burlington
What does Vermont mean to you?:
"Vermont's State/Local Tax Burden Highest in the Nation
During the past three decades Vermont's state and local tax burden has consistently ranked among the nation's highest. Estimated at 14.1% of income, Vermont’s state and local taxes are currently the highest in the nation, well above the national average of 11.0%."(http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/topic/62.html)
What common values do Vermonters share?:
Independence - fine - but not in fragmenting the state's education "system" into far too many tiny school systems with inadequate resources and low teacher salaries.
What challenges and opportunities do we see for our communities and state?:
Challenge: rising fuel costs, plus low tax base, make Vermont one of the most expensive states as far as basic living costs. Fewer tourists, second homes, retirees.
Opportunities: got to realize potential income sources of the landscape and geography.
What should our priorities be as we work together to prepare Vermont for the future?:
Increasing tax base, lowering fuel costs, standardizing educational cost and delivery structures across the state.
How do your thoughts about Vermont's values, future challenges and priority issues apply to YOUR community?:
I live in Burlington: very high city and state taxes, and fuel costs during the winter. Yet, the school system doesn't even pay for an earned doctorate.
