Leslie wrote:
A small sustainable state which is an innovative leader in small scale farming, green technology and which supports many vibrant cultural centers focused around the arts, hard physical work and cross-intercultural dialogue. It is a lttle think tank and works to solve world problems by engaging in local-global partnerships.

Alice from Wells River wrote:
For more than a decade a group of us---dedicated to keeping Vermont's small farmers farming, are developing a farm-based community. To learn more about our project please see: www.ryegatecommons.org

Will from shelburne wrote:
More locally produced energy and food so we create more value from local resources and retain that value in the VT economy.

Coralyn from Chester wrote:
I am all for fiscally responsible state government, wind power and other alternative energy sources, stopping the greedy development of our farmlands and woodlands, and construction of mega-houses on our mountaintops. There is nothing more ugly than seeing houses all lit up on our ridgelines (wasting electricity, displacing wildlife, disrupting the natural environment). I would like to know why (just like America's coastlines)are our most beautiful land resources a toy for the rich to exploit for their own selfish reasons? Vermont needs to step back to our origins of hardworking, self-sufficiency and let anyone who disagrees go back where they came from. Let's develop a supportive business climate that supplies well-paying jobs with good benefits to Vermonters snd keeps the businesses here in Vermont.

Richard from Norwich wrote:
Aside from Vermont's uniqueness, it is presently part of a revolution taking place in the world and in our nation. In our nation, we are currently seeking to stengthen our existing welfare state, extend its recognition to new rights such as health and housing, redesign our national ecoomomic planning and regulatory institutions, redesign our economcy to make it more sustainable and redefine the relation of our domestic economy to the international economy. All five of these tasks have implications for Vermont, its governance, and the programs it undertakes in the years ahead.

Ben from Essex Junction wrote:
Small businesses as well as the fostering and support thereof!

Meg from Woodstock wrote:
a state that is philosophically and politcally a little edgy; front and center in prioritizing caring for all citizens, especially those with individual "needs." Vermont will treat every need as an opportunity for learning and growth, ever building stronger sense of community. Vermont will be the place we are proud to call home!

Rick from Saxtons River wrote:
My biggest concern is making Vermont a model for educational opportunity in the US. We have such advantages in education with a relatively "easy" population and high per student spending and lots of school support that if we can't get this right, who can? The key to this is developing a system of publicly accessible schools and educational opportunities that make the most of the resources we have already in the state. We already have models for this with tech centers and public "independent" schools such as Burr and Burton and St. J and Lyndon. Making all these educational opportunities in the state that agree to be open to all and follow the same per pupil spending can give all our children the chance to find educational options in which each and every child can find success.

Jeff from Erie wrote:
A dearth of billboards. Keep Vermont billboard-free. This is the most personal, important thing to me and will be the main influence for which candidate I pick.