We need to think of Vermont children as OUR children and educate them equally. We need to include everyone in health insurance and health care. We need to address issues of class and equality.

Keeping enough employment "action" in the state to hold on to young people once they graduate. Accepting and encouraging more diversity within the borders so our youth don't grow up "narrow minded".

Vermont faces a lack of job challenge and economic issues which surround the economy. The opportunities are there for stronger community connections to help all those in need.

Maintaining and growing all of the above (safety, happiness, natural beauty, freedom)

challenges are to resist submission to immoral corporate interests and decisions based on fear; opportunities include implementing pioneer and model programs for environmental sustainability and progressive social justice

I think we all like to be self-sufficient and strong, but are driven by poverty to be needy and dependent on a system that isn't really working for everyone. Someonecan do a better job raising their children on welfare than they can working and paying for health care and food themselves.?! The system encourages dependancy. People are moving here for the welfare benefits- did you know that?

challenges: poverty; racism; loss of civic experience & knowledge; phys. & emot'l violence especially in homes/schools; increased economic disparity; difficulty of going it alone (v. the strength of the fed govt & culture, the global economy). Opp'ties: every challenge can be turned into an opportunity through the strength & hard work of this "indominatable people" [Coolidge].

Challenges: maintaining a livable lifestyle for Vermonters at the middle and low income levels. It feels at times like our state is a haven for those in higher tax brackets, and that the gap between the high and low income is getting larger and larger. Opportunities: using our commitment to our communities and our environment to fix that gap.

Vermont is uniquely positioned to be innovative in the agricultural and renewable energy sectors, and most Vermonters strongly support such efforts. However political courage and leadership are often lacking on this issue! Our biggest challenge will be to remove that obstacle to opportunity.