Dorset
What does Vermont mean to you?:
A safe and undisturbed place. A great place to be born, grow up, and raise a family. Where we are forced to deal with the hardships and the benefits of 4 very distinct seasons.
What common values do Vermonters share?:
I think most of us are looking for a quiet spot to call our own. A pace of life that is productive but not hectic.
What challenges and opportunities do we see for our communities and state?:
Challenges:Declining enrollment in our grade schools.Cost of living too high, and lack of opportunity for younger generations.Lack of incentive and encouragement for small business. The emigration of young, productive, and ambitious adults. Becoming a retirement community for people that can afford to live here.
Opp: Very many people still want to live here due to the quality of life.
What should our priorities be as we work together to prepare Vermont for the future?:
Maintain the small town feel, but don't ignore the fact that we live in a desirable place where retirees and the wealthy want to live.Encourage businesses to stay, creating opportunity.Focus on creating or maintaining a very high standard of education.Look more closely at how our tax money is spent. Smaller government.
How do your thoughts about Vermont's values, future challenges and priority issues apply to YOUR community?:
As a whole the country moves toward a much older average age. No where is this more apparent then in VT, not to mention my community. What do we have to offer that will keep a high school or college graduate from moving to Denver or Phoenix? Our infrastructure is old, our business opportunities limited, our taxes crushing.
