(Continuing the policy of promoting diaries from officeholders and officeseekers – promoted by odum)
Thanks to those of you who attended my Campaign Kickoff Party. Over 250 people at 10 different locations across the state joined me as I shared my vision to restore hope and opportunity to all Vermonters. I was in Winooski, and we were able to live-stream my kickoff speech to the other nine locations, so that everyone around the state had a chance to listen. I am committed to a real Vermont grassroots campaign, and this party was just the first step in what will be an effective field operation.
It’s really exciting for me to see this kind of interest and enthusiasm this early in the campaign. You can watch the video of my speech and see some photos from the various parties at my website: http://dougracine.com/
I’m in this race for you – for all of you – because I believe we have to stand together and make sure that each of us has health care, and each of us has a chance to get a good education, and all of our children have a chance to do better than we did. I am convinced that we can work across party lines with Progressives, Independents – and even Republicans – to find common ground and move Vermont forward.
I hope you’ll check out my website – I’ve been adding to it, including a position piece on ATVs (per your request) here: http://dougracine.com/news/dou…
You might also want to check out the “On the Road” section in the “Newsroom.” This section allows you to see what I’m up to on the campaign trail. You can also get involved in the campaign through the website – by signing up for email alerts or to volunteer. The Newsroom also has links to recent articles and some videos of recent events.
Your response is measured and articulate; however, I have to respectfully disagree that gas-powered recreational vehicles could ever be considered appropriate for use on our reserved public lands. Even if not one of the 35,000 potential users ever dropped so much as a pull-tab in the forest, the potential environmental impact from exhaust and noise would be much more than just “significant.” You point to the VAST trail use as an example of successful integration of recreational motor-vehicle use on public lands, but I think a great many people would disagree that this program has been successful from an environmental stand-point. Certainly, anyone who has attempted a quiet walk in the woods only to have a fleet of snow-machines overtake them, would beg to differ.
I am also concerned that there would be no effective enforcement mechanism, with meaningful consequences, in place; nor is there likely to be adequate funding for follow-up reviews. I do not believe “self-monitoring” would be sufficiently stringent.
Thanks, Doug, for posting here and sharing your thoughts and goals with us.
What a great place for a dialogue!
Good to talk with you last night at the Taste of Montpelier.
Linda
Your grassroots effort is wonderful! Last weekend I was at the Chester party to celebrate your campaign for Governor. This weekend I received a letter (in the mail!!) from a friend who is supporting you. The author of the letter was articulate and his message of support was personal. In this age of technical campaigning (which is truly amazing!), it’s nice to see this kind of grassroots support. Neighbor to neighbor. Just can’t beat it! Nice work, Doug!