My Priorities
Inclusive Processes
At all levels, the Government is supposed to serve the people. In my various local government roles, I’ve consistently and effectively made a practice to reach out directly to people who would be most directly impacted by actions to make sure that they are included in the decision making process. There are times when an immediate action is necessary for safety, but even then the follow-up can be inclusive.
Inclusive processes are more complete, more complicated, often more lengthy, and ultimately worth the extra effort because they are more fair and result in better, longer lasting solutions. Not only is the specific program or project improved, but the relationship-strengthening makes future collaboration possible and more effective.
Here’s an example: The City of Winooski established a “COVID huddle” which brought together representatives of new American communities with State Department of Health staff (and others) to respond to an early outbreak of COVID. After initially assembling for that emergency purpose, the group continued as part of their overall and ongoing COVID response. I participated in these weekly meetings after the process had become well established and I saw how comfortably and effectively the various parties were sharing responsibility for keeping their community safe. The members of the huddle are now discussing how they will keep the work going post-COVID to address broader community needs.
Climate Change
I support implementation of the State’s Climate Action Plan and will support legislation that increases the likelihood of achieving its goals.
The plan includes action to directly reduce greenhouse emissions as well as strategies to prevent conditions that would lead to increased emissions in the future. Many of the strategies for individuals to reduce greenhouse gas focus on implementing newer technologies, such as cold weather heat pumps instead of oil heat and electric vehicles in place of combustion engine vehicles. Because these are expensive and long-lasting systems, the focus is on incentives for when the vehicle or system needs to be replaced. Most of the new technologies also save Vermonters money, for example charging an EV is equivalent to paying $1.50/gallon for gas.
I have long supported:
Walkable and Bikeable Communities which reduce the use of cars, increase health and community connections, and are desirable communities for young people looking to relocate.
Additional AMTRAK service, such as the new Ethan Allen service to Burlington, and the planned resumption of the Montrealer, to reduce auto trips, promote tourism, and attract new residents.
Better public transit service that connects people to work, schools, shopping, training centers, and train service.
Investment in housing in Village Centers and Designated Downtowns to reduce sprawl and asphalt, foster public transit, and increase our sense of community.
These strategies increase both environmental sustainability and equitable economic development.
Personally, I drive a plug-in hybrid, live in a walkable community to reduce my driving, travel by train, and shop locally to reduce emissions from truck transport.
Click here to view the Energy Action Network’s Annual Progress Report for Vermont.
Childcare & Parental Leave
The evidence is clear that the first five years of life are critical to the development of the human brain. Investing in children’s early years is an investment in our future. Children need to be protected and nurtured, and this is especially important after the isolation of the past two years due to COVID.
I know from my own experience how valuable the time I invested in my children was both for me and for them. I was privileged to be able to stay home with them when they were young. Every parent deserves that option. I will support generous parental leave policies to make this possible.
For those who choose to enroll their children in childcare and early education programs, we must ensure that these services are affordable and that the people who staff them are fairly compensated for performing such essential work. This will require public subsidy of early childhood programs and I will support that funding. Waiting until age 5 to fully fund public education misses the opportunity to invest in our communities and families by supporting children’s healthy development during their all-important first few years.
Housing
Safe and affordable housing is a fundamental need for us as individuals, as families, and as a community.
Vermont’s current housing crisis is complicated, impacted by smaller family sizes, fewer new homes being built, a shortage of contractors, electricians, and plumbers, older homes needing updating, vacation rentals, and an influx of buyers, both individual and corporate. Cities and Towns can, and some have, changed zoning regulations to encourage more housing for all income levels. Brattleboro’s new zoning code along Putney Road encourages mixed use redevelopment, which includes housing. Winooski’s form-based code has resulted in a significant increase in housing built in the past five years.
The Legislature is working on channeling significant federal funding into housing on multiple fronts. I will support maintaining a sustained State commitment to increasing housing stock and fair housing options. This is not just a matter of basic human dignity, it also makes good economic sense at the intersection of workforce development and economic development.
Equitable Economic Development
Equitable economic development benefits the community at large and does not unfairly impact traditionally marginalized populations. WIndham County towns are working with the local economic development agency as part of a Welcoming Communities project to help employers attract, retain, and support BIPOC Vermonters as well as new Americans.
I also support economic development efforts that increase direct connections between high school students and potential local employers.
Changes being considered to regulations, such as Act 250, are intended to encourage development. To ensure that any changes result in equitable and sustainable economic development, as opposed to unfettered sprawl, the public interest needs to be carefully calibrated. My service in Jupiter, Florida, provided valuable experience with writing regulations that balanced the interests of developers, the community, and the environment.
Sustainable Transportation
Everyone deserves safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation.
Transportation is responsible for 40% of the total greenhouse gasses produced in Vermont and also a significant part of the typical household budget. Reducing transportation costs frees up money for other needs.
The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that Electric Vehicles (EVs), on average, can save rural Vermont drivers over $1,500 a year compared to gas vehicles. Charging an EV costs about the equivalent of $1.50 a gallon in Vermont. (2021 Report of the VT Climate Action Plan) We should increase EV incentives and encourage non-automobile transportation.
Walking and biking improve health and social connections. People want to live in walkable communities, so there’s also an economic development benefit to ensuring that our streets, sidewalks, and off-road paths are safe and accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists.
I support public transportation because good transit solves real problems and creates real opportunities. Public transportation checks all the boxes: sustainability and climate change, affordable housing, access to education, access to jobs, social connections, and health. Since moving to Vermont, I’ve seen how the compact development pattern works well for main service areas with the rural areas served differently. The State is experimenting with Uber-type public transit programs, which may work well in the more urban areas.