Burlington
Age (if entered):
24
What does Vermont mean to you?
Returning here after living in Arizona for ten years gave me a sense of how valuable real Vermont honesty, trust, and freedom are. Vermont means community and life. It also means the health of nature, which needs to be respected.
What common values do Vermonters share?
As I've seen it, this really depends on the Vermonters. The most common values have been the need for freedom, sustainable/affordable living, and the availability of healthly choices.
What challenges and opportunities do we see for our communities and state?
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.
What should our priorities be as we work together to prepare Vermont for the future?
As always, housing and gas prices, that continue to rise. Also, balancing Lake Champlain, and all water areas. We need these areas for the balance of nature and for recreational uses.
How do your thoughts about Vermont's values, future challenges and priority issues apply to YOUR community?
I'm graduating college soon and will be living in the general community again. I think the only way to make changes happen is to create that change. If people understand what needs to happen and why, I believe they can change.
