We'd like to know what Douglas (as governor) and Symington (as speaker of the Vermont House) have done about the stupidity and inequities of Act 60 and 68. Property taxes, after all, have a direct effect on both the environment and agriculture, by making land in some communities too expensive to keep open for farming and only sustainable if sold for residential development -- the last crop that will ever be grown on the land. Act 60/68 are based on a sound premise, but the execution has been and remains flawed.
We'd like to ask all three candidates why we still have no viable, comprehensive statewide health care program that is affordable AND does not require people to be uninsured for a year first. The Catamount Health Plan is not the solution and it's not even a good compromise. Affordable health care, like affordable land and affordable property taxes, could do a great deal to entice and keep farmers in Vermont.
Douglas and Symington should be asked, and we want to hear Pollina chime in as well, on what it will take to get some public funds earmarked for public transportation in The Valley. Our transit provider seems to be requesting them every year, but they are not forthcoming -- not enough of a population base to provide the ridership here apparently -- even though there is a tourist base that provides large amounts of tax revenues to the state.
Public transit is absolutely critical for The Valley as gas prices continue to climb. It goes without saying that it will improve the air quality and environment in The Valley, but it will also make it possible for people to get from home to work without a car.
Bring your own questions to the debate on July 20. It begins at 5:30 p.m. Childcare is available and it is free and open to the public.
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