LT. GOV. CANDIDATE NATE FREEMAN ANNOUNCES

ECONOMIC PLAN TO CREATE NEW JOBS AND BUSINESSES

Northfield, VT – Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor Nate Freeman today announced an economic plan that tackles the critical need for new jobs and businesses in the state.

“For those who are out of work, struggling to get by or nervous about their own job security, it is painfully obvious that our state isn’t creating enough new jobs and businesses,” said Freeman, who is vying for the Democratic nomination in Sept. 9^th primary election.  “As Lt. Governor I will actively seek to inspire a new wave of entrepreneurs and start-up companies.  Just as Ben & Jerry's, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Burton Snowboards and others emerged from their humble beginnings 25 years ago, I believe that we can again become a place where people create companies that support our way of life in Vermont.”

Freeman, a small business owner from Northfield, called on current Lt. Governor Brian Dubie to…

Freeman, a small business owner from Northfield, called on current Lt. Governor Brian Dubie touse his office to take a more proactive role in helping Vermonters in this tough economy.

“When so many Vermonters are hurting the way they are now, we need leaders who will stand up and fight for them,” said Freeman.  “I haven’t seen Brian Dubie do that at all.  Where has he and the rest of the Jim Douglas administration been on this issue?”

For his part, Freeman proposes to create jobs and new businesses by:

1. Fully funding and supporting Community Capital of Vermont, a non-profit that provides capital and business development services to Vermont start-up companies.  The organization’s programs, such as the Vermont Job Start Program, help entrepreneurs start and grow the companies that create the kinds of jobs that are badly need in the state.    
   
2. Initiate a matching grants research program that will enable Vermont’s university researchers and students to work side-by-side with the state’s technology companies to develop new cutting-edge technologies.  This applied research will make Vermont businesses and their products more competitive, while introducing Vermont’s top students to local companies, increasing the odds that the students will get in-state jobs when they graduate.  The state’s in-kind and monetary contribution would be matched by the participating companies, providing a big return on the state’s investment.
3. Review why the Vermont Economic Development Authority failed to produce results with the formation of Vermont Capital Partners in 2004.  Vermont’s $2 million investment in this for-profit venture was supposed to result in another $23 million in seed funding for Vermont companies.  That didn’t happen and only two companies received seed funding, one of which now lists its home as Texas. 

“I believe that Vermont’s creative and hard-working people can once again become a national leader in developing high growth, socially responsible businesses,” said Freeman.  “Let’s not forget how creative and determined we Vermonters can be.”
 
For more information about Nate Freeman’s campaign for Lt. Governor, visit www.NateFreeman.com.

Freeman, a small business owner from Northfield, called on current Lt. Governor Brian Dubie touse his office to take a more proactive role in helping Vermonters in this tough economy.

“When so many Vermonters are hurting the way they are now, we need leaders who will stand up and fight for them,” said Freeman.  “I haven’t seen Brian Dubie do that at all.  Where has he and the rest of the Jim Douglas administration been on this issue?”

For his part, Freeman proposes to create jobs and new businesses by:

1. Fully funding and supporting Community Capital of Vermont, a non-profit that provides capital and business development services to Vermont start-up companies.  The organization’s programs, such as the Vermont Job Start Program, help entrepreneurs start and grow the companies that create the kinds of jobs that are badly need in the state.    
   
2. Initiate a matching grants research program that will enable Vermont’s university researchers and students to work side-by-side with the state’s technology companies to develop new cutting-edge technologies.  This applied research will make Vermont businesses and their products more competitive, while introducing Vermont’s top students to local companies, increasing the odds that the students will get in-state jobs when they graduate.  The state’s in-kind and monetary contribution would be matched by the participating companies, providing a big return on the state’s investment.
3. Review why the Vermont Economic Development Authority failed to produce results with the formation of Vermont Capital Partners in 2004.  Vermont’s $2 million investment in this for-profit venture was supposed to result in another $23 million in seed funding for Vermont companies.  That didn’t happen and only two companies received seed funding, one of which now lists its home as Texas. 

“I believe that Vermont’s creative and hard-working people can once again become a national leader in developing high growth, socially responsible businesses,” said Freeman.  “Let’s not forget how creative and determined we Vermonters can be.”
 
For more information about Nate Freeman’s campaign for Lt. Governor, visit www.NateFreeman.com.

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With apologies to Hillary Clinton on this night of unity.

One of Odum's videos describes the subject of condom distribution, and of course it deserves some kind of response, both fun and critical.

On the fun side, I'd like to go back to my earlier comment that Republican's long-term political strategy seems to be to make more babies than Democrats and then teach their kids their despicable ways.  Political Darwinism at it's finest.  Democrats and liberals need to counter this with one of two tactics.  First, we can match baby for baby in the same way the US and Soviet Union matched nuclear warhead for nuclear warhead.  Second, we can surround the Republican convention as well as other national, state, and local events with a ring of condom distributors.

On the critical side, too many of these videos are bringing little information about the convention itself and too much Vermont-focused or self-focused gossip.  

Hey, it's cool.  But show us something we can't see at home.  Interviews with Leahy, Kunin or one's own self are fun and all, but it can also come off as pictures from the family vacation.

That being said, it also looks like some organizers or Dem hierarchy folk may be limiting what you can actually point your cameras at.  It seems a bit ironic given the veneer of openness.  Although a well-intentioned video might become campaign fodder for McCain et all.

Keep up the good work, crew.

Nate

Since the conversation about the tragedy in Randolph focused almost exclusively on after-the-fact penalties,  I am personally very grateful for the immediate response by Grand Isle Sherrif's Office and the Northwest Unit for Special Investigations. Their response is a perfect example of prevention from the law enforcement side. Without knowing details, my guess is that parents were also key players in prevention.

The unfortunate direction of after-the-tragedy penalties as the primary response to sexual predators is not only ineffective, it demonstrated Brian Dubie's and Jim Douglas' inadequate understanding of best practices used – or should be used – in the role of parents and law enforcement. Vermont's Special Investigations Units need to funded in a manner that will allow them to continue the good work of rescuing children before they become victims.

The article is below the fold and kudos to the Times Argus for reporting this event. But as you read the article, please keep in mind that the highest proportion of sexual tragedies occur by trusted members of the community and far too often by members of extended families and persons in the family home.

Nate Freeman

Recent tragedies from the Bennett case to yesterday's news about the alleged murder of a women in Wells by her 14 year-old son has revealed the unthinkable reality of what is legally called, “Domestic Violence.”  In the wake of these events I have been considering the reference, abbreviated “DV,” as almost a trite euphemism which over time has lost meaning.  If memory serves, the phrase, “Domestic Violence,” became the legal definition of what we used to call wife beating or spousal abuse.  My sense is that the “Domestic Violence” became the legal phrase in part because it suggests that violence in the household includes what we used to call “Child Abuse” as well as violence between non-married couples.

But the recent tragedies reveal a stark reality that deserves a more stark legal reference.  It may be that what I am about to suggest is a subset of “Domestic Violence,” but at this time it may be worth consideration as a policy level reference in Vermont's criminal, civil and family courts.

Below the fold I propose a new legal definition of these unthinkable crimes.

“Family Rape and Violence”

The reality of rape and violence in both nuclear, extended and step family is something is uncomfortable to consider.  Too often when rape occurs the inter-family response is self-blinding denial.  Too often the conversation only rises to the leve of, “We don't talk about it.” 

Family rape and violence is rarely exposed.  Shame is severe; parental denial is rampant; older sibling authority demands secrecy; pre-teen and teen judgement remains in formative, impressionable stage of development.   

The number of 911 calls and court dockets in Vermont court systems represent only the tip of the iceberg of what can best be described as part of a tragic human epidemic.  Vermont is not alone in this global phenomenon, yet as a sometimes leading state in public policy, we have an opportunity to raise the bar in how we address the issue and call family rape and violence by its real name.  Rape.  Beating.  Murder.

The problem with the the current legal definition, “Domestic Violence,” derives from its common definitions.  Looking up the word “domestic” in standard dictionaries does not convey any sense of rape or violence.   

In closing, the definition of “domestic” from the online Princeton dictionary:

Ok, Vermont wine will never match the iconic mystique of Vermont maple syrup, but if we're talking about economic impact, we definitely have a contender here.

On a return trip from Middlebury the other day I stopped by Lincoln Peak Vineyard for a tour of the grape vines and two bottles of their finest as a gift for my new business partner and best friend.  Having just learned about the growth of vineyards in Vermont, I have been planning a campaign stop to talk about cold climate grapes as an emerging agricultural crop.  Lincoln Peak currently offers the largest crop of the Marquette variety of grape here in the State.

But alas, Jane Lindholm scooped me with a story on Vermont grapes two days ago.  That being said, there remains plenty of discussion surrounding the start-up costs for wine producers, liquor control regulations, the revenue per acre for this type of agriculture, and the potential growth of tourism.

Lincoln Peak's Cove Road is pictured above.  It's a nice dry red for only $15/bottle.  Not a bad price if you're a one, maybe two glass person,  especially considering it's locally produced. 

Nate Freeman

www.NateFreeman.com

Freeman at Midnight Madness

Small Business Ownership Key to Vermont's Economy

BENNINGTON —

Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Nate Freeman of Northfield, traveled to Bennington's 17^th annual Midnight Madness. Freeman was there both to hear the questions and concerns of Vermonters and to take in the social and shopping experiences.

As a Vermonter, Freeman has visited Bennington on prior occasions, however this was his first time shopping in the downtown with his family.

“Amara and Lydia found several favorite spots, with multiple visits to The Chocolate Shoppe and Evans General Store. As a business owner myself, I appreciate the hard work and great customer service that small business owners here in Vermont offer their customers every day. I also share with them an understanding of how taxes, insurance, and the state's economy impact success.”

Freeman shared with people he spoke to about the importance of small businesses in Vermont's economy.

“Twenty-five years ago Vermont was in a recession and yet a whole crop of new businesses emerged and became extremely successful businesses. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Ben & Jerry's, and Hubbarton Forge were among a whole host of companies offering new products which are now offered nationally and internationally. We are now at a time when Vermont needs a new crop of entrepreneurs to assume the risk of starting new small businesses so that our cities from Bennington to Newport can thrive, grow, and create new jobs.

Pictures of people, music, and some fine shops in Bennington below the fold.

Start-up ventures offer promise for long-term economic growth

From Pictures

There's been differences of opinion, particularly between Steve and Doug, on the effectiveness of financial incentives for companies considering a relocation to Vermont.  Vermont was in competition with Michigan, a state offering a larger tax incentive package.

Utility Risk Management will be relocating to Vermont, not only in consideration of $140,000 in incentives, but because of the strong work ethic and talented work force.  What was unsaid in the Free Press article is that Vermont is the national leader in providing risk management services in respect to captive insurance.  Utility Risk Management will enjoyr a considerable amount of professional expertise and a work force segment with plenty of experience and national connections in this field. 

The company will be growing from a staff of 4 to about 20.  Two of the four declined to relocate, so the projected number of new jobs will be even more significant.  Risk management companies pay well and are an example of “clean” business.

Are tax incentives effective in order to recruit new business?  In my opinion, the answer isn't “Yay” or “Nay.”  Each business has its own needs and deserves an individual assesment of what kind of incentive package it can be offered. 

My view is that Vermont needs to focus on the recruitment of entrepreneurs and small businesses that offer the most significant opportunity for growth.  We need to use any and all recruitment tools in an effective, efficient, and cost-conscious manner in order to attract the best and brightest business people and professionals.  

Recruiting new businesses should be viewed in the same way investors build their investment portfolio.  Don't put all of your eggs in one basket.  Diversify.  Consider overall risk from the “portfolio” of new business “picks” and potential picks. Balance the need for growth against the current and projected future of the economy.

The “Good” vs. “Bad” conversation doesn't get us too far when it comes to policy, including economic development policy.

Nate Freeman

www.NateFreeman.com