I’ll admit it, and Jack or mataliandy or Ed may disagree, but as a working class sort, this Vermont gas tax proposal makes me crazy. As I watch the price go back up over $3.00 a gallon, I try to imagine the Dem caucus conversations where they decided this was a good idea, here in the most rural state in the nation, and I just don’t see it.

But just as my own team has me pulling my hair out, along comes dependable Jim Barnett to pull the heat right onto himself.

Republicans, seeking to capitalize on Democrats’ support of a gasoline tax increase, launched an automated telephone campaign late last week against supporters of the proposal.

Robocalls! Robocalls! Ohhhh people just looooove those.

I may not understand what the Dem caucus is thinking, but I find Barnett even more mysterious. Sometimes it seems he’s sitting around dreaming up ways to make himself and the GOP look tackier while patting himself on the back. Weird… he’s like Vermont’s political Simon Bar Sinister

There was a time when I considered using robocalls in such a manner in my county when I was the Dem County Chair. Then I sobered up. Think I’m being unfair?

As of the end of the day, Democratic Party officials had received no phone calls and just one e-mail, which executive director Jon Copans said was supportive

Now how many annoyed phone calls do you think GOP HQ has received? Betcha it’s more than zero…

(GMD continues to look like Vermont’s own Daily Kos — the newest similarity is the appearence of a high-profile candidate reaching out to the blogging community. Our welcome to Sen. Dunne, and to any other candidates who might like to try their hand engaging with such an unpredictable crowd! – promoted by odum)

The Rutland Herald published my op/ed on Thursday, April 13:

Free Speech for State Employees:
Gag Orders are not the Vermont Way
By Senator Matt Dunne
April 11, 2006

During my years as a legislator, I have always counted on the willingness of Vermonters to share opinions and ideas with me. At town meeting, on the phone, in person, and now over email, my constituents always help me make better decisions with their input.

The free flow of information and opinion is one of the best things about our state government, something that gives Vermonters particular pride. They know how rare it is in this modern world to have government remain so close to the people.

Over the last few weeks, however, I’ve heard disturbing reports that suggest this flow of ideas and information might be in jeopardy. For the first time in Vermont, many state employees must now formally get permission from their supervisor before talking to their elected officials. Read more…