SMART growth . . . but grow. the current population #'s cannot sustain the roads, birdges, schools etc. without going bust. we need to stop giving away everything to the "poor" and put them to work.

The tax rate continues to rise, as do gas prices. Promotion of careful spending and alternative transportation. Ensuring the return of affordable living and better health choices. I'm very proud of Burlington for not having a McDonald's anymore.

Here in the Northeast Kingdom alcohol and drug addiction are rampant. A state liquor inspector once told me that the NEK consumes almost as much alcohol as the entire rest of the state. This is very concerning. Also the lack of jobs and depressed wages and benefits.

The chalenge that Vermonters face is low-income housing.

Our cities are starting to get larger and look like what citizens from other states would call 'real' cities. Citizens from other states are starting to buy land and build houses in Vermont because it seems untouched by urban life. The more 'outsiders' that come to Vermont, the more urban Vermont becomes.

Challenges:Being able to offer a future to our young people here in Vermont without giving our state over to the growth and sprawl. Opportunities: being an environmental leader once again in developing alternative energy, growing more of our own great local food, being a beacon to the country as a way of life that is not about having more things, but about sharing what we have.

who they are going to fleece next once all the natives are priced out

We have a definite opportunity to remain a very progressive stte in many ways, including but not limited to wind and solar energy. Idisagree with developers who insist that wind turbine towers need to be 400 feet high. There is a tower on the Danville School property that is definitely NOT 400 feet high. I have also seen a portable tower on a sailboat. Needless to say it was NOT 400 feet high.

Challenges: The decline, or too high a price, of fossil fuels Alternative transportation Caring for an aging population Enough meaningful work for everyone An ever more diverse population Opportunities: All of the above! Plus, new state leadership with vision!