1. not too-far-gone already in terms of sprawl -- we can still be smart about it 2. excellent access to, and infrastructure for, outdoor recreation 3. very good attitude towards community 4. excellent attitude towards preservation of small towns 4. excellent natural beauty

1. realize importance of natural beauty 2. realize importance of small towns (and community spirit that goes with them) 3. generally development is NOT the only answer

1. provide better health care. 2. provide better incentives for Vermont youth to STAY in Vermont 3. provide more incentives for renewable energy. 4. provide more public transit. Put a commuter train along the midway of I-89. State gov't should incentivize it -- for builders and for commuters.

1. Reduce carbon emissions. Incentivize energy conservation and renewable energy. Wind power and solar energy. 2. affordable universal health care. 3. more public transit. 4. clustered-pattern development for new subdivisions.

1. better public transport inter-city. 2. bike and pedestrian ways along major roads. E.g. Paine turnpike. (similar to Plattsburgh main road). battery-powered bicycle rickshaws for up/down hill; hire students to drive them. could be XC ski in winter also.

Vermont means a place where my values are the same as those people around me ... ecological stewardship, community spirit, respect for basic rights and freedoms. And a slower way of life with the conveniences of urban areas nearby.

Ecological stewardship -- to some that means abstaining from development; to others, development done responsibly. Community Spirit -- valuing your neighbors and your community. Respect for basic rights and freedoms -- everyone feels passionately about this subject, but yet there are wide interpretations about what this means.

Maintaining a rural feel while keeping up with the rest of the nation technologically. Sourcing renewable energy that everyone can agree on. Affordable post-secondary education.

Energy and education. We need to find a clean, affordable way to power our homes, business, and transportation. Additionally, education funding is too complicated for PreK-12 students, and too expensive for college students.

Milton is notoriously tight on its school budgets, we're going for our third vote this month. Sometimes it's more a battle of egos than real dollars. But when push comes to shove, we pull together as a town. We support our local farmers, and have a small (but growing) farmer's market. And the town does support free rec paths, parks and natural areas.

A beautiful place to live mostly unspoiled by suburban sprawl, big box stores and malls. A citizenry more committed to community and a sense that we're in this together, while respecting individuality, than the rest of the U.S.

A citizenry committed to community and a sense that we're in this together, while respecting individuality. Work ethic.

The rise of a U.S. culture that "you're on your own," that there's no such thing as community, just individuals and their families. Rising inequality. The impact of neo-liberal economics and neo-liberal gloabalization undermining local self-sufficiency and a sustainable Vermont economy.

Rebuilding social infrastructure: making local democracy more powerful, e.g. town meetings making quality health care a human right livable wages and viable local businesses affordable public higher education and job training

making local democracy more powerful, e.g. town meetings local energy self-sufficiency

Vermont is a special place. It means freedom, tolerance, consideration for neighbors, care for children and stewardship of the land and natural resources.

respect for diverse opinions and ways of life, contributing to society, open dialogue.

take forfront in progressive evironmental programs, clean energy and organic farming. increase clean industries such as health-care, education, human services.

healthy lifestyles/healthy environment

Montpelier is in process of evaluating how best to preserve the special qualities of the city while expanding economic and housing opportunities.

Though it's rapidly changing, it's rural dairy country like where I grew up (which is gone), small towns, neighboring farms, knowing our neighbors and most townspeople, good local racetracks. Town meetings are essential.

Challenges: keeping rapid changes in check:development, esp. on our mountains; low service wages (tourism); lack of public transit,increasing heat. Opportunities: current use; income sensitivity for taxes; tech.ed. for good trades jobs,always needed & well paid.

Individual responsibility for climate-change needs; massive public education re invasives which are devastating our natural habitats; buy USA/VT for jobs; shop locally, keep profits in our towns, not in huge corporations.

I've always lived in mountains, farmlands, mostly changed now. People stay here because they love mtns/views, then build houses high in mtns., clear trees for views, and we have to look at them. Strict,far from ridgeline/building limits essential.

Independent, industrious, frugal, agricultural, environmentally aware, proactive and cautious.

Community, self reliance and determination.

Energy, diversity, job growth and opportunities. Safe, local, reliable food water source.

Increase opportunities for small business. Energy efficiencies and independence. Health care for all Vermonters - focus on wellness - preventative care incentives.

The old north end of Burlington - we need job opportunities, job training and education to obtain jobs that pay a livable wage. We need education about life style choices that affect our health. Energy efficiency to reduce living expenses.

A chance to live a good life, among other independent-minded people who are willing to cooperate when the going gets tough. Vermont represents the opportunity for responsible stewardship of natural resources, creative problem solving, and progress toward a future that benefits current residents and preserves a world worth handing to our children.

Concern for an appreciation of Vermont's natural resources; frugality and independent-mindedness; the ability to pull together; willingness to bicker with your neighbors and then sit down together afterwards to a bowl of hot chili (town meeting; social capital).

Energy prices will continue to rise as demand outstrips supply, pressuring the economy, impacting jobs, resulting in continued price rises in food and other necessities. Opportunity lies within the crisis itself: relocalize, revitalize our communities, and develop resilience by doing so.

Invest in locally generated and distributed energy and energy efficiency/conservation. Decentralize jobs; revitalize communities. Fully fund public transportation. Increase sustainable agriculture. Implement universal health care.

Essex: fully preserve and utilize agricultural land for agricultural purposes. Develop transit-oriented design, taking advantage of link to CCTA, rail, carpool options (there is no park and ride in Essex to date), and biking for commuters. Develop local job market. MUCH more could and should be done to encourage sustainability.

Vermont means clean air, friendly neighbors, safety, environmental awareness. Vermont is a place that visitors escape to, and residents are happy to come home to. It means care - for each other, for the land, for our civil liberties, human rights and social justice. That is the ideal, though we have some work to do.

Most folks value family, and work hard to provide for those families; taking care of the environment, of conserving and recycling. Most Vermonters support their community by supporting neighbors, rather than sitting on boards and councils. I hope this project finds a way to reach those neigborhood heroes, because they are the heart and soul of this state.

Challenges: Affordable housing for working families. Family violence Employment Transportation Health Care/Insurance Transitioning youth to adulthood successfully Economic disparity/inequality; social classes Opportunities: We need to bring all people to the table; this project is a great start, but it will be important to note whose voices are missing as well as whose are heard.

People need to feel safe, warm, cared for. They need to feel self-worth. If we empower families, recognize individuals' value, and work together to find genuine ways for each to contribute to solutions, our systems will be stronger, and our communities will thrive.

I have wonderful neighbors in Hardwick, but I know that there is pain there, as well. Finding ways to bring people together in a non-threatening and purposeful way will help. I wonder if this can be done almost by neighborhood. As far as priorities: for the short term, we have got to find a way to pool resources to make sure people are fed and warm this winter.

Vermont means home to me. I have only lived away from here for 7 years of my life and never intend to leave again. When I was very young growing up on a dairy farm in Weybridge, Vermont meant community, family & cooperation to me. There was safety & security in knowing your neighbors and sharing a common caring for the community & state we lived long side each other in.

I am not sure that Vermonters these days share many common values anymore. However, I think if Vermont is going to weather the current challenges it faces, Vermonters must come to share the common values that are defined in our state constitution and accept a lot more personal responsibility and tolerance& respect for the inherent rights of others.

Much of Vermont's challenges stem from our state's dependence upon federal funds & acceptance of federal mandates, even when neither is in the best interest of Vermont and it's people. We must maximize the many opportunities we can create to become a more self sufficient state, provide more jobs and opportunities for Vermonters.

To provide the means for Vermont to become self sufficient in as many areas as possible. Vermonters can do it, if we all come together...not just a few elite Vermonters, as has been, but all Vermonters, as it should be.

I see many communities suffer from lack of citizen involvement. Many small, rural communities such as Lowell are plague by generations of the same families holding the power within the town. Many wish to get "new blood" in, but because there are several generations related to these individuals, it is nearly impossible to do so.

Progressive thinking people. Rural living. Smallness.

An energy challenged future. An opportunity to relocalize.

Working toward a more energy efficient, sustainable life style.

Our challenges will be more successfully addressed in our local communities.