Taxation: Innovative and Efficient Strategies
My primary motivation for running for office is to address our approach to taxation. We need fresh perspectives and strategies in Montpelier. By examining successful tax policies from our 49 fellow states, we can identify effective methods to improve our own system.
Our goal should be to reduce costs wherever feasible and to attract more residents to Vermont. A larger population would enable us to distribute the tax burden more evenly, easing the financial load on individual taxpayers.
“It’s easier to collect $1 from 100 people than $100 from 1 person”
Education: Seeking New Solutions for Funding Efficiency
Education is intrinsically tied to our broader financial challenges, as it represents one of Vermont’s largest budgetary commitments. Our current system of funding education is flawed and demands a thorough overhaul. To address this, we must consider innovative and effective funding solutions.
I am committed to exploring a variety of strategies, such as consolidating resources within school districts and increasing the use of online learning to minimize costs. Additionally, I would advocate for an examination of the educational systems in the other 49 states to identify successful practices that could be adapted to our unique needs in Vermont
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. ”
Housing Policy: Addressing Supply to Meet Demand
For decades, restrictive housing policies in Vermont have contributed to a critical issue: a lack of affordable housing. The principle of basic economics—low supply plus high demand results in high prices—clearly applies here. The key to resolving this issue is increasing the housing supply, which will, in turn, help stabilize or potentially reduce housing costs.
Regarding affordable housing, which is a significant concern for many Vermonters, I advocate for a strategy based on positive reinforcement rather than mandates. Rather than requiring developers to set aside a fixed percentage of new units as low-income housing, a more effective policy would be to allow developers to build a base number of units with the option to increase this number if the additional units are designated for low-income residents. This approach encourages the creation of more housing while also addressing affordability.
I also acknowledge the progress made in the previous legislative session towards alleviating the housing crisis. Continuing to build on these efforts will be essential for developing sustainable and inclusive housing solutions for all Vermonters.
“Housing is absolutely essential to human flourishing. Without stable shelter, it all falls apart.”
Economic Development: Reforming Business Policies
The backbone of Vermont's economy is its small businesses. However, our state's regulatory environment over the past several decades has not been conducive to nurturing these vital enterprises. A prime example is Act 250, which, while well-intentioned in its environmental protections, has inadvertently become a significant barrier for small business growth. The extensive bureaucracy and high costs associated with complying with this law have stifled many local entrepreneurs who are deeply invested in our community and its welfare.
Conversely, this regulatory framework often favors large national or international companies. These entities, despite their lesser engagement with community values, possess the resources to navigate our complex regulations. Recognizing this imbalance, I acknowledge the recent legislative efforts to modify Act 250. Although the changes have been modest, they represent a step toward making Vermont more business-friendly.
As your representative, I will push for continued reforms that reduce red tape and make it easier for small businesses to thrive, enhancing our economy while maintaining our commitment to environmental stewardship.
“Independent businesses make neighborhoods healthy; they ground them. ”
Healthcare: Enhancing Competition to Lower Costs
Healthcare represents one of Vermont's largest expenditures, second only to education. A significant factor contributing to high healthcare costs is the limited competition among insurance providers within the state. Currently, a duopoly dominates the market, which tends to reduce the incentive for lowering prices and improving service quality.
To address this issue, I advocate for opening up the market to additional health insurance carriers. Increased competition among insurers can lead to better service quality and more affordable healthcare options for Vermonters. By fostering a more competitive environment, we can make significant progress in reducing the financial burden of healthcare on our state and its residents.
“Half the costs of illness are wasted on conditions that could be prevented. ”
Climate Change: A Balanced Approach to Achieving Carbon Neutrality
Like many Vermonters, I envision a future where our planet achieves carbon neutrality. However, reaching this goal requires a thoughtful and measured approach. Rushed decisions can lead to unintended consequences that may undermine our efforts in the long run.
In our pursuit of sustainable solutions, it’s crucial to explore options beyond the conventional, such as electric vehicles. For instance, hydrogen fuel vehicles present a promising alternative. Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, offers several advantages over battery-powered systems: it operates efficiently across temperature ranges, maintains its efficiency over time, refuels as quickly as conventional gasoline vehicles, and emits only water as a byproduct.
Expanding our focus to include technologies like hydrogen fuel can diversify our approach to reducing carbon emissions, ensuring that we adopt the most effective and sustainable strategies for our environment and economy.
“Choices made, whether bad or good, follow you forever and affect everyone in their path one way or another. ”
Homelessness: Enhancing Access to Existing Resources
Vermont already has several state and federal programs designed to address homelessness. However, accessing these programs often requires a physical address and internet connectivity—resources typically unavailable to the homeless population. Additionally, many individuals facing homelessness struggle with mental health, which can further complicate their ability to seek help.
To bridge this gap, I propose the introduction of outreach initiatives where dedicated personnel work directly with the homeless to facilitate access to the necessary services. This approach ensures that those in need receive the support required to navigate and utilize existing programs effectively.
While I am open to exploring new strategies to combat homelessness, it is vital to first ensure that we are fully leveraging the resources currently available. By enhancing the accessibility and efficacy of these programs, we can make significant strides in addressing homelessness in our state.
“Love is not patronizing, and charity isn’t about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same — with charity you give love, so don’t just give money but reach out your hand instead.”
First Amendment Rights: Ensuring Free Speech and Community Order
The First Amendment is essential to our democratic society, affirming the right of every individual to express their views openly. I am committed to upholding the right to free speech, including the right to protest, display signs or flags at private residences, and speak freely in public forums.
However, the exercise of these rights must not interfere with the daily activities and rights of others. For example, while protests are an important form of expression, they should not obstruct traffic or hinder people from fulfilling their daily responsibilities.
“Your liberty to swing your arms ends where my nose begins ”
Second Amendment Rights: Responsible Gun Ownership
I uphold the Second Amendment right to bear arms as fundamental for all law-abiding citizens. The right to own firearms is essential, but it must be balanced with accountability. Individuals who have caused harm to others, or those deemed likely to cause harm based on careful and professional evaluation, should not be allowed to possess firearms. This ensures that only responsible citizens exercise this right.
Additionally, I advocate for the education of first-time firearm owners. It is crucial that all new gun owners and users participate in gun safety courses. This education will promote responsible handling and usage of firearms, enhancing safety for both the gun owners and the broader community.
“Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws. ”