I want to thank everyone who was responsible for putting on the Windham-Bennington-Windsor Candidate's Forum last week at Flood Brook Union School. Many thanks to the District Clerk's office, Mr. Eppolito's 8th grade social studies class, GNAT TV, Ralph Coleman, FBUS and all those who attended the event.
I am running for State Representative in Jamaica, Stratton, Winhall, Londonderry and Weston, and I was thrilled that my opponent and I were given the opportunity to share the stage and articulate our different positions on a number of important issues.
It was wonderful to see nearly a packed house! That level of public concern and civic engagement make me proud to call Vermont my home. I also enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new people. Conversing with constituents and discussing important issues have been the most enjoyable and enlightening part of my campaign. As your representative, I will use my Independent status to work with all parties on issues that matter to you.
I want to make sure that we continue to responsibly fund public education, as our children are our future. But I will fight to make sure we do so without unfairly burdening property owners with high taxes. One way to do this is to exercise my right as a Representative to call for a Fiscal Note to be attached to any proposed Bill that has a financial impact on the residents of Vermont. This would require the bill to pass through the Joint Fiscal Office (JFO) for full
I will also make it my business to explore a number of ways to continue to grow Vermont's economy, by making sure people and businesses know that the State is an enjoyable place to work and live. We can do this by taking advantage of a number of state-sponsored economic development programs, which incentivize small businesses to invest in Vermont, create jobs and subsequently improve the economy. One such program is the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive program (VEGI). The VEGI program has created over 1,300 jobs since 2010 and brought in over $5 million in tax revenue, statewide. In addition, I want to make sure that there is continued investment in local infrastructure, that affordable healthcare is available to all Vermonters and that Montpelier continues its long history of fiscal stability, as we are very fortunate to live in a State that has balanced its books year in and year out. When elected, I promise that I will be accessible to everyone who lives in the district, beholden to no party or special interest, and transparent in all my work. As an Independent I will be able to attend any and all political party caucus meetings. I will be the fresh, energetic voice that will be heard.
Thanks, again, for coming out to the debate and getting involved. Remember to vote on Nov. 6, and I'd like it if you vote for me! Emmett Dunbar Independent candidate for State Representative Jamaica, Stratton, Winhall, Londonderry and Weston.
Emmett S. Dunbar
Londonderry
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