Vermont means HOME to me. I was born and raised here, and I'm fiercely proud of our state for so many reasons. Vermont and Vermonters have such a tradition of independent thinking and open-mindedness. Vermont means small town warmth at its best.

I believe Vermonters share a common value around preserving the quality of life in our state. I believe Vermonters hold "independent spirit" as a common value and take pride in our state's often quirky record in this arena. For the most part, I think Vermonters share a common value around the dignity and worth of all humans, and appreciating the value of diversity.

Challenges for Vermont include the everpresent loom of sprawl, and the increasing environmental and energy demands it represents. A central challenge this state faces is that our young people graduate and move elsewhere, while people moving into Vermont tend to be past the age of entering the workforce in an entrylevel or journeyman level, creating workforce issues.

I would see our priorities as maintaining that historical focus on preserving quality of life and what makes Vermont special and unique, restricting development on natural lands, moving forward and then keeping pace with technological growth, and continuing a focus on small businesses and specialty agriculture.

I believe my community tries hard on a number of these values and challenges that I mention in my thoughts. My community works hard for a vibrant downtown, preservation of natural lands, and encouragement of small business.