Balance Point

A statewide discussion among Vermonters about the environment and the economy has shown that the quality of the environment — the rural landscape of woods, farms, lakes, rivers — is a value deeply embedded in the identity and hopes of Vermonters. Simultaneously, Vermonters remain worried about economic prospects, particularly during a recession, and the opportunities that may or may not be available for jobs and housing.

...The council suggested that Vermonters may most usefully aspire to a balance point between our competing values. And we can find that balance point only through vigorous, open, continuing discussion. Those discussions take place in a variety of venues — on civic boards and in state government; on newspapers' op-ed pages; in every discussion that occurs over a cup of coffee at the local diner...