Open fields and beautiful mountains. Freedom to chose how to live one's life. Accepting of other people who have different ideas, beliefs (generally speaking). Peace. Pride in our heritage, i.e. early ban on slavery. Education, health and healthcare.

We care about our families, the environmant, who and how we govern.

quality of life excellent education high quality accessible health care peacefulness safety

Good question. I am not sure. I am a flatlander living here for nine years. However, I do not share most of the demographics of my fellow flatlanders. I actually moved to Vermont without a trust fund or a pension. What was I thinking?

an idea of independence but no longer much clarity regarding what that means

None. There can never be common values that everyone shares. There are needs and wants that many people would like, such as roads but there are others who would say the potholes on their dirt road keep the traffic down to a good speed. If anything, summarized elsewhere: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

THE WEATHER- IT TAKES A CERTAIN MENTALITY TO PUT UP WITH IT. THE WEATHER WEEDS OUT THOSE WHO ARE WEAK MENTALLY-

A community poised on the cusp of possibilities, a citizen base that is building a 21st century culture that is rooted in Vermont values of "freedom and unity" self-sufficiency and can do and will do for ourselves first, tapping global resources when necessary, but caring for ourselves first, a model of a social/economic, environmental system that is fair, just, healthy for all.

practicality, thrift, independence, helpfulness, integrity