Vermont is a place where people respect and enjoy each other, let people live as they choose, and are helpful with those who have few choices. We are mostly a modest, reasonable group of people with opinions and are more positive about our State than most Americans. We think Vermont has character and we want it to stay that way.

The aging population is going to stress Vermont more than any other issue in the next decades; we do not have the resources or facilities to care adequately for aging, ill, disabled or troubled people in great numbers. Our challenge is too keep the quality of interpersonal respect, caring and tolerance when we face these issues of age and decline.

Improve education and job opportunities for the young, particularly in higher paying, technology, and education-oriented work; make certain new populations are welcomed and encouraged; communicate the character of Vermont so our new residents understand what we value here.

I live in two communities in Vermont, one very small, one Burlington. These issues are equally important in each. I suspect the larger towns will have an easier time managing challenge but are also more endangered in losing their Vermont character. Personally, as I get older I'd prefer to live in the small town and enjoy my neighbors and neighborhood.