Shelburne News Question 4:  Alternative sources of power generation must play a significant role in our energy planning into the future.  What do you feel are the most viable energy options for Vermont?

First, I would like to take the word “alternative” out of “alternative energy.” That is economically and environmentally the most viable option.  If we subsidized renewable sources – wind, solar, water, geo-thermal and biomass energy – as we have petroleum, ethanol and nuclear, they would be the clear economic winners, not the “alternatives.”

Second, all of the current available options are viable: wind, solar, hydro, and biomass. Our geography and weather patterns make us well suited to wind and small hydro-generated plants.  Our forests and farmlands produce a variety of forms of biomass: wood, grass, and agricultural waste products.  Solar is an option in open or highly developed areas. Electrically-powered mass transit could one day take pressure off our roads while reducing carbon emissions.

Third, I support an aggressive plan to develop localized generation of power - power that is owned, constructed and operated by Vermonters. Localized generation strengthens our grid, creates greater independence, and keeps money here.  Energy options must be determined region by region based on microclimate and economy.  In addition, the closer the production to the consumer, the greater the efficiency.  It is estimated that nearly 8% of energy is lost over long transmission lines.

Fourth, we must identify and overcome those barriers that are preventing construction of green energy. We are at “peak oil,” having consumed half of the world’s oil supply.  We must use our growing awareness of the limits of our finite resources and global warming to move forward and tap into those that are infinite.  Germany has gone from 2% renewably powered energy to 10%.   If we start now, it is possible that 90% of our energy could be from renewable sources within 30 years.

As a final note, energy conservation and green construction practices should always be part of the renewable mix.

Shelburne News Question 3:  Lack of private sector job growth in our state is viewed by many as a critical condition, with growth being experienced in government and non-profit jobs which do not contribute to the tax base in a meaningful way.  How would you addresss this concern of your constituents if elected?

As I travel through our community, I hear many stories:  a craftsman with dwindling orders; an engineer facing downsizing; a self-employed woman with crushing healthcare costs.  I also hear good news:  jobs are growing in the technology sector and small start-up businesses.

Vermont’s economic future appears to be as an incubator for entrepreneurial ventures and green businesses attracted to our quality of life, agricultural heritage and environmental ethic. We are poised to be leaders in energy technology and are attractive to businesses with under 100 employees.  While businesses create private sector jobs, the state must address those factors which make business viable:

1.    Build a healthy infrastructure throughout the state.  Reliable broadband, cell service and transportation are essential.
2.    Provide entrepreneurial funding or seed money to get businesses off the ground. Some may fail, but the ones that survive provide jobs and pay taxes.
3.    Support renewable energy.  This responds to a problem and creates a range of jobs.
4.    Develop a high quality, educated and trained workforce
5.    Streamline the state permit process without harming the environment.  People tell me they don’t mind following the rules – just make the process speedier and more predictable.
6.    Reward creativity and problem solving.  If a business can double the efficiency of a wind turbine, for example, make them tax exempt for the following 5 years.
7.    Support affordable workforce housing.  Businesses require it.  It creates jobs.
8.    Address basic health care for all and take it off the backs of business.

Non-profit businesses also benefit our community.  Our colleges and non-profits like Shelburne Farms and Museum have been good citizens, attracting out-of-state dollars and providing thousands of jobs.  Employees then contribute to the economy by purchasing goods, services and paying taxes.

Shelburne News Question 2: Affordable housing in Chittenden County, and specifically Shelburne, is not available in sufficient supply to meet the demand. What measures are you prepared to take to address this need in our community?

“Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Housing and Wages in Vermont” is an annual report issued by the Vermont Housing Council and Vermont Housing Awareness Campaign.  The 2008 edition pointed out significant gaps between the median purchase price of a home and median wages.  Sixty five percent of Vermont’s households have incomes below $65,000, which is the amount needed to purchase the median priced home of $201,000.  Prices in Shelburne are presumably higher.

The Vermont Housing and Conservation Trust Fund is our primary vehicle for funding affordable housing.  It ensures that not only is affordable housing created, it remains perpetually affordable.  In addition to housing, the Trust also helps to preserve open space so that our landscapes are not turned into apartment buildings, agricultural land can remain in agriculture, and historic sites are preserved.

The 2008 Legislature passed a comprehensive housing bill that increases tax credits and financing capacity for affordable housing through VHFA.  This bill also created the “Vermont Neighborhoods” program, which streamlines the creation of housing in town centers with access to transportation and services.  Shelburne village has been designated a “Village Center” and should consider participating in this program as it addresses the need for housing development while protecting our natural environments.

Shelburne has made some important progress in creating affordable rental apartments and home ownership through its work with the Champlain Housing Trust (CHT). HomeShare Vermont enables Shelburne elders and people with disabilities to remain living in dignity in their homes by bringing them together with people who seek affordable housing and care giving opportunities.

To keep affordable housing viable, I would support continued funding of the Vermont Housing Conservation Board. As Shelburne’s liaison to the legislature, I would work collaboratively with town officials to address this important issue.

Education spending in the state seems to be at odds with the recent NECAP results.
Only 25 percent of high school juniors are proficient in science. And there is the issue of declining enrollments. What is your position on education spending, and what steps are you prepared to take to address these issues?

Education is one of the cornerstones on which our communities and culture are built.  As a longtime educator myself, I know how important it is to motivate students of all abilities to do their absolute best in order realize their potential as adults.  I also know that this motivation takes talent, resources and community investment, both personally and financially.

As taxpayers and parents, we struggle with the competing interests of quality and affordability and are confused when costs still go up when enrollment declines.  We wonder why over half of our students at CVU did not meet the standard on the recent science NECAPs.

The answers to these questions are quite complex and multi-layered.  Act 68 does address cost containment by tying spending to enrollment. Staff reduction takes time and it is tough to lose promising young teachers.

I am not convinced that money is the only answer to quality education.  I am also aware that the cost of education is significantly less than the cost of adults who cannot live independently, are incarcerated, or get stuck for generations in the welfare system.  On a daily basis, I see how Essential Early Education translates to school readiness, how school readiness translates to availability for learning, and how availability to learn relates to success in life.

My response to the science NECAP scores has less to do with my position on spending and more to do with my position regarding the constructive use of data to help drive instruction.  Gathering data needs to be followed by critical analysis and interpretation, action plans for improvement, and public discussion.  CVU Principal Sean McMannon tells me this analysis is underway.