(It is our ongoing policy to promote serious pieces from major candidates for Vermont’s statewide offices. – promoted by JulieWaters)

Vermont is currently at a crossroads and this election will have a lasting impact on our economic future.

In order to revitalize our economy and create jobs, Vermont needs a new generation of leadership – a Governor who not only has a vision for where we can go, but also has the experience to actually deliver on the promise of creating 21st century jobs.

Yesterday, I outlined a vision for Vermont’s future that is based on lessons I have learned from my background in the public and private sectors: serving in the legislature, leading a Vermont-based technology company, transforming a 6,000 person federal enterprise, and working at a multi-national corporation.

The plan (PDF) starts by capitalizing on three of Vermont’s key assets: our authentic communities, strategic location, and unique brand. While these these factors provide a strong foundation for moving moving Vermont forward, they are not enough on their own. That’s why I introduce four concrete approaches in my plan  to make Vermont a leader in the innovation economy. These include:

• Building the infrastructure for 21st century jobs and innovation through investments in broadband Internet, cell service, and transportation networks.
• Providing the capital to allow businesses to grow through tax incentives, micro-finance programs and expanding the seed capital fund.
• Investing in education, universities and tech transfer programs to bring ideas from the classroom to the global marketplace.
• Changing the culture in Montpelier to stimulate entrepreneurship by making state government more efficient, responsive and transparent.

By combining our existing assets with the infrastructure, capital and state leadership necessary for innovation, we can make Vermont a place where entrepreneurs come to build their companies, the center of a thriving four-season tourism industry, the home to strong communities with vibrant downtowns, and a leader in next-generation jobs in industries like renewable energy and software platforms.

However, putting together a vision for economic development and job creation is not something done by one person. I presented this plan to business leaders yesterday, not only to to share my ideas but also to get their thoughts and feedback about my proposals. Over the coming days I will be holding meetings with other business leaders around the state to introduce my ideas in person and to hear their suggestions.

And that is why I want your input as well. You can read the plan and leave a comment with your thoughts, feedback or other ways in which we can move Vermont into a new era.

Vermont needs a new generation of leadership with the ideas, energy and experience to actually deliver on job creation and making Vermont a vibrant, innovative, 21st century state. I encourage you to read our plan and join our campaign to move Vermont forward.