Candidate for Vermont State Senate - Chittenden Southeast District in 2024 Vermont Primary Election.
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.
Get StartedThe courts need to reexamine their policies on bail, moving away from cash bail and relying on magistrates and judges to use prudence, common sense, and consistency, with an emphasis on protecting the community. Learn more
Public safety is a broad rubric, but it begins with effective policing. This includes proper ongoing training and adequate staffing. The unfortunate demands to “Defund the police” have left Vermont - and especially Burlington - significantly short of police, and this has certainly contributed to the rise in serious crimes. Learn more
Illicit drug use and the drug trade have clearly contributed to the rise in violent crimes. I would advocate for drug court and treatment diversion for drug users, and significant criminal penalties for drug pushers. Learn more
The funding for education in Vermont is far too complicated, and resembles a Rubik's cube. We need to make it simpler - and less reliant on the property tax assessments. We need to accept that the schools are here to educate, and cannot provide for every social service that children need. And we should realize that it makes little sense to have one of the best K-12 systems in the country if our young graduates can then not afford to live in Vermont. Learn more
I oppose the efforts by Senator Ginny Lyons to deauthorize the Green Mountain Care Board. I also oppose the efforts by Ms. Lyons to enter Vermont into the Ahead program, a nine-year agreement with the federal government to continue the failed OneCare model. Learn more
The shortage and expense of housing in Vermont is a major challenge to those who live here, and those who might want to move to Vermont. It is a major deterrent to economic growth. The problem is clearly a national one, and not limited to Vermont. And the solutions should be drawn both locally and from other states. 1) Serious efforts are now being made in the legislature to revising Act 250, which is somewhat unique to Vermont, and which has severely limited new housing starts. We need to find solutions which are effective compromises. 2) The legislature is also working on allowing more AUD’s (accessory dwelling units), which will help family members and people on fixed incomes to find safe housing. 3) New York State this year passed major legislation which gives tax breaks to developers who build affordable rental housing, while also imposing restrictions on the rent raises they can charge renters. Let’s think about that for Vermont. 4) More focus needs to be on building housing in our smaller cities and towns outside of Chittenden County. Land and labor costs tend to be lower, and the new housing will help to reverse population decline and build economic prosperity throughout our state. Learn more
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.