Halifax

Vermont means: "The Green Mountain" State... literally. And that is what it means to me. I love that even our license plates are green! When I think of my Vermont home, I think of the natural environment first. When I am asked what state I am from, I am always proud to say "Vermont". This is a free thinking state, and I am grateful to live here.

I think we value the environment and all it has to offer, we also value organic agriculture and the independent farmer, craftsmanship and artistry, and the US Constitution, among other things. These things were my first, most spontaneous thoughts.

I see a need to protect what we have here: a national treasure. I have witnessed urban sprawl and social decline in other parts of our country, and how they impact the environment: both the broader natural environment and the specific habitat of humanity. Finding a way to keep life affordable and to help Vermonter's thrive economically is very important to the long term future of this state.

Education. Not just in schools, but education as a life long pursuit. Environment. Our natural beauty and organic farms are two of the biggest assets we have. Economics. We must do what we can to foster the growth of small business and livable wages for Vermont Citizens. We must find new and creative ways to consolidate services and reduce the burden of taxes here in this state.

I am concerned about ill-considered development, and the costs of home ownership/living in Vermont. I am extremely concerned about economic conditions deteriorating in Vermont, and how the costs of heating and transportation will impact lower income families living on the edge of poverty, (and poverty gives rise to social and spiritual decline)