THE CURRENT SYSTEM IS COMPLICATED AND OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD,” BARTHOLOMEW SAID. Alison Clarkson supported Act 46 as the response to a shrinking student population. “Fifty years ago we had too many students,” she said, “so we expanded the system. Now we have the opposite problem, and we have to react accordingly.” She said the key benefit of pooling resources is increased educational opportunities. However, closing schools isn’t necessary. She suggests using facilities for “very early education” – ages 0-3. Alice Nitka believes Act 46 prohibits “forced mergers,” and Barnard is doing the right thing by joining a suit to appeal the BoE merger decisions. How should education be financed?
Wayne Townsend would consider any proposal that doesn’t raise taxes for anyone. John Bartholomew would look favorably at a progressive, income-based education tax. “The current system is complicated and often misunderstood,” Bartholomew said. McCormack said, “Simply shifting funding to an income tax makes logical sense.” Wesley Raney said, “I oppose raising taxes.” On the environment McCormack sees climate change as an existential crisis. He sees conserving fuel and electricity, more efficient cleaner vehicles, roads that accommodate walking and biking, expanded mass transit, expanded solar and wind and a carbon pricing system, as remedies. Zachariah Ralph favors a carbon tax, “combined with efforts to create more public transportation, increase telecommuting, and promote electric vehicle infrastructure.” Randy Gray opposes a carbon tax. A carbon tax will only hurt low-income Vermonters and put border businesses at a disadvantage. Clarkson feels a market price on carbon will “unleash market forces on carbon production” and protect climate-sensitive Vermont industries: Skiing, maple products, forestry, wood furniture manufActuring and tourism. For Wesley Raney “nuclear energy is the future.” John Bartholomew believes in “incentives”: supporting weatherization, solar installations, Windsor candidates, page 11B
2B • POLITICAL
The Mountain Times • Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
RUTLAND COUNTY Senate Candidates Cheryl Hooker Party: Dem/Prog Seat: Rutland County Senate Bio: I was born and raised in Rutland in the Southwest section of the city. I attended St. Peter School and MSJ and received my degree in secondary education at Castleton. I taught Junior High after graduating college. Forty-five years ago, I married George Hooker. George taught at Rutland High for 35 years and at Castleton and MSJ after he “retired.” I worked at home to raise our four children, did substitute teaching, was the director of religious education at our parish, served in the legislature for eight years, worked for The American Cancer Society and eventually went back to teaching. I retired from Mill River in 2014. Now I spend my time volunteering, with my family and friends, and traveling whenever possible. Do you support a retail marijuana market? Since the legislature has made the use of marijuana legal, we should sell it and treat it the way we do alcohol and cigarettes: regulate who can purchase it and tax it so that there are resources to combat any negative effects from the sale of it. We also need efficient and accurate ways to test for impairment due to overuse. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? Studies show that when the minimum wage is raised, workers spend the money in their communities. I support an increase. Where do you stand on gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? Vermont’s gun restrictions are reasonable and wise; they addresses public safety without interfering with the rights of law-abiding citizens. We’ve done well. What is your position on carbon tax? Although carbon taxes work, we need to implement them at the national level to make them effective. What issue would you focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? The issues are all related. My focus will be to make Vermont, and Rutland County in particular, an accessible, affordable, safe and secure place to live. I will promote and support fair wages, family leave, an increase in childcare, and healthcare for all.
Hooker: be positive about Rutland County
Scott Garren
Party: Dem/Prog Seat: Rutland County Senate Do you support a retail marijuana market? Yes, I support a regulated marijuana market. Marijuana sales are already with us and have been for a long time. Legalization and regulation will help us respond appropriately. Places that have legalized marijuana have seen declines in opioid use which is a far worse problem. Part of the regulation should be tax revenue which flows to first responders, municipalities, and schools to help them deal with what is already a problem. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? I support increasing the minimum wage. It will help improve the quality of life of a significant part of our community. It will cut the need for safety net services. We can do it in a way that helps protect small businesses and ensures that small business owners make a minimum wage as well. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? I support the recent laws on background checks, sales to people under 21 unless the person is a law enforcement; an active or veteran member of the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces; or persons who can produce to the seller a certificate of satisfactory completion of a Vermont hunter safety course or equivalent, banning large capacity ammunition feeding devic-
es and bump-fire devices. Further restrictions would not be a priority of mine. What’s your position on a carbon tax? Reducing carbon emissions as quickly as possible is necessary to preserve our way of life. I do not support doing that on the backs of ordinary Vermonters however. I support positive steps to help achieve reductions such as subsidizing winterization of our buildings, making community solar affordable to all, and supporting public transportation and electrification of cars and busses. Only after we have done all of this should we consider a carbon tax in a form that does not Scott Garren, page 3B
By Stephen Seitz
RUTLAND — Retired teacher and eightyear legislative veteran Cheryl Hooker (Democrat/Progressive) wants to concentrate on the economy should she be elected to the state Senate. Hooker wrote, “to work in Montpelier for Rutland County’s fair share of support from the state to improve the economy of the area with a focus on increasing availability of jobs, support for families and housing. I will work to make Rutland County and Vermont a safe, sustainable place to live, work, raise a family and retire.” Hooker wrote that she sees good things on the horizon for Rutland County.
“GE is busy and hiring,” she wrote. “RRMC is always looking for help; Shriners and others come to the area for gatherings. We must continue to support the businesses in our region and encourage other businesses to set up shop here. We have to continue to support our schools and increase the availability of housing at all income levels.” Hooker wrote that she would help older workers adapt to the demands of the modern job market. “Training,” she wrote. “Increase the partner with educational institutions (tech centers) and businesses to provide timely, affordable training for new jobs and new Cheryl Hooker, page 3B
ANDREW COSTELLO FOR RUTLAND COUNTY
PROBATE JUDGE
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Greg Cox Party: Dem/Prog Seat: Rutland County Senate Do you support a retail marijuana market? I fully support the development of a regulated retail marijuana market. It is the next logical step after legislation. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? I do not view all business as the same in regards to the minimum wage debate. I believe that large corporations should be required to pay a $15 minimum wage. Small community-based businesses should be exempt from this minimum wage requirements – many owners do not even make that. New, emerging local businesses statistically return a much larger percentage of their earnings to the community than multi-national. Where do you stand on gun bill passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? Gun violence, like drug addiction, are not the problem but rather symptoms of larger tactical challenges. The new gun legislation will live little impact on gun violence. What’s your position on a carbon tax? The devil is in the details. I’m in favor of the goal of lowering carbon use but this approach sums too complex and costly for many Vermonters. I fear the lobbyist will subvert the process and it will not work as intended. Administrative costs would also be problematic. Greg Cox, page 6B
Also Running: Edward Larson James McNeil Brian Collamore
The Mountain Times • Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
• 3B
Representatives - Rutland County Cheryl Hooker:
Heather Juliussen-Stevenson Party: Dem/Prog Seat: Rut-5-1; Part of Rutland City Bio: As a 40-year-old Rutland City resident, Heather is making the most of her background in history and her experience as a former manager of an Information Office for the National Institutes of Health by tutoring in Manchester on a wide variety of subjects, from the Ancient Mediterranean and Sociology to Biology and French. In addition to caring for her aging father, Heather devotes herself to work in the community, acting as Secretary for the Rutland County Democrats and a liaison for the Rutland County Progressives, co-leading Castleton Indivisible, collaborating with diverse area associations, and organizing community events such as April 2017’s Rutland Science March Do you support a retail marijuana market? Yes. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? A minimum wage increase should be combined with incentives for small businesses to level the playing field with big businesses. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? I support the gun control legislation passed this past session. I would support an assault weapons ban. What’s your position on a carbon tax? Big businesses and high income earners should pay a carbon tax to offset the damage they’re doing to our environment if they choose not to
continued from page 2B
remain local. What issue would your focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? One-fifth of the youths leaving are going in search of diversity, students of color are punished more harshly than white students for the same infractions, a lawsuit over racism in the police department cost us nearly a million dollars, we are a top incarcerator of black men, and our politicians profit from out-of-state prisons. Racism is undermining our economy, with our de facto racial segregation prompting a recent Saturday Night Live skit. If elected, I would work to promote equity in schools, to end racial profiling, to invest in entrepreneurs and workers of color, and strengthen protections against race-based hatred.
Also running: Peter Fagan; Republican
technologies.”: When it comes to global warming and the economy, Hooker would like to see more done to promote expansion of renewable energy. “In the simplest terms for this monumental problem, we need to implement the best practices of conserving, reducing, reusing, and recycling on a larger scale and make it easier for Vermonters to perform these actions,” she wrote. “Many businesses and homeowners have already invested in solar. Continue offering incentives for installation of renewable energy systems. Incentivize solar panels on all new buildings.” School safety, Hooker wrote, begins at home, but she acknowledged that families need better services. “Much of school violence stems from instability
Greg Cox:
minimum wage. Imposing $15 per hour at this time would harm many small businesses and result in cuts for the workers supposedly seeing the benefit. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? I applaud the efforts of state officials in trying to tackle the issue of gun violence. Our children should be able to attend school without fear. But I do not want to restrict the rights of law-abiding gun owners by passing laws that “feel good” but do nothing to actually increase safety from gun violence. So while I would consider additional gun laws I would want to be certain that any potential laws considered actually resulted in a real increase in safety for Vermonters. What’s your position on a carbon tax? While I have concerns about the dangers of climate change, I do not support a Vermont state carbon tax. The environmental benefit of a Vermont only action would be minimal and the result on the ground would be to make our state even less business friendly when compared to neighboring states. For Vermonters to thrive we cannot suffer in comparison to New York and New
at home,” she wrote. “Build a culture of trust and acceptance between the administration, the faculty and the students to ensure that students feel safe in schools
“SCHOOLS ARE OFTEN THE HEART OF A COMMUNITY. I SUPPORT CONSOLIDATION THAT BUILDS ON THAT RELATIONSHIP” HOOKER SAID. and have an environment conducive to learning. Then, work to determine root causes (drugs, abuse, mental health) and direct families to the resources to help them cope with issues.” Asked about Act 46, the school consolidation law, Hooker wrote, “Schools are often the heart of a community. I support con-
solidation that builds on that relationship. In cases where the sense of community is compromised by the closing of a school or busing students long distances, I would have to be convinced of the advantages of the consolidation and allow communities to decide.” Hooker would also support the full legalization and regulation of marijuana. “Since the legislature has made the use of marijuana legal,” Hooker wrote, “we should treat it the way we do alcohol and cigarettes: regulate who can purchase it and tax it so that there are resources to combat any negative effects from the sale of it. We also need efficient and accurate ways to test for impairment due to overuse.” Voters go to the polls on Nov. 6.
You might have seen him at the VFFC or Boardman Hill
continued from page 2B Where do you stand on school funding? I prefer a hybrid system utilizing both property and income taxes to broaden the funding basis. Ability to pay is better in an income tax while property tax includes nonresidential properties. Affordability relies on a strong economy that protects opportunists. What would you focus on if elected? My focus is on development small community based businesses. Rutland County needs to develop an economic plan to rebuild its local economy by focusing on its assets and potential markets.
William Notte Party: Democrat Seat: Rut-5-4; Part of Rutland City Bio: William Notte is a lifetime resident of Rutland City. He graduated from Rutland High School in 1989 and then from Castleton State College. He is the manager of Phoenix Books in downtown Rutland and is also a freelance book editor. His wife Alison is also a Rutland native (RHS class of 1991) and together they are raising three children. Will has served eleven years on the Rutland City Board of Aldermen and has also served on the Rutland Redevelopment Authority, Downtown Rutland Partnership, and Rutland Free Library Board of Trustees. Do you support a retail marijuana market? I support a retail marijuana market. If marijuana is going to be legal in Vermont then I believe it makes sense to regulate and tax it in a system similar to what the state already does with alcohol. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? I do not feel Vermont is ready to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. As the manager of a small business I know personally that if the minimum wage were to increase I would need to cut staff hours. Many small businesses in Rutland County, indeed in most parts of the state, simply cannot bear the burden of an increased
Native vies for Rutland County Senate
Also running: Jacqueline Beth Fleck Party: Republican Seat: Rut-5-4; Part of Rutland City Bio: My family moved in to the Rutland comhere in 1999 from Virmunity and invested ginia and fell in love with money, sweat, and tears all that Vermont offered. into our business and For the past 20 years, my the community because family has owned Dellwe, and I, believe that veneri’s Bakery. Rutland is worth fighting We have dug our roots for.
Scott Garren:
Discusses the issues
continued from page 2B
Hampshire when it comes to creating and expanding businesses. What issue would your focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? Rutland is not alone in Vermont in facing the dual challenges of declining population and rising taxes. The legislature needs to work to make Vermont a less challenging place to start or expand a business. The legislature needs to work to make local homeownership something to celebrate, without concerns of annual tax jumps. With eleven years of experience in local government I am ready to fight for Rutland City as a state representative.
fall unfairly on working Vermonters. How do you feel about forced school consolidation? We need to acknowledge that much of the increase in education costs comes from rising health care costs for staff and the imposition of non-education related responsibilities on our public schools. I think that local communities and school boards are best equipped to deal with these challenges. What issue would your focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? I will work to address our healthcare problems, with Universal Primary Care as a first step. I will support working Vermonters by raising the minimum wage and passing Paid Family and Sick Lease insurance. A problem that underlies many of our social ills that I will be a leader in addressing is getting money out of politics. While we wait for the issue to be addressed at the Federal level there are many things we can do here in Vermont, even given Citizens United.
4B •
The Mountain Times • Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
Representatives - Rutland County Butch Shaw
Jim Harrison Party: Republican Seat:Rut-Wdr-3; Killington, Chittenden, Mendon, Bridgewater Bio: Jim Harrison of Chittenden was appointed to the house in 2017. He was president of the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association for most than 29 years, a position he held until the end of 2016 after a 29-year career with the organization. Since stepping down from his full-time position with the association, he works part time at Green Mountain Golf Course in Killington and recently joined the Friends of Chittenden Public Library and the Chittenden Historical Society. He and his wife, Pat, have lived in North Chittenden since 2006. They have two adult children and two grandsons. Do you support a retail marijuana market?
While I didn’t support legalization of recreational marijuana last year due to concerns over increasing drug usage, the legislature as a whole and governor decided to move forward. Now that it is legal in Vermont for personal use, I support establishing a tax and regulated market, like we do with liquor. I believe a modest tax could generate the revenue to pay for the regulatory framework, as well as help with enforcement on our highways and educational efforts with our younger Vermonters. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage?
Vermont’s minimum wage increases annually by CPI under current law. And while we all want higher wages, I don’t think Montpelier can wave a magic wand and increase the minimum to $15/hour in a short period without consequences. The legislature’s Joint Fiscal Office last year estimated job losses of Jim Harrison, page 10B
Gina Ottoboni
Party: Democrat Seat:Rut-Wdr-3; Killington, Chittenden, Mendon, Bridgewater Bio: Gina Ottoboni because higher wages lives in a small cabin in mean that people have Chittenden. She teachmore money to spend in es history and political our local communities, in science at the Commulocal businesses. Raising nity College of Vermont the minimum wage is and is on the faculty at smart policy. Green Mountain ColWhere do you stand lege. She also works as on the gun bills passed a freelance editor and this session? Would proofreader, and has you support more gun experience working on restrictions? child advocacy, education We all deserve to feel and conservation policy safe in our homes, our issues. She is a graduate schools, and in public of Emerge Vermont. In her spare time she spaces. As a community, we have to figure organizes the books and other reuseables out how to get there because living in at the Chittenden Transfer Station. She is community means finding a balance committed to moving Vermont toward a between our own private wants and future that works for all Vermonters, one needs and those of the community. I that is socially, economically, and envisupport the Constitution and the Second ronmentally just. Amendment, but I also support moderDo you support a retail marijuana ate, common sense gun measures like the market? ones passed this session. I also support a Yes, tax and regulate makes a lot of strong mental health system to address sense now that Vermont allows limited many of the underlying issues that lead to possession by those over gun violence. I WANT TO HELP twenty-one. A retail marWhat’s your posiket would make the suption on a carbon tax? MOVE US TOWARD A ply safer, take it out of the As Vermonters, we FUTURE IN WHICH black market and away value our environfrom its connections with ment. Climate change ALL VERMONTERS organized crime, cartels, is threatening that enTHRIVE, NOT violence—and that is vironment, but at the really important for all of same time, it’s providMERELY SURVIVE. us and for the health and ing opportunity—opsafety of our society as a whole. It would portunity to create a more resilient energy also put substantial revenues in state future and good jobs for Vermonters. If we coffers and provide jobs. want to preserve and grow Vermont, we How do you feel about raising the will need minimum wage? to tackle climate change with a variety Vermont’s workers deserve livable of tools, including a carefully thought out wages—wages that allow them to pay the carbon tax, one that is smart, targeted, bills and support a family, but wages in and effective. I will not, however, supthis country have not, for the vast majorport a climate change mitigation policy ity of us, kept up with cost of living. That that puts its greatest burden on working means a lot of hard working Vermonters Vermonters and not on the big polluters are feeling the pinch because economdoing the most harm. ic gains have gone to those at the very, How do you feel about forced school very top of the economic ladder. When consolidation? we raise wages, we lift up all Vermonters Our schools are the heart of our com Gina Ottoboni, page 10B
Party: Republican Seat: Rut-6; Brandon, Pittsford, Sudbury Bio: Butch Shaw was ment will regulate the born in Middlebury and program? attended Middlebury How do you feel schools. A licensed about raising the minimaster electrician and mum wage? traffic signal technician, Vermont’s minimum he formed his own small wage currently goes up business in 1980 known annually in line with the as CEA, Inc., an electrical CPI and it is one of the contracting firm. most progressive in the Do you support a reregion. The bill presenttail marijuana market? ed, passed and vetoed I supported an in 2017-2018 session amendment on H.511 to establish THE BILL... HAD THE a complete retail POTENTIAL OF OVER marijuana marketplace. If the 2,800 VERMONTERS Legislature moves LOSING THEIR JOBS. forward to establish a retail marketplace I would consider this measure only if had the potential of several questions can be over 2,800 Vermonters answered to my satislosing their jobs, was faction. They are: How inflationary and most much money does this importantly did not generate and what will receive a recommendait be used for? How do tion from the powerful we educate our children House Appropriations about the dangers of Committee. Should marijuana? How can we this issue come to the keep our highways safe? Legislature in the next Most importantly, how session the committees do we integrate existing of jurisdiction must draft law into a retail program a bill that does not cost and who in state govern- people their jobs, is not
inflationary and meets with the approval of the House Appropriations Committee. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? The Legislature passed three bills in the last session. Act 92 allows an enforcement officer to remove weapons from a person involved in domestic abuse, Act 97 allows the courts to remove weapons in the event of extreme risk to persons, Act 94 is an act expanding gun buyers background checks, prohibits large capacity magazines and bump stocks and prohibits sales to certain 18-year-olds. I did support Act 92 and 97. I did support Act 94 in its original form but by the time the bill reached the House for a vote it had been modified from the original form, I could not support it. I do not currently favor and further Butch Shaw, page 10B
Tim Guiles Party: Dem/Prog Seat: Rut-6; Brandon, Pittsford, Sudbury Bio: I graduated from Dartmouth College in 1981 with two engineering degrees. Later, I did graduate studies in Environmental Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, Today I live in a little solar powered house that I built on Carver Street in Brandon. I play the piano for a living, including the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus, the Middlebury College Community Chorus, and the Vergennes Residential Home. I also volunteer at the Rutland Prison and serve on Restorative Justice Panels. Do you support a retail marijuana market? Yes, Vermont should treat marijuana as a health issue like cigarettes or alcohol. Many Vermonters already use marijuana recreationally. It is essential that we work to eliminate the criminal aspect to make our communities safer. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? If you work, you should have enough money to live. We cannot finance our economy by underpaying minimum wage workers. Our economy will be stronger when we raise the minimum wage to $15/hr. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? Gun violence is a recurring crisis in our country. Other countries with many gun owners (eg. Australia, Iceland) have much fewer gun deaths(homicides and suicides). We must continue to act rationally, using the best data and science, to make laws and regulations that will make us safer while protecting each gun owner’s ability to own a gun. What’s your position on a carbon tax? I support 90 percent renewable by
2050. The best part is that we can reach that goal while saving people money by using proven technologies like heat pumps to heat our homes and businesses, and electric cars and trucks to travel to/from home and work. I believe that some form of a well written (revenue neutral) carbon tax would use market forces to speed up adoption of low carbon technologies. Vermonters would have good affordable choices which would end up saving them money and reducing our carbon footprint. We all need to do our part in facing this challenge. Our children and grandchildren are depending on us. What issue would your focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? If elected, I will listen to the concerns and needs of my constituents, study the testimony of knowledgeable experts given in committee, and work to build coalitions with other lawmakers around the four issues that you raised, as well as looking at changing education funding from the property tax to the income tax.
POLITICAL
The Mountain Times • Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
• 5B
Representatives - Rutland County Stephanie Jerome
Seth Hopkins
Party: Democratic Seat: Rut-6; Brandon, Pittsford, Sudbury Bio: I have lived in Brandon for over 20 years. My husband and I have raised our family, educated our children, supported community projects, volunteered at our schools and church, renovated several worn out buildings, and successfully operated our business here. I have loved living in this corner of Vermont. I love the people and I love these towns. Do you support a retail marijuana market? There needs to be retail market with regulation and oversight. By legalizing, we can get much needed tax dollars, which would be used to make sure that a safe product is sold and used to educate our citizenry. Each police department gerous people. We should feel safe in our must have trained personnel who can homes, schools, churches, public meetassess impairment when driving a motor ing places and at work - with no threat of vehicle. Vermont can learn from our gun violence hanging over our heads. neighbors, study their successes and failWhat’s your position on a carbon ures. Let’s end the black market sales of tax? marijuana, make sure that the product is We need to be sure that any initiative not harmful and bring it out into the open to reduce our use of fossil fuels, such for those over the age of 21. as a carbon tax, takes into account its How do you feel about raising the impact on low and middle income minimum wage? Vermonters. We need to invest in public As a business owner, I sympathize with transit, fuel efficient cars, and renewbusinesses that struggle to pay the minable energy sources. We all can reduce imum wage. We know that one can’t live the amount of carbon we create by buyoff of $10.50 an hour. By gradually raising ing locally produced foods, recycling, the minimum wage and weatherizing RATHER THAN GIVING to $15 per hour famour homes. I support TAX DOLLARS TO OUT OF ilies can meet their carbon pricing as a basic needs and national or even reSTATE CORPORATIONS help our commugional approach but I TO LURE THEM TO THE nities thrive. I have have concerns about many local friends the economic impact AREA, EFFORTS SHOULD that own small of any one state doing FOCUS ON BUILDING businesses, that it alone. I support have told me that legislation that would AND SUPPORTING OUR substantially raising make polluters pay. SMALL BUSINESSES ... the state minimum What issue would wage will be a real you focus on if hardship. Some type of relief needs to be elected? How would you address that made available to small businesses that issue? are struggling to make these changes, Twenty years ago my husband and such as reducing payroll taxes. I started an educational publishing Where do you stand on the gun bills company and found this area excellent passed this session? Would you support for starting and growing a business. I more gun restrictions? would like to work on economic deI support Vermont’s long standing velopment for our region. Rather than tradition of hunting and gun ownership. giving tax dollars to out of state corpoThis country has had a very disturbing rations to lure them to the area, efforts history of mass shootings and the recent should focus on building and supportscare in Fair Haven struck just too close ing our small businesses and helping to home. Many things need to be done our workers develop job skills. We to protect our children and our citizens. need to continue to generate a strong I support Governor Scott’s recent gun economy with strong local schools and legislation. I believe that supporting the high speed internet - provide jobs for 2nd Amendment goes hand in hand with our graduates and encourage young keeping guns out of the hands of danfamilies to stay or return to our towns.
Party: Republican Seat: Rut-6; Brandon, Pittsford, Sudbury Do you support a retail marijuana market? No, I do not support a retail cannabis market. I would have opposed the legalization of marijuana had I been in the House at the time. As it stands now, the home-growing option is as far as we should go in Vermont. Retail-and-tax will invite large, carbon-intense, growing operations. And lest we forget, cannabis is still a federally prohibited substance. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? I oppose raising the minimum wage. Doing so artificially distorts the labor market, eliminates some number jobs (no one disputes the fact; they dispute the number), and will put more experienced workers at the same level as entry-level workers. The unemployment rate is extremely low, and employers are naturally and without government mandates increasing their wages to attract and retain quality workers. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? The gun bill passed last session is unconstitutional and will be found so. I will oppose any amending of the Second Amendment or Vermont’s Article 16. This is the safest state in the nation. The restrictions passed last year will have absolutely no beneficial impact on school safety or any other concern. I will vote to defend all of our Constitutional rights. What’s your position on a carbon tax? I entirely oppose a carbon tax. Period. Vermont is virtue-signalling (at best) with its race to carbon-neutrality, while the Chinese are permitting and putting online a new coal-fired electric-generation plant twice a week. Vermont’s carbon emissions could entirely cease, and there would be no noticeable change in global or even national carbon emissions. The real economic pain is not worth the theoretical environmental benefit. What issue would you focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? My short term priority is safe schools and smooth roads. Both of these fit into my longer term priority which is the thoughtful economic development of Vermont. We need to have a lighter touch with regulation on our existing Vermont companies that have demonstrated they are good corporate citizens. Let them expand and hire and innovate without undue red tape. That is the first step toward a Vermont full of opportunity, where every Vermonter can find a fulfilling job and set themselves on the path to success.
Vote
Looking out for Vermont’s Future
Goals for Legislation w Grow Vermont’s Economy w Help Small Businesses Expand w Minimize Vermont’s Tax Burden w Spend Taxpayer Dollars Wisely Paid for by Jim Harrison for Vermont, 75 Lazy Acres Rd North Chittenden, VT
6B • POLITICAL
The Mountain Times • Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
Representatives - Rutland/Windsor Peter Berger
Party: Independent Seat: Rut-Wdr-2; Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Mount Holly Bio: I’ve lived in Mount Holly businesses, who can’t afford to for 40 years, where I serve on the pay fifteen dollars an hour for planning commission. I retired particular jobs will be forced to this June after three decades cut employees’ hours or lay them teaching middle school English off entirely. What are the conand history. sequences for businesses when Do you support a retail mariworkers who already earn $15 juana market? expect a raise, too? What about Legalizing marijuana appears people living on Social Security to rank as a higher priority for who will have to deal with the inthe legislature than for most evitable rise in prices that follows Vermonters. It’s also worth conbroad wage increases. We need to sidering that as we wrestle with opioid addiction, we’ve legalized and thereby normalized the use of another NO ONE WORKING A mind-altering substance. FULL-TIME JOB SHOULD That said, the current law includes neither a mechaFALL BELOW THE POVERTY nism for supervising the sale LINE. of marijuana or for practically testing whether a user is driving under its influence. It’s face these questions directly and always tempting to raise revenue, practically. but suppressing criminal disWhere do you stand on the gun tribution is one of the new law’s bills passed this session? Would chief selling points, and a tax that you support more gun restricraises marijuana’s price in legal tions? markets would reinvigorate the I agree with the Supreme black market. Court’s Heller decision, which How do you feel about raising confirmed an individual right to the minimum wage? gun ownership. I also agree with It’s reasonable that no one Justice Scalia that the Second working a full-time job should fall Amendment right, like all rights, below the poverty line. Raising the isn’t “unlimited.” Jurisdictions can minimum wage, however, means regulate the sale of guns, prohibit many employers, especially small “dangerous and unusual” weap-
Rob Mc
ons, and, most importantly for me, keep guns out of the hands of people deemed dangerous, including felons and the mentally ill. It should be possible to find a respectful, reasonable common ground on the particulars of weapons and background checks, provided the debate isn’t consumed by the most extreme voices on both sides. What's your position on a carbon tax? I support reducing our reliance on carbon-based fuels, though Vermont’s rural nature poses obstacles that urban locales don’t face. A carbon tax, in theory, raises the price of carbon-based fuels and thereby discourages their use. The tax revenue is rebated to consumers so they can purchase more renewable forms of energy. Unfortunately, low-income consumers commonly lack the capital to invest in renewable equipment like solar collectors, heat pumps, and electric appliances. Renters who can’t make improvements to their landlord’s property would similarly face only the tax’s higher carbon prices. I couldn’t support a proposal that doesn’t address these concerns. What issue would you focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? Peter Berger, page 10B
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Scott Garren State Senate
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Party: Republican Seat: Wdr-Rut; Bethel, Pittfsfield, Rochester, Stockbridge Bio: I moved to Vermont from Ohio 25 years ago and have been living on the hill in Gaysville ever since. Do you support a retail marijuana market? Yes. We need to move as quickly as possible. The size of this opportunity shrinks by the day. Our current representation has been dragging their feet. Vermont could be the east coast leaders in an emerging $50 billion per year industry. Think Napa Valley. It aligns with everything we do best: agriculture, tourism, craft consumables. We already have a brand! State government needs to support or get out of the way. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? I wish we didn't have to do it. Wouldn't it be nice to see employers competing for the best employees and have market driven wage increases? We need growing businesses competing for the best employees and driving wages up, rather than surviving businesses searching for bodies to fill jobs with under-qualified and marginally compensated employees. This is not sustainable. That being said, I would not necessarily oppose a $15 minimum wage by 2024, but would like to see us get there through growth rather than legislation. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? I WOULD HAV Vermont doesn't have a gun FOCUS ON THE problem. We do guns well. If I were in Chicago, perhaps I'd AND ADVOCA have a different view. I don't DISTRICT BU understand why the bill was needed or passed. Is anyone LEADERS AND safer now? No. Are people more divided now? Yes. Why not leave well enough alone? This did not accomplish anything positive and I would not support any more restrictions. What's your position on a carbon tax? We can't afford it. We are already very environmen-
Logan Nicoll Party: Dem/Prog Seat: Rut-Wdr-2; Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Mount Holly Bio: I grew up in Ludlow, graduating businesses, especially in our district. from Black River in 2005 and from the I would propose tying any minimum University of Vermont in 2010 with a BS wage increases to tax incentives that in community development. After grad- target small businesses to offset their uation, I came home and have been burden. helping my parents with renovations to Where do you stand on the gun bills our house while working second shift passed this session? Would you supat the Castle Hill Resort in Proctorsville. port more gun restrictions? I was first appointed to the Ludlow I'm not sure where I would have Planning Commission in 2012 where I voted on the gun legislation if I was in continue to serve as vice-chairman. I office last session. I am generally supwas first elected to the Selectboard in portive of the bills as passed, but was 2014. somewhat thrown off by local legislaDo you support a retail marijuana tors. I generally agree with but did not market? support them. I would not propose any I do support a retail marijuana marchanges for at least a few years until we ket. I think precautions should be taken see in what ways these new bills do and to give small businesses more oppordon't work in practice. tunity to succeed in this space and we What's your position on a carbon should ensure that our market does not tax? become flooded with products that apI worry that a carbon tax could be peal to minors and products that may another regressive tax that hurts low be accidentally ingested by minors. income Vermonters substantially more How do you feel about raising the than it benefits us environmentally. I minimum wage? also worry that we are again focussing Research has proven on issues that don't affect Vermonters that raising the minimuch in their daily lives and neglecting mum wage can be a issues that do. substantial benefit What issue would you focus on if to the economy but elected? How would you address that I worry about our issue? smaller, localMy primary focus if electly-owned ed would be reforms to drug policy. My approach will be to continue working towards putting less people into our prison system and improving access to treatment and prevention resources. This is related in my mind to reforming our healthcare system and the over-prescription that currently occurs.
POLITICAL
The Mountain Times • Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
• 7B
Representatives - Rutland/Windsor
cFadden
tally responsible in Vermont. Our carbon footprint is .01 percent of the nation’s total. The only real impact would be a negative one for the wallets of Vermonters. We need to focus on the issues facing Vermonters where we can VE LASER have a real impact. If there is going E DISTRICT to be a tax on Vermonters for using carbon, could we also get a credit ATE FOR for owning property with trees that USINESS are cleaning the air? What issue would you focus on CITIZENS. if elected? How would you address that issue? Responsible economic growth in rural Vermont. I would have laser focus on the district and advocate for district business leaders and citizens. A rising tide will raise all ships.
Sandy Haas
Party: Dem/Prog Seat: Wdr-Rut; Bethel, Pittsfield, Rochester, Stockbridge Bio:Sandy Haas moved to Rochester in 1980. A retired lawyer in private practice, she is the innkeeper of the The New Homestead Bed & Breakfast. She has been a member of the house of representatives since 2005. She’s active in her community where she’s been a member of the Rochester Planning Commission since 1982. Do you support a retail marijuana market? I believe that we do need to adopt a tax and regulate system for cannabis sale in Vermont. Right now we still have an active black market that includes all kinds of other substances, some deadly. A regulated market would allow adult users to know the quality and strain of the product they purchase. It would also make it more difficult for kids to access drugs. We are told that it is easier for a teen to buy cannabis than beer. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? I voted for the minimum wage bill that was passed by the Legislature last spring. Sadly, the Governor vetoed that bill, and we did not have the votes in the House to enact the law without his signature. The bill had a modest rollout, with the first increase at just $0.60 per hour, from the current $10.50 to $11.10. For a low-income family that would have resulted in $1,200 more per year to spend for their children and at local businesses. The full $15 per hour wage would not have taken effect until January 2024. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? I voted for all three of the gun bills passed this year. I believe that together those new laws will make a mass shooting less likely and will reduce the carnage in the event that a shooter manages to get past other hurdles. Although I will always look closely at any bill that goes through our rigorous committee process in the House, I am not aware of any further restrictions needed at this time. What's your position on a carbon tax?
The recent United Nations report on global warming makes clear that we can dawdle no longer. Bold steps will be required to save the planet for our grandchildren. We need to stop the slow, but catastrophic warming that threatens all coastal populations and economic mainstays, like our maple syrup industry. We need to closely examine all approaches that can work to slow climate change. What issue would your focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? When I am required to identify a single issue, there’s only one answer: the budget. The most important policy bill the Legislature passes each year is the annual budget. That is where we identify our policy priorities for the state. There are other issues I am passionate about and will work to advance. As noted above, we must address climate change. Rural economic development is crucial, and it requires universal broadband access. We need to make education funding more equitable, with high-income households paying their fair share. And it’s time to tax and regulate cannabis in Vermont.
For State Representative, Rutland City Ward 4 Will is inclusive and unbiased in his decision making. He listens and provides thoughtful, concerned feedback regardless of party lines. He is a true teammate, long devoted to bringing out the best in our community, and that is why I think he is the best choice for voters to send to Montpelier. ~ Melinda Humphrey, Rutland City Alderwomen
I am a lifelong resident of Rutland City. My father and grandfather were born here and I am raising the next generation of my family here too. I am running for state representative because after serving in local government as a city alderman for eleven years it is clear to me that many of the problems we face locally have to be fixed at the state level. Communities such as Rutland face the dual problems of declining population and rising taxes.
I’m running for state rep so that I can go to Montpelier and fight for Rutland City. I want to work to remove barriers from starting or growing a business in Vermont. I want to work to make home ownership something worth celebrating, without the dread of ever-rising taxes. Vermont can do this. We can grow and prosper while leaving no one behind and I would love to support my community by working to make this happen.
Paid for by William Notte for State Representative, 8 Orchard Drive Rutland VT 05701, Alison Notte treasurer.
8B • POLITICAL
The Mountain Times • Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
WINDSOR COUNTY Senate Candidates Alice Nitka
Randy Gray
Alison Clarkson
Party: Democratic Seat: Windsor County Senate Candidate Do you support a retail marijuana market? In the past, I fully supported medical marijuana and it has been a successful program alleviating pain and suffering for many patients as well as reducing prescription opioid use. I did not support recreational marijuana use as I have had concerns about increased use in pre-teens and teens if more were in homes. However, since recreational marijuana passed in Vermont and now can be grown and possessed, I will consider a taxed and regulated system. I will need to know all the pro and cons of the proposal before making a final decision. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? I feel the minimum wage should be raised gradually as was the proposal that passed the Senate last session to $15 per hour by 2024. It presently is $10.50 per hour and is raised based on the annual cost of living. Estimates given in the last session predicted that the wage would be about $2.30 less than $15 in 2024 if we continued on the cost of living route. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? Of the four gun bills that passed, the one I feel will make the most difference is the one allowing the po-
Party: Republican Seat: Windsor County Senate Do you support a retail marijuana market? I feel the original marijuana bill should not have been passed without taxation and retail sales included. I also felt we needed a proper test for DUI as well prior to passing. I would consider voting in favor of a tax and sale bill, depending on the details. Citizens should also be allowed firearms privileges as well. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? I would not oppose a minimum wage increase that matched the growth of inflation. I do oppose the talked about $15 per hour minimum wage. I feel this will further discourage new business in Vermont and make it extremely difficult for our existing small businesses. Minimum wage was intended for entry level positions. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? I disagree with all the guns bills passed and signed in April this year. I oppose any new gun laws. The weapon chosen is not the problem –mental health is. Criminals and mentally ill people don’t care what gun bills are passed. These only take the rights of the law abiding citizens. I would push for measures to make our schools safer. Schools are already gun free zones and murder is illegal. What’s your position on a carbon tax? I strongly oppose a carbon tax. Vermont’s carbon footprint on this country and the world is minuscule. A carbon tax will only hurt the already strained elderly and young families who have to commute for work. This will also have a negative impact on communities along the Connecticut River Valley. What issue would you focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? There are many I would address, but my highest priority would be economic growth. I would introduce a bill offering new business start-ups a three-year business tax exemption; and a goal of reducing Vermont’s business tax to 7 percent, tying with Rhode Island for the lowest in New England. Eliminate parts of Act 250, minimizing application approval time, removing sections that are already covered under local zoning and planning laws. I would not be in favor of any carbon tax driving up operating cost.
Party: Democratic Seat: Windsor County Senate Do you support a retail marijuana market? Yes, I believe we need to tax and regulate marijuana in Vermont. As a public health and safety measure, we need to control the quality of the marijuana sold to Vermonters. And, creating an income stream to finance prevention and treatment of our growing opiate addiction problem is essential. The prohibition of marijuana has failed, as has the “war on drugs” – costing taxpayers trillions of dollars. I have supported the legislation for both legalizing medical marijuana and, last Session, the legalization of growing and possessing small amounts of marijuana. Vermont taxes and regulates alcohol effectively.
I DID NOT SUPPORT RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA USE AS I HAVE HAD CONCERNS ABOUT INCREASED USE IN PRE-TEENS AND TEENS IF MORE WERE IN HOMES. lice to take away a gun or other weapon –a bomb, for example – from a person who is considered to be an “ extreme risk.” The bill provides for due process for this to occur. An imminent emergency was already addressed in the law. The domestic violence bill will enhance protections. S-55 has unintended consequences and parts that the police feel are unenforceable. Another bill addresses terrorism. I don’t support more gun restrictions. I do feel we need to ensure that all persons’ names that are required to be sent to the
Also running: Jack Williams; Republican Wayne Townsend; Republican
Alice Nitka, page 11B
Vote Karl Anderson Rutland County Probate Judge Representing Rutland County residents and raising a family in Rutland for the past 30 years. Seventh Generation Vermonter raised on his family’s dairy farm in Castleton. VOTE NOVEMBER 6TH Paid for by Committee to Elect Karl Anderson for Probate Judge, PO Box 67, Rutland VT 05702, Karl C. Anderson, Treasurer.
THE PROHIBITION OF MARIJUANA HAS FAILED, AS HAS THE “WAR ON DRUGS.” How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? As one of the sponsors of the 2018 Minimum Wage bill which passed both the Senate and the House (only to be vetoed by the governor), I am in full support of raising Vermont’s minimum wage. Discussions of affordability are incomplete if we are only addressing the cost of living in Vermont. We need to address what Vermonters earn. I believe all Vermonters need to earn a livable wage. Too many Vermonters have to work two to three jobs – which not only exhausts them, but undermines their family time and the quality of their lives. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? Yes, I support common sense firearm safety measures and voted in support of S.55. None of these measures impact our Vermont hunting traditions. While we are a safe state, we have two problems directly affected by firearm violence: domestic violence and teenage suicide. Too many domestic partners in Vermont are threatened and/or killed by firearms and we have one of the highest rates of Alison Clarkson, page 10B
The Mountain Times • Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
• 9B
Senate Candidates Mason Wade
Dick McCormack
Party: Independent Seat: Windsor County Senate Do you support a retail marijuana market? We have a responsibility to Vermonters who we have stolen their properties and ruined their lives over this plant. Before we start jumping down and making taxes and promotion this we need to apologize... and do something about it. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? It’s pretty freaking sad to live in Vermont you have to make $35 an hour to think about taking a weekend vacation out of the state. Where do you stand on carbon tax? I don’t like an organization that can’t get with the program. What issue would you focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? My No. 1 issue is democracy and my No. 2 and No. 3 issue is democracy. We aren’t going to fix our climate without democracy.
Party: Democratic Seat: Windsor County Senate Do you support a retail marijuana market? I’m not a big fan of cannabis. But I supported legalization as a matter of proportion. Pot isn’t nearly as destructive as alcohol, tobacco or excessive animal fat, all of which are legal. Indeed I think anti cannabis laws do more harm than cannabis. Having taken a libertarian position, just get the government out of it, I’ve come to think we should regulate for purity and potency. I don’t think taxing will yield anything like the huge revenues predicted by enthusiasts but whatever a tax yields would be a benefit. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? Vermonters are concerned with affordability. There are plenty of jobs, but they don’t pay well enough to meet the costs of health care, housing, and child care. We need to continue our efforts to revitalize our industrial towns, expand markets for innovative agriculture, and encourage entrepreneurs. We also must do more to help struggling young families: increased minimum wage, support for child
care, parent-child centers, and access to affordable health care. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? First, reasonable regulation of the time, manner and place in which we exercise our constitutional rights is constitutional. I would not have supported this year’s gun safety bills were it otherwise. I’m proud to have supported getting guns out of scenes of domestic violence and pending suicides, age and training requirements, background checks and limits on particularly destructive weapons. What’s your position on a carbon tax? Global warming, the overarching existential issue of our time, presents expensive Vermont-specific problems for our agriculture, forestry, and recreation industries, as well as natural disasters like Irene. As Vermonters, Americans and inhabitants of the Earth, we must treat Global Warming as the emergency it is. We need to
conserve energy and we need to move to clean ways of generating energy. We should continue to explore how best to develop a carbon pricing system that incents environmentally responsible approaches to energy, provided we can develop ways to avoid punishing low income people for heating their homes and driving to work. What issue would you focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? Besides affordability, the environment, taxes, education, and opioid addiction? I want to reintroduce civics into the curriculum. People need to know about the U.S. Constitution.
Representatives - Windsor County Party: Prog/Dem Seat: Wdr-1; Hartland, West Windsor,Windsor Bio: I grew up in Woodstock and have lived in Hartland for the last 12 years. My parents divorced when I was young, and my father Leonard passed away when I was 11, leaving my mother to raise four kids on her own. We were poor but I had a wonderful childhood. I earned my degree in political science and have been working as a grassroots advocate for environmental and social issues for the last 10 years. I have worked on a diverse array of environmental and social campaigns from lobbying for a ban on hydrofracking, to increasing federal funding for sewage infrastructure, advocating for fees on plastic grocery bags, regulating chemicals and facilitating the process to ban harmful chemicals and pesticides, to education, outreach, and advocacy for Vermont’s current Comprehensive Energy plan. Do you support a retail marijuana market? Yes, I support the retail marijuana market. I believe it must be done in a way that protects minors from unfair marketing practices, and that is it done in a way that supports a local economy especially our farmers. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? I support a livable wage in Vermont which will invest more dollars into the local economy which willin turn support the businesses who need to increase wages. I believe that our economy will be stronger when we pay people a livable wage
Zach Ralph
and that this will ultimately help decrease property taxes because we will attract more working families into the state. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? I support common sense gun legislation. I do support the legislation that was passed last session, but do not think that it will properly address the issue of gun violence as it was intended. I think that by working with law abiding gun owners we can create better and stronger gun legislation that will address the problem of gun violence because we are including the people we intend to regulate in the process. What’s your position on a carbon tax? The carbon tax is not a silver bullet, but it will work to put a real price on carbon. Currently there is no price on carbon and so carbon
polluters externalize these costs so that we as taxpayers are paying for direct consequences of pollution and environmental devastation. It is time that we make corporations and polluters pay their fair share of taxes and stop passing the buck onto the tax payers. The goal of a carbon tax would be to get people to drive less, so a carbon tax must be combined with efforts to create more public transportation, increase telecommuting, and promote an electric vehicle infrastructure. What issue would you focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? I am running for office because we need to move away from a top down approach to governance so that we are creating empowered communities that work together to create a Vermont for all. We also need to more aggressively protect our environment, very little else matters if we do not do this first. I have been working on environmental policy since 2008 in five states, and as an elected official, I will champion legislation to support public transportation, to promote weatherization, plastics reductions, forest conservation, and to get 10 percent of Vermont’s electricity from clean, renewable, and local sources. By doing these things we can help support a vibrant clean energy economy in Vermont which will help create jobs, keep our money in the state, and help make us more energy independent with stable and reduced energy costs.
Also running: John Bartholomew; Democrat
Wesley Raney
Party: Republican Seat: Wdr-1; Hartland,West Windsor,Windsor
Bio: I attended Hartland schools as a child. My daughters attend them now. My wife is a teacher in Vermont. My mother owns a childcare center in Hartland. I support more local control of our schools. I’ve been a business owner in Hartland for the past 10 years. I know the challenges of running a business in our state. I want to hear from local businesses about what their largest obstacles are. Do you support a retail marijuana market? I see no reason why it shouldn’t be treated like alcohol or tobacco. How do you feel about raising the minimum wage? I oppose raising the minimum wage because it would increase inflation and would have an adverse effect on the working class. Where do you stand on the gun bills passed this session? Would you support more gun restrictions? I oppose S.55/Act 94. I don’t support any new firearms laws. I am a strong proponent of the second amendment and article 16 of Vermont’s constitution. What’s your position on a carbon tax? I oppose any tax increase. I support nuclear energy which has a lower carbon dioxide output than solar energy. What issue would you focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? I will vote against and move to repeal any legislation that erodes Vermonters’ liberty or their livelihood.
10B • POLITICAL
The Mountain Times • Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
DISCLAIMER All candidates for Vermont Senate and House of Representatives in districts serving Rutland and Windsor Counties were given the opportunity to respond to the same series of questions. Those that submitted responses as requested by our print deadline appear here. Others that come in after press time will be posted on our website: mountaintimes.info. The questions were meant to get at a few of the hot-button issues facing voters at the polls, Tuesday, Nov. 6. They are, by no means, a comprehensive list of important issues, nor are the candidates’ responses reflective of their entire platform.
Peter Berger:
Campaigns on issues
continued from page 4B Governing isn’t winner-take-all. Our government’s decisions and actions should represent both the slightly more than half who are the majority, and the substantial body of citizens who are at that moment the minority. No republic can survive if nearly half the population is routinely denied a share in governing.
Jim Harrison:
George Washington warned that political parties would only deepen the divide, with representatives torn between party loyalty and their better judgment. Instead we need to achieve what Jefferson called a “workable consensus” that most of us can accept, even if it leaves each of us a little dissatisfied. This requires moderation.
Runs for House
continued from page 4B 2,800 with such a large jump. Vermont cur- solution. rently has the sixth highest minimum wage How do you feel about forced school in the country. There are a number of states consolidation? with lower minimums, yet higher average Since the enactment of Act 46, voters in wages due to more economic activity. That the majority of towns have approved a net is where we need to focus our efforts. reduction of 118 school districts, largely Where do you stand on the gun bills encouraged by tax incentives. A number passed this session? Would you support of towns chose not to partake. No one likes more gun restrictions? to see forced consolidation of districts by This past session, I supported H.422 and the state. I would prefer continuation of an S.221, which allow the removal of firearms incentive based approach. However, with in cases of domestic violence and extreme statewide student enrollments down 24 risk orders. I voted against S.55 as there percent in the past 20-plus years, we need were provisions that were not workable or to continue our focus on streamlining enforceable. I did supdistrict overhead. WE NEED TO GROW port the ban on bump If left unchecked, stocks and increasing the we could face even OUR ECONOMY. WE age to 21 for rifles with more pressure CAN DO THAT BY exemptions for those with with our education hunter safety training, funding. HELPING SMALL military personnel and What issue BUSINESSES GROW. law enforcement. I do not would you focus on support new gun restrictions this coming if elected? How would you address that session. We need to focus our efforts in the issue? safety of our schools and detecting and We need to grow our economy. We treating those with mental illness. can do that by helping small businesses What’s your position on a carbon tax? grow. That could mean reviewing some I oppose a new Vermont tax on carregulations that may hinder growth and bon, which would increase costs to rural also improve marketing efforts of VerVermonters for their gasoline and heating mont products. We also need to double fuels. We need to look for other alternatives down on efforts to retain and attract more to reduce our carbon footprint without people to Vermont. It’s hard to grow the taxing ourselves out of business. We should economy if we don’t have increases in our encourage innovation with ways to recapworkforce. That includes everything from ture carbon emissions. trained professionals to skilled trades. A carbon tax is regressive and harms Vermont is a great place to live and raise a those who choose to live outside of more family. We need to promote our strengths, urban areas, like Burlington. Raising the while continuing focus on making Vercost of living in a cold, rural state is not a mont more affordable.
Butch Shaw:
Wants to serve
continued from page 4B gun regulations. What’s your position on a carbon tax? I currently do not favor a carbon tax as proposed in several bills in the last biennium. Vermont can not “go it alone” in solving this crisis. However, there is another environmental crisis happening in Vermont that we should be concerned with. We must solve the problem of excess phosphorus in the waters of the Lake Champlain Basin. Vermonters must concentrate on cleaning up our waters for future generations. We can do this, and it should be the focus of our limited state environmental dollars and will have a direct impact on Vermonters. What issue would you focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? My primary focus, should I be re-elected, will be, as it has been in the past is constituent services. I feel helping people navigate state government and addressing issues of their concern is the primary job of a State Representative. Beyond that we should direct our attention to making Vermont more affordable, grow the economy, protect the most vulnerable and clean up the waters of the state.
Proud to endorse Gina Ottoboni Dear Editor, As a former representative for Bridgewater, Killington, Mendon, and Chittenden, I am writing to support my friend and candidate Gina Ottoboni, a contributing volunteer in her home town of Chittenden, whose passion drives her toward the legislature. If you are looking for a Vermont that looks out for every citizen, Gina will give voice not only to economic development solutions (which are hard to legislate from Montpelier), but also to issues like affordable, accessible, quality childcare for the children of working
women, many of whom are the sole breadwinners for their children. Gina will work to make sure that all Vermonters have access to affordable healthcare, so that you won’t have to worry about getting well when you are sick or injured. Gina will work to keep and improve upon pathways to post-secondary education, pathways that prepare young workers for skilled jobs and for entrepreneurial opportunities that will help grow our local economy. With a background in teaching, Gina will support measures to assure
Gina Ottoboni:
Runs for local House seat
equal opportunity for all students, especially ensuring that rural schools provide opportunities that match those in more developed parts of our state. Please think of the things you care about. Write them down, and make sure you vote for the voice that will speak for all Vermonters. Gina Ottoboni is your choice to preserve and protect your rights and to improve your quality of life. She will seek justice in all corners of Vermont. I am proud to endorse Gina for the legislature. Anne Gallivan, Chittenden
continued from page 4B munities. They are locally governed because we believe that local communities know what is best for their kids. Changing demographics and rising healthcare costs for personnel have, however, driven up per pupil costs and forced us to make tough decisions. We must continue to invest in our schools, remembering that their strong reputation attracts families to Vermont and that helps sustain and grow our economy. We must address the real drivers of rising educational costs, find efficiencies where we can, and respect our long tradition of locally governed schools. What issue would you focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? I want to help move us toward a future in which all Vermonters thrive, not merely survive. Doing so means tackling a host of issues including access to affordable healthcare, dental care, childcare, college, and housing. It means creating livable wage jobs and a resilient energy sector, while protecting our environment and nurturing small businesses, family farms, and working forests. We can’t do any of these things in isolation because they are tied together— and it is there, in that nexus, that we will find our solutions, all while working within a framework of fiscal responsibility.
Alison Clarkson:
Economic development is key
continued from page 8B teenage suicide by firearm in the country. We need to make progress in these areas. To that end, I would support a measure to ensure firearms are safely stored in homes with young people under 21. What’s your position on a carbon tax? We have just experienced the hottest year on record. The United Nations has just issued a call to action on fighting climate change and reducing our use of carbon/fossil fuels. Five of Vermont’s most important businesses cannot afford a warmer world: skiing and sugaring industries, forestry, logging and wood furniture industries, and tourism. We need to explore the incentives to make a meaningful dent in our carbon consumption. Putting a price on carbon usage can unleash market forces on carbon reduction. This is a step the Legislature needs to explore carefully – and we have commissioned a study to help us do this. What issue would you focus on if elected? How would you address that issue? I hope to build on my role advocating for Windsor County as Vice-Chair of Senate Economic Development and Housing. Creating economic development tools for Vermont – so that it can build a competitive 21st century economy – is essential. We need to spread economic development more evenly throughout the state – especially to Windsor County where we have the internet and architectural infrastructure to accommodate growth. In addition, we need to strengthen our opiate prevention and treatment programs, continue to improve our workforce development programs and opportunities, and to build better programming in corrections so that people return to our communities better educated and trained – ready to work productively.
POLITICAL• 11B
The Mountain Times • Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
Submitted
Windsor candidates:
Candidates from Windsor County gather for a discussion
continued from page 1B and cleaner, more efficient vehicles. He favors a national or regional carbon tax. Wayne Townsend thinks climate change isn’t “that big an issue.” He’s against a carbon tax, although he thinks environmental protection is serious. Candidates have differing ideas about improving the economy. Townsend said relaxing Act 250 requirements would make Vermont “business friendly,” and he’s for education for the jobs that are available, particularly in the trades. He thinks wages should be market-driven. Bartholomew agrees about coordinating education with available jobs, supports a higher minimum wage and thinks immigrants could fill jobs Americans don’t want to do. He said the challenge with affordable housing is paying for it. McCormack said, “Available jobs don’t pay enough to meet the cost of living. We need to revitalize our industrial towns, expand markets for innovative agriculture, and encourage entrepreneurs.” He favors a higher minimum wage.
Alice Nitka:
Zach Ralph would raise the minimum wage to grow the economy – employees would spend more, supporting businesses, ultimately decreasing property taxes by attracting more young families. Wesley Raney opposes raising the minimum wage, and feels it will cause inflation. Clarkson likes a higher minimum wage. “Too many Vermonters have to work 2–3 jobs – which exhausts them and undermines family time and the quality of their lives.” Randy Gray supports a minimum wage tied to inflation. He believes a $15 per hour minimum wage “will further discourage new business in Vermont.” The last of the questions concerned health care. Wesley Raney thinks allowing insurance competition across state lines could help bring costs down. Alison Clarkson feels we need opiate addiction prevention and treatment programs. McCormack said, “Every other industrial nation recognizes healthcare as a basic right,” and not a privilege for those who can afford it. He supports Medicare-for-all,
but it’s a problem for a small state. Bartholomew agrees – healthcare is a right. He would support a Vermont plan, but doesn’t know how it could be funded. “A regional approach might be better.” The candidates named these political goals. Zachariah Ralph: Believes the environment is “job one.” Dick McCormack: Will introduce a bill requiring Civics in Vermont schools, to promote civil discourse among tomorrow’s voters. John Bartholomew: Passionate about climate change – individual solar installations and windmills, co-operative energy producing arrays, changing the transportation system. Wesley Raney: Would like to repeal Act 94, the firearms regulation bill. Randy Gray: Support small business with tax exemptions and reductions, and relaxed Act 250 regulations. Alison Clarkson: Will focus on economic growth, particularly in Windsor County.
Focuses on education
continued from page 8B FBI are actually being sent. What’s your position on a carbon tax? I’m not in favor of a carbon tax as depending on the amount of the tax could cause the same serious suffering the elderly, low income and middle income folks experienced during the last oil crises. They were unable to pay their heating bills or purchase the gas they needed as prices were so high. There was real suffering. What issue would you focus on if elected? All the big issues ranging from education, clean water, prescription drug costs,
climate change, housing, retraining workers, growing our workforce, transportation, the economy, juvenile justice, the wellbeing of our people and much more will be worked on in committees. The opioid crisis and our mental health system need more attention. A minor law I would like to see pass would change the allowed dropout age from school from 16 to 18 while providing alternative routes to graduation for students who feel the need to drop out. There would be exceptions for student who complete the requirements before turning18. We need these young people educated and in the workforce.
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The Mountain Times • Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2018
• 11B
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