Two weeks ago, I gave a house party for Peter Shumlin, the gubernatorial candidate I believe will best guide Vermont through the tough times ahead. At the same time, I also committed to contribute $100 as one of the 1,000 Vermonters to say yes, we will support and contribute to whichever candidate wins the August 24 primary. There are five main reasons I support Peter Shumlin for Governor:
1. Peter’s position on marriage equality. As a Justice of the Peace, I experienced firsthand that civil unions were separate and unequal. I admire Peter’s willingness to risk by fighting for landmark marriage equality legislation.
2. Peter’s position on the need for early childhood education. Peter is dyslexic, my son is dyslexic, and as a teacher for seven years, I specialized in remediation for dyslexic students. Peter understands the need for early childhood intervention in education. Simply put, altering the course of a young life is easier than changing behaviors after someone becomes a teen or an adult.
3. Peter’s position on Vermont Yankee. Behind the scenes and in the media, the Douglas/O’Brien team tried hard to thwart the Public Oversight Panel’s review of VY. Peter fought hard behind the scenes to ensure that the legislative intent of Act 189 was met and that the Public Oversight Panel’s report was not emasculated.
4. Peter works to move the legislative agenda by bringing diverse parties to the table. This may not produce perfect legislation, but it ends legislative gridlock so common around the US.
5. Peter is a successful Vermont business owner. I want a governor who knows how to create jobs in Vermont, grow businesses, and invests his own money in other Vermont businesses.
While the field of Democrats vying for Governor is the strongest in years, and all of them are well qualified, I believe Peter Shumlin has what Vermont needs in the tough times we face now.
Shumlin finished his final gubernatorial forum tonight, saying (paraphrased), “Forget the popularity contest. Forget who asked you first or second or fifth. Forget who has the most money or made the most promises. Vote for the candidate you believe can beat Brian Dubie and return our state to a Democratic future. I believe I am that candidate, and I’m asking for your vote.”
He also said that every one of the four of them who didn’t win on Tuesday would be out there working to get the state back for Democrats.
I like Shumlin as a candidate; but I’ve made a different choice as my preferred governor.
NanuqFC
Vote early, vote often; it’s the Chicago way. ~ overheard at a gubernatorial forum in St. Albans
For the last couple of years, through all our budget problems, Peter’s been saying we have no more taxing capacity. I think that’s objectively not true: the rich have done quite well, and I think we clearly do have taxing capacity in the areas of capital gains, a Snelling surcharge, and probably other areas.
I’m concerned that proceeding from the assumption that there is no way to increase revenues will lead to bad, counterproductive (or counterprogressive) choices.
Your thoughts?