JAMAICA — What sets Doug Racine apart from the other candidates for governor?
Doug is a realist. Pie-in-the-sky ideas and promises will not create jobs. Doug has shown the way to make change is to do the nitty-gritty work and negotiate across party lines, as he did for the health care reform bill (S.88) and other past legislation. The leadership was reluctant to bring up the bill, but Doug's passion and vision for health care for all ensured its passage. This terrific bill will lead to a comprehensive health-care system.
His energy policy is to retire Vermont Yankee as planned in 2012 and work regionally to identify existing energy sources and renewable energy sites. Efficiency and conservation would be critical components of his energy plan and would create good paying jobs.
Vermont's clean environment, good schools, and unmatched quality of life will attract businesses with an environmental-and-community ethic. Doug knows Vermont businesses need flexibility to meet the diverse needs of our communities.
In discussing low income and poor diets at a house party, Doug argued that Vermont farmers/growers can provide enough healthy food, especially for our children, if given the support of the administration to be creative.
Doug wholeheartedly supports early-education programs and help for parents of all children to be involved in their education. It has been a long-term commitment for Doug, who has been an advocate for children at risk of hunger, poverty, and neglect as chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and co-chair of the Vermont Child Poverty Council, among other child-advocate organizations.
Because he believes children should come to school ready to learn, he supports more community involvement and partnership with the state.
We need a more cost-effective education system but, he said, it must be a local decision. Racine voted against a proposal from legislative leaders to use property taxes to balance the budget because his pledge to the middle class was, and is, to put a lid on property taxes.
On the environment, Doug Racine is the only candidate, in my view, that really understands environmental protection - why we need it and how to do it. Because Vermont is recognized for its environmental quality, we can attract business, tourists, and families who want to live here. His work on the Housing and Conservation Trust Fund makes affordable housing possible while conserving open space.
Under Racine, you can depend that environmental policy will be based on science, not politics. He will also appreciate and protect the right of citizens to participate in decisions that have an impact on the environment. He is the only gubernatorial candidate ever endorsed before the primary by the Vermont League of Conservation Voters.
Doug Racine has proven he can beat Brian Dubie, that he can work with Republicans and work for all Vermonters. Doug Racine has the experience, knowledge, and vision to lead Vermont.