Focused on jobs, health care and education with a fiscally responsible budget.
Showing posts with label Government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Government. Show all posts
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
When you first get into office, what will you cut, what will you add?
There really isn’t a simple answer to what do you cut and what do you add. What we have missed in the past few years has been the process to make these decisions in a reasonable way. We know that our revenues in 2012 will be the same as they were in 2005. To me that means we have to reduce our spending to the 2005 level. This has not been easy and the upcoming year will be the most difficult so far. This is why I have been and will remain an advocate for a process like Challenges for Change. We have to change the structure of government services if we want to have successful services. If we want Vermont to continue to be a great place to live, we must change how we are doing things.
The past few years have seen a significant number of cuts in state services and in state employees. The additions in the past years have been of governor appointed positions that have more to deal with politics than policy. Some of these positions have been cut, but many have simply been reclassified. These positions that deal with public relations and “educating” the public would be cut immediately.
I would have meetings with all agencies of state government and ask the people on the front lines what they would eliminate from their agency. I would invite the consumers of these services and outside providers to be part of this conversation. After working with state employees and roviders of services in a challenge for change type of structure, we would decide what state programs need to be eliminated. This could lead to savings or investing those dollars into programs that really work towards our common goals.
It is this type of process that will lead to the difficult discussions we must have if we are to have a government that is sustainable. We as Vermonters must work together to make tough choices, but we also can work together to create good solutions. It really is all up to us. As Howard Dean said “you have the power.” I believe that you have the answers and I’m asking you to elect me governor so I can help us all move forward in a positive way to constructive solutions and a prosperous Vermont for generations to come.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Markowitz, Bartlett Debate State's Role With Banks
Tuesday, 08/03/10 5:49pm and Wednesday, 08/04/10 7:34am
Bob Kinzel - Montpelier, Vt.
(Host) Two of the Democratic candidates for governor strongly disagree about the best way to help stimulate the Vermont economy.
The difference centers on whether a governor should punish Vermont banks that don't make sizable investments in small businesses.
VPR's Bob Kinzel reports.
(Kinzel) To Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Markowitz, the issue is quite simple. She says many Vermont banks aren't lending money to small businesses and she wants to change this situation. In her new TV ad, she spells out the solution.
(Markowitz) "If there are banks that aren't going to invest in Vermont, they're not going to get our tax dollars not when I'm governor."
(Kinzel) Markowitz says that if she's elected, she'll sit down with all of Vermont's banks to spell out her new policy.
(Markowitz) "As the state of Vermont, we put $4 billion into financial institutions. As governor, I'm going to bring the banks together and decide, ‘If you're taking Vermont money, you need to be putting money back into Vermont's small businesses.' It's really as simple as that."
(Kinzel) One of Markowitz's opponents, Susan Bartlett says it's not that simple and she says that Markowitz doesn't understand how financial markets operate. Bartlett argues that new federal financial regulations have made it more difficult for banks to lend money to small businesses. That's why she wants to establish an expanded, state-backed loan program for these businesses.
(Bartlett) "Let's figure out what a constructive solution is instead of trying to bully somebody into doing something that, again, if you understand fundamental economics, obviously banks want to lend money to good businesses. That's how they make their money."
(Kinzel) But Markowitz says the federal rules are only a small part of the current problem. She says the larger problem is the attitude of the banks.
(Markowitz) "They are now extremely conservative. They're holding on to their money. There are better options than lending to Vermont's small businesses that are start ups. And that's not acceptable. ...We bailed out Wall Street. It's not trickling down to Main Street."
(Kinzel) Don't tell that to Dan Yates. He's the president of the Brattleboro Savings Bank and the current chairman of the Vermont Bankers Association. His bank operates three branches in southeastern Vermont. And he says small business loans are the bread and butter of his company.
(Yates) "We're not interested in the IBMs of Vermont. We're looking at who in Brattleboro, Springfield and in between that's a small business that has a good business that needs to borrow. We're anxious."
(Kinzel) Yates says banks may be hesitant to loan money to companies that don't have solid business plans.
He says he's concerned that if Markowitz's proposal is put into place, it will discourage smaller community banks from dealing with the state because they'll be unwilling to make risky loans to small businesses.
For VPR News, I'm Bob Kinzel in Montpelier
(Kinzel) One of Markowitz's opponents, Susan Bartlett says it's not that simple and she says that Markowitz doesn't understand how financial markets operate. Bartlett argues that new federal financial regulations have made it more difficult for banks to lend money to small businesses. That's why she wants to establish an expanded, state-backed loan program for these businesses.
(Bartlett) "Let's figure out what a constructive solution is instead of trying to bully somebody into doing something that, again, if you understand fundamental economics, obviously banks want to lend money to good businesses. That's how they make their money."
(Kinzel) But Markowitz says the federal rules are only a small part of the current problem. She says the larger problem is the attitude of the banks.
(Markowitz) "They are now extremely conservative. They're holding on to their money. There are better options than lending to Vermont's small businesses that are start ups. And that's not acceptable. ...We bailed out Wall Street. It's not trickling down to Main Street."
(Kinzel) Don't tell that to Dan Yates. He's the president of the Brattleboro Savings Bank and the current chairman of the Vermont Bankers Association. His bank operates three branches in southeastern Vermont. And he says small business loans are the bread and butter of his company.
(Yates) "We're not interested in the IBMs of Vermont. We're looking at who in Brattleboro, Springfield and in between that's a small business that has a good business that needs to borrow. We're anxious."
(Kinzel) Yates says banks may be hesitant to loan money to companies that don't have solid business plans.
He says he's concerned that if Markowitz's proposal is put into place, it will discourage smaller community banks from dealing with the state because they'll be unwilling to make risky loans to small businesses.
For VPR News, I'm Bob Kinzel in Montpelier
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Where is the biggest waste/inefficiency in state government, and what will you do about it as governor?
Vermont has failed in the past to keep up with technology that leads to efficiency in the work place. Over the past several years we have made a conscious effort to correct this situation. In this past budget, even in these difficult times, we have made investments in technology that will eliminate redundant records and allow for better, faster exchange of information within state government. As governor I will make sure that we continue to make these investments as they are needed.
A business the size of state government needs managers who work with employees all of the time to encourage ideas that lead to efficient, effective government. There is not better place to get these ideas than the state workforce. As governor I would make certain that all managers and state employees understand that this is a goal for everyone in their everyday work and reward and encourage creative thinking that leads to better programs.
That said, I believe the only way to truly identify what is waste and what is inefficient in state government is through a process similar to Challenges for Change. Each program in government should meet with the advocates for their programs and people who use the services that the programs provide, and agree upon a set of outcomes for those programs. Then the same group needs to decide how they will measure the outcomes. This process has the effect of having all of the people involved in programs, both providers and consumers, set the priorities for the programs and how to measure those outcomes. The next step is to go through each of the programs involved and see if the programs address the outcomes they have agreed upon. If they don’t, then why should we continue to do those programs? One of the issues for government is that many programs are started, but few are eliminated. Now is the time to stop programs that do not meet the goals we chose.
The above process does not have to be overly time consuming and because it is an inclusive effort, it can be a very positive process. In these difficult times, it is much better to find the positive outcomes we all want and work together towards supporting those programs, than arguing about reductions. This means that there may well be programs that will be terminated, but those dollars can be saved or be redirected to services that address outcomes that can be measured. This is all a necessary part of right-sizing Vermont government.
On Meth Labs, Public Safety and Law Enforcement
I was astonished to hear Deb Markowitz say “if there is a meth lab found or domestic violence at 3AM and you call the state police, no one is there”. Obviously she doesn’t know much about law enforcement in Vermont.
Law Enforcement Cooperation and Support
I have been working with all of Vermont’s law enforcement organizations for many years and one of the reason’s Vermont is one of the safest places to live is the cooperation between all of our law enforcement agencies. If something happens in the middle of the night and we call for assistance, we will receive help as soon as practically possible. That help could be the state police, or your local police or your local sheriff, but you will receive help ASAP. Who shows up truly depends on who can get to you the fastest. That’s what cooperation and coordination are all about.
We have a statewide system of data sharing that is the envy of many other states, the Spillman system. It is run by the Vermont Criminal Justice system and for those individual agencies that do not have this system; “gateways” have been built so they can connect into the database. Could the system be even better, sure it could, but Vermont is way ahead of many states. Vermont has taken advantage of Federal dollars for many years to build up this statewide system so all of our law enforcement people have the information they need in a timely manner.
The “meth” labs that were found in St. Albans were discovered by cooperative work between several agencies. The word “lab” congers up a room full of dangerous, bubbling mixtures. Vermont took proactive measures a number of years ago when meth was becoming a serious issue through the country. Vermont passed laws that make it very difficult to purchase the ingredients necessary to produce meth. Our law enforcement saw this issue coming and asked us to act before it became a large-scale issue in Vermont. We have been successful in our collaboration.
When a lab or drug scene is discovered, there are excellent protocols set up between Vermont law enforcement and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). By following these protocols and having the DEA involved in the work, the cost of the clean up and disposal of the illegal substances is handled by the DEA. That saves the state a great deal of money.
Domestic Violence Training
The additional training that she wants for domestic violence has been in place for sometime. All officers are required to get a mandatory 8 hours of training above and beyond their regular training and after than an additional 2 hours to keep them up to date on the newest procedures and methods. While domestic violence is a serious issue, Vermont is a leader in the country in having our law enforcement people and our courts work to protect victims and support them through the legal process. I have been part of these changes and have received recognition for my work in the area of domestic violence.
Prescription Drug Use
The last issue that she talks about is the abuse of prescription drugs. This has been targeted by Vermont law enforcement as a top priority. It’s fine to say you will work with the pharmaceutical companies to change how they make pills. What about right now? We know that the biggest issues facing us are heroin and prescription pills.
Vermont law enforcement works with the DEA constantly to find large-scale dealers in prescription drugs and they have been successful in busting a number of rings. A real issue is all the drugs in our own homes. These are pills left over and just left sitting in the bathroom cabinet creating a target for criminals and addicts. St. Albans had a model program for the disposal of these left over and tempting pills. Working with the hospital, local pharmacists and law enforcement, they had collections of old prescriptions. A problem arose because the cost of properly disposing of these pills is very high.
On September 25 this year, Vermont is going to participate in a nation wide day to help all of us dispose of unused pharmaceuticals in a safe way. Statewide our local sheriffs, working with other law enforcement and the DEA are going to have collections points for unused pills. These pills will then be collected by the DEA and they will destroy them. It is hoped that this will become a routine event all over the country. Now there is a fast, effective, safe and efficient way to address a large part of the supply of illegally used prescription drugs. Leave it to innovative Vermont law enforcement to develop a better way to deal with the issue.
Vermont has a Drug Task Force comprised of state troopers, municipal officers and deputy sheriffs that work around the state to deal with our drug issues. The reality is that as long as there is money to be made, there will be folks who sell drugs. The single most important thing that law enforcement and the rest of us can do is prevention through education. Teaching young people the dangers of drug abuse and the signs of substance abuse is important and it is an ongoing task. It is just as important to have adult’s dispose of their unused pills. Vermont has been working hard to deal with these issues and we should all be aware of the work that goes on around the clock. Can we do more, of course we can, but we have a great base and considering our economy, we get a great return on our investments.
Law Enforcement Cooperation and Support
I have been working with all of Vermont’s law enforcement organizations for many years and one of the reason’s Vermont is one of the safest places to live is the cooperation between all of our law enforcement agencies. If something happens in the middle of the night and we call for assistance, we will receive help as soon as practically possible. That help could be the state police, or your local police or your local sheriff, but you will receive help ASAP. Who shows up truly depends on who can get to you the fastest. That’s what cooperation and coordination are all about.
We have a statewide system of data sharing that is the envy of many other states, the Spillman system. It is run by the Vermont Criminal Justice system and for those individual agencies that do not have this system; “gateways” have been built so they can connect into the database. Could the system be even better, sure it could, but Vermont is way ahead of many states. Vermont has taken advantage of Federal dollars for many years to build up this statewide system so all of our law enforcement people have the information they need in a timely manner.
The “meth” labs that were found in St. Albans were discovered by cooperative work between several agencies. The word “lab” congers up a room full of dangerous, bubbling mixtures. Vermont took proactive measures a number of years ago when meth was becoming a serious issue through the country. Vermont passed laws that make it very difficult to purchase the ingredients necessary to produce meth. Our law enforcement saw this issue coming and asked us to act before it became a large-scale issue in Vermont. We have been successful in our collaboration.
When a lab or drug scene is discovered, there are excellent protocols set up between Vermont law enforcement and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). By following these protocols and having the DEA involved in the work, the cost of the clean up and disposal of the illegal substances is handled by the DEA. That saves the state a great deal of money.
Domestic Violence Training
The additional training that she wants for domestic violence has been in place for sometime. All officers are required to get a mandatory 8 hours of training above and beyond their regular training and after than an additional 2 hours to keep them up to date on the newest procedures and methods. While domestic violence is a serious issue, Vermont is a leader in the country in having our law enforcement people and our courts work to protect victims and support them through the legal process. I have been part of these changes and have received recognition for my work in the area of domestic violence.
Prescription Drug Use
The last issue that she talks about is the abuse of prescription drugs. This has been targeted by Vermont law enforcement as a top priority. It’s fine to say you will work with the pharmaceutical companies to change how they make pills. What about right now? We know that the biggest issues facing us are heroin and prescription pills.
Vermont law enforcement works with the DEA constantly to find large-scale dealers in prescription drugs and they have been successful in busting a number of rings. A real issue is all the drugs in our own homes. These are pills left over and just left sitting in the bathroom cabinet creating a target for criminals and addicts. St. Albans had a model program for the disposal of these left over and tempting pills. Working with the hospital, local pharmacists and law enforcement, they had collections of old prescriptions. A problem arose because the cost of properly disposing of these pills is very high.
On September 25 this year, Vermont is going to participate in a nation wide day to help all of us dispose of unused pharmaceuticals in a safe way. Statewide our local sheriffs, working with other law enforcement and the DEA are going to have collections points for unused pills. These pills will then be collected by the DEA and they will destroy them. It is hoped that this will become a routine event all over the country. Now there is a fast, effective, safe and efficient way to address a large part of the supply of illegally used prescription drugs. Leave it to innovative Vermont law enforcement to develop a better way to deal with the issue.
Vermont has a Drug Task Force comprised of state troopers, municipal officers and deputy sheriffs that work around the state to deal with our drug issues. The reality is that as long as there is money to be made, there will be folks who sell drugs. The single most important thing that law enforcement and the rest of us can do is prevention through education. Teaching young people the dangers of drug abuse and the signs of substance abuse is important and it is an ongoing task. It is just as important to have adult’s dispose of their unused pills. Vermont has been working hard to deal with these issues and we should all be aware of the work that goes on around the clock. Can we do more, of course we can, but we have a great base and considering our economy, we get a great return on our investments.
Monday, August 2, 2010
What laws, rules or regulations would you change or enact to encourage business to remain, grow or locate in Vermont and that dissuade them from leaving? How would those changes work?
There are a variety of issues that confront the business community and not all businesses have the same issues. The issues of a small retail store are totally different than someone who wants to produce ice cream or build high tech equipment.
I do not have a specific set of "rules" or "regulations" that can be changed to create a better climate for business in Vermont. I think the underlying issue is that of the climate and the attitude towards business.
We all need to work to change the attitude towards business. In Montpelier it often seems that one is either for or against business. You are for or against the environment. You are for helping people or against helping people. I reject that idea. The single best thing we can do as a state in order to have the environment we want, to help those who need our assistance and to maintain a high quality of life, is to create good jobs.
As Governor I would have business leaders sit with folks from the human services community and the environmental community and come up with some common outcomes. Then I would have them work together to develop strategies to reach those outcomes. As I travel Vermont, it has become very clear to me that we have a lot more in common than we have differences. Leadership is about finding these common ground issues and working together to make Vermont a better place.
There has been talk for years of permit reform and it hasn't happened yet. I don't think it will happen until the agency of natural resources does some consolidation of the number of permits they have to administer. As Governor, I would begin that process immediately. The issue in the room that no one really wants to talk about is stormwater. Until we have a real plan and have real conversations about this issue, it will remain an unspoken threat to development. If we don't deal with stormwater and indirect discharges, there is no way we will ever clean up the Lake.
I do not pretend to have the answers, but I do know that I have an approach that is based on getting to real outcomes that work for Vermonters I know that working together we can create an attitude and environment that is business friendly, while protecting our environment and delivering the services to those in need. And we can do all this at a price we can afford.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
With Bartlett, you hear what you want to hear — and don’t want to
Susan Bartlett at Halvorson's Upstreet Cafe, Church Street, Burlington. Mike Townsend/Free Press
Original source 3:10 PM Thu., July 29, 2010 By Mike Townsend
Susan Bartlett met with a small audience today at Halvorson’s Upstreet Cafe in Burlington, and the message was she ”gets it."
She gets the fiscal challenges. She gets the policy. She gets it that the buck does have to stop someplace.
She gets the fiscal challenges. She gets the policy. She gets it that the buck does have to stop someplace.
I have been off the campaign trail for several weeks because of vacations here at the Free Press. I missed seeing the candidates work a floor. I am unsure of where this mass race of five ends up, and I wouldn’t bet on any specific candidate to win — or lose — no matter what polls may say and how much money anyone raises.
I only know that the state needs a persistent forum like this to get itself, as Susan Bartlett says she gets herself. Vermonters need to listen now and vote in the primary election, and not wait for the general election in November.
“I can walk into the governor’s office tomorrow and I don’t have a learning curve.”
The governor must be “outcomes” based in expectations and be consumed with the goals, how to get there and how to measure. Today, she says, “You cannot ask that question in state government.” With her as governor that question will be asked.
“If you like change, I am your person.”
Then comes the momentary pause Susan Barlett has perfected, because you know what is going to follow, with that sense of humor and raw honesty that connects with constituents in search of truth.
“If you want to keep things the way they are, you have at least four other decisions.”
Reminder: The primary election is Aug. 24. Vote.
Friday, July 30, 2010
7/26 Radio Interview
The first hour of the Mark Johnson show on Monday was an interview with Susan.
http://www.markjohnsonshow.net/in-the-news/mon72610
http://www.markjohnsonshow.net/in-the-news/mon72610
Monday, July 26, 2010
Addressing the next $120 million budget deficit
In order to deal with another year and another substantial deficit, as Governor I would ask legislative leaders to meet with the current administration, me, and the staff I would be appointing to budget writing assignments. It will take all the knowledge we have to develop a budget for the upcoming year.
For several years I have been focusing on the area of corrections for savings. We currently spend almost $140 million a year on this part of the budget. We know that we incarcerate a high percentage of non-violent offenders. Our goal needs to be to help Vermonters with substance abuse deal with their issues and become productive members of society.
This will take years to accomplish. For example; we currently have budgeted for 700 out of state prisoners. Each one costs us $23,000 a year. If we were to bring home all 700 of those prisoners, we would save $16 million. That is a great deal of money, but what would we do with all those prisoners? It will take years and a big investment to develop the programs we need to rehabilitate these Vermonters and to find housing and jobs for them so they do not return to a life of crime. But at least we are beginning to make these changes.
I would ask that each program in government meet with the advocates for their programs and people who use the services that the programs provide and agree upon a set of outcomes for those programs. Then the same group would decide how they would measure the outcomes. This process has the effect of having all of the people involved in programs, both providers and consumers, set the priorities for the programs and how to measure those outcomes.
The next step would be to go through each of the programs the state provides and see if the programs address the outcomes that have been agreed upon. If they don’t, then why should we continue to do those programs? One of the issues for government is that many programs are started but few are eliminated. Now is the time to stop programs that do not meet the goals we chose.
This process does not have to be overly time consuming and because it is an inclusive effort, it can be a very positive process. In these difficult times, it is much better to find the positive outcomes we all want and work together towards supporting those programs, than arguing about reductions. This means that there may well be programs that will be terminated, but those dollars can be saved or be redirected to services that address outcomes that can be measured. This is all a necessary part of right-sizing Vermont government.
I do not believe it is right to ask Vermonters to pay more taxes until government as a whole goes through the above process. Our state revenues are at about the same level that they were in 2005. We must get our spending back to those levels.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Susan speaks to the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.
On May 26, she spoke to an audience at the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. Chris Graff is the moderator.
Innovation and Intellectual Property, Jobs, Economic Development, the need to support Regional Planning Commissions, Challenges for Change, Economic Development, Agriculture and her experience are some of the subjects covered.
A Moderate Approach to the Budget
"I've balanced the budget for 16 years."
"The thing about being the moderate is you get beaten up by both sides. I'm pretty resoundingly, every year, beaten up by both sides. I think that proves my point that I'm the moderate."
Larger School Districts and Education Spending
Larger districts will offer more educational opportunities for children and save money. We need work together to reduce spending on education.
"Half our budget deficit next year, $60 million, is the general fund contribution to education. If we meet that obligation, we are breaking the back of other general fund services. To not meet them, and this is the no-win situation, is breaking the back of the property taxpayer."
Vermont Well-Positioned to Revamp Health Care System
Vermont is moving forward on global budgeting. The work we've already done on medical records immediately qualified us for millions of dollars in federal money."
How to help Southern Vermont and the Northeast Kingdom
I do not believe that government creates jobs; I believe that our citizens create jobs. It is the individuals who are already in business or who have an idea that they want to turn into a business that create jobs and prosperity for the entire state. The state can help create an environment and provide infrastructure that helps business grown. As governor I would look at all of the existing programs that give money to businesses and make sure these dollars are really creating jobs. I would make certain that money would go to the new, small businesses that are our future.
As governor I would fund the regional economic development groups properly so they could spend their time helping local business. It is these regional organizations that can best assist local business people. It is also these regional groups working locally that can best develop an economic development plan for their region.
The Northeast Kingdom has suffered higher unemployment rates than most of the state for sometime. The area has been very dependent upon Ethan Allen and the severe negative impacts can be seen when the Beecher Falls plant was closed. The expansion at Jay Peak and the interest in a high tech company building in the area are positive signs that more jobs and opportunity are coming to that part of the state. This part of the state has been the champion of getting funding through a federal program referred to as the EB5 program. This allows foreign investors to make investments into targeted programs that create new jobs. As governor I would work to have other parts of the state take advantage of this source of capital.
I believe that innovation and intellectual property will be the answer for good jobs all over Vermont. The interest in renewable energy poses opportunities for regions of Vermont to become the center of excellence for research and innovation. The rapid growth in bio-diesel and growing our own fuel can provide ways to keep our farmlands all over the state as farmland, not houses. I would form an office of Innovation and Intellectual Property that would train all the regional partners in these areas so local businesses would learn of these opportunities and be helped in getting the patents of their ideas. This office would also work to assist in finding new sources of revenue for businesses.
These ideas apply to our entire state. As I am traveling the state, I find so many pockets of good ideas for job growth. I believe that we are poised to come out of this recession in a way that will ensure slow but steady job growth for all of Vermont.
As governor I would fund the regional economic development groups properly so they could spend their time helping local business. It is these regional organizations that can best assist local business people. It is also these regional groups working locally that can best develop an economic development plan for their region.
The Northeast Kingdom has suffered higher unemployment rates than most of the state for sometime. The area has been very dependent upon Ethan Allen and the severe negative impacts can be seen when the Beecher Falls plant was closed. The expansion at Jay Peak and the interest in a high tech company building in the area are positive signs that more jobs and opportunity are coming to that part of the state. This part of the state has been the champion of getting funding through a federal program referred to as the EB5 program. This allows foreign investors to make investments into targeted programs that create new jobs. As governor I would work to have other parts of the state take advantage of this source of capital.
I believe that innovation and intellectual property will be the answer for good jobs all over Vermont. The interest in renewable energy poses opportunities for regions of Vermont to become the center of excellence for research and innovation. The rapid growth in bio-diesel and growing our own fuel can provide ways to keep our farmlands all over the state as farmland, not houses. I would form an office of Innovation and Intellectual Property that would train all the regional partners in these areas so local businesses would learn of these opportunities and be helped in getting the patents of their ideas. This office would also work to assist in finding new sources of revenue for businesses.
These ideas apply to our entire state. As I am traveling the state, I find so many pockets of good ideas for job growth. I believe that we are poised to come out of this recession in a way that will ensure slow but steady job growth for all of Vermont.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Douglas Ignored Legislative Intent
from vtdigger
Lawmakers decried the Douglas administration’s decision to eliminate a conservation position in the Department of Fish and Wildlife at a press conference Wednesday.
Bartlett sees the administration’s decision as a matter of priorities. “This is a continuation of this administration not being supportive of conservation and/or planning,” Bartlett said.
The position was written into the budget bill that passed in the last legislative session. Legislative leaders said Gov. Jim Douglas violated lawmakers’ intent and negotiated in bad faith when he signed the budget bill and then shortly afterward allowed administrative officials to ignore language in the bill. That wording was designed to protect a staff wildlife biologist who provides technical assistance for towns engaged in conservation planning to protect wildlife habitat.
Sen. Susan Bartlett and Sen. Peter Shumlin (both Democratic candidates in the gubernatorial primary) and House Speaker Shap Smith said the Legislature saw the position as an essential component of the department’s conservation policy.
Douglas administration officials say the executive branch has the right to decide the fate of individual employees and positions. David Corriell, Douglas’ spokesman, accused lawmakers of trying to micromanage personnel.
“On the one hand, the Legislature through Challenges for Change wants the government to run more efficiently, and on the other hand, they’re running government as inefficiently as possible by dictating the way the administration is managing government,” Corriell said.
Observers say the stalemate over the language in the law could lead to a constitutional showdown between legislators and the administration. At issue is whether the administration is obliged to uphold language in the law that it deems unacceptable, and conversely whether the Legislature has the right to insist that it do so.
It’s too early to say if the question will become a constitutional issue, according to Attorney General Bill Sorrell, who, as of yesterday, had not been asked by legislative leaders or the administration to weigh in.
Smith said there are no plans yet to sue the administration over the elimination of the position. He called the decision a “breach of the good faith that we all contributed towards in reaching a budget compromise.”
“When we passed the budget document, we expected it to be followed,” Smith said. “It’s not merely guidance – it is the law of the state of Vermont. This year we worked very diligently with the administration to put together a budget that could be signed by the governor and was the result of many compromises, and to then have the governor sign the budget, and then ignore the language of the budget, really cuts against the spirit of the compromising that we did to get to a budget we could all leave the building with, without the repeat of the veto and override scenario that happened last year.”
Jonathon Wood, secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, said in a recent interview that there is no constitutional problem. “Those powers are clear and absolute,” Wood said. “The administration has the authority to do this. We have to manage the budget and the Legislature sets the budget. They fund certain programs and we manage the positions.”
Bartlett said the administration is choosing to ignore “what the budget said.”
“If the budget’s a guideline, and you don’t need to pay attention to it, maybe you just need one branch of government,” Bartlett said.
The position, Fish and Wildlife Scientist II, was held by Jens Hawkins-Hilke, who worked with 50 to 80 towns a year to help them identify and map habitat. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife grant paid for half of Hawkins-Hilke’s salary, which was roughly $22 an hour. He was laid off recently and has filed a grievance with the union. According to the legislative letter of intent, his position would have cost the state roughly $16,000.
He provided technical support for towns, as well as helped local community members understand the scientific concepts behind conservation, such as habitat protection. Often this meant helping towns identify what kinds of habitat they valued for recreation, hunting, fishing and other wildlife, he said. Some towns are focused on deer yards; others are interested in protecting salamanders.
Hawkins-Hilke said in an interview that he was No. 4 on the reduction-in-force list at ANR last year. He survived the first round of cuts, but in February he was told his position would be eliminated. Town planning commission and conservation commission officials canvassed lawmakers about the RIF and pressured the Legislature to retain the position. By mid-June it was clear the administration had gone ahead with its original plan.
Wood called it a “limited service position” that wasn’t “meant to be a full-time job” and he said the agency will continue to offer services to local communities through its district offices.
“The position provides planning assistance to towns and municipalities — just assistance to conservation commissions and town plans on the types of things in towns that could be done to protect wildlife habitat,” Wood said. “That type of thing has been done by the department for many years.”
Mike Hedges, a member of the Waterbury Conservation Commission, said he is not confident ANR will help his group finish mapping for new subdivision regulations. Nor is he counting on help from officials from the agency with plans for protecting a moose crossing corridor on Route 100 near Walker Construction. It’s the only place, he said, where the large game animals can pass from the Green Mountains to the Worcester Mountains. Hawkins-Hilke identified the crossing for the commission and was going to help them develop a plan for protecting the area.
“It’s hard for others to take up those extra duties,” Hedges said.
Wood said the agency is responding to constant downward budget pressures.
“There aren’t any more paper clips to cut,” Wood said. “We’ve been into significant cutting of positions for a while now. There isn’t any choice.”
Wood said game wardens, however, continue to be fully funded by the Department of Fish and Wildlife because they “are a high priority.”
“I have not tried to cut game wardens, though the Legislature has cut their overtime,” Wood said.
Since the recession began in 2007, the agency has eliminated 100 positions, many of which were federally funded, according to Wood.
Corriell said the state faces an uncertain revenue outlook in the current fiscal year and a $100 million deficit in fiscal year 2012. He said small amounts add up to “real money” in the budget and that government leaders have to make hard decisions.
“This is a very challenging time, and as a state government there need to be priorities,” Corriell said. “What we need to do is focus on growing our economy. It’s short-sighted to focus on one position.”
Bartlett also sees the administration’s decision as a matter of priorities. “This is a continuation of this administration not being supportive of conservation and/or planning,” Bartlett said.
Lawmakers decried the Douglas administration’s decision to eliminate a conservation position in the Department of Fish and Wildlife at a press conference Wednesday.
Bartlett sees the administration’s decision as a matter of priorities. “This is a continuation of this administration not being supportive of conservation and/or planning,” Bartlett said.
The position was written into the budget bill that passed in the last legislative session. Legislative leaders said Gov. Jim Douglas violated lawmakers’ intent and negotiated in bad faith when he signed the budget bill and then shortly afterward allowed administrative officials to ignore language in the bill. That wording was designed to protect a staff wildlife biologist who provides technical assistance for towns engaged in conservation planning to protect wildlife habitat.
Sen. Susan Bartlett and Sen. Peter Shumlin (both Democratic candidates in the gubernatorial primary) and House Speaker Shap Smith said the Legislature saw the position as an essential component of the department’s conservation policy.
Douglas administration officials say the executive branch has the right to decide the fate of individual employees and positions. David Corriell, Douglas’ spokesman, accused lawmakers of trying to micromanage personnel.
“On the one hand, the Legislature through Challenges for Change wants the government to run more efficiently, and on the other hand, they’re running government as inefficiently as possible by dictating the way the administration is managing government,” Corriell said.
Observers say the stalemate over the language in the law could lead to a constitutional showdown between legislators and the administration. At issue is whether the administration is obliged to uphold language in the law that it deems unacceptable, and conversely whether the Legislature has the right to insist that it do so.
It’s too early to say if the question will become a constitutional issue, according to Attorney General Bill Sorrell, who, as of yesterday, had not been asked by legislative leaders or the administration to weigh in.
Smith said there are no plans yet to sue the administration over the elimination of the position. He called the decision a “breach of the good faith that we all contributed towards in reaching a budget compromise.”
“When we passed the budget document, we expected it to be followed,” Smith said. “It’s not merely guidance – it is the law of the state of Vermont. This year we worked very diligently with the administration to put together a budget that could be signed by the governor and was the result of many compromises, and to then have the governor sign the budget, and then ignore the language of the budget, really cuts against the spirit of the compromising that we did to get to a budget we could all leave the building with, without the repeat of the veto and override scenario that happened last year.”
Jonathon Wood, secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, said in a recent interview that there is no constitutional problem. “Those powers are clear and absolute,” Wood said. “The administration has the authority to do this. We have to manage the budget and the Legislature sets the budget. They fund certain programs and we manage the positions.”
Bartlett said the administration is choosing to ignore “what the budget said.”
“If the budget’s a guideline, and you don’t need to pay attention to it, maybe you just need one branch of government,” Bartlett said.
The position, Fish and Wildlife Scientist II, was held by Jens Hawkins-Hilke, who worked with 50 to 80 towns a year to help them identify and map habitat. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife grant paid for half of Hawkins-Hilke’s salary, which was roughly $22 an hour. He was laid off recently and has filed a grievance with the union. According to the legislative letter of intent, his position would have cost the state roughly $16,000.
He provided technical support for towns, as well as helped local community members understand the scientific concepts behind conservation, such as habitat protection. Often this meant helping towns identify what kinds of habitat they valued for recreation, hunting, fishing and other wildlife, he said. Some towns are focused on deer yards; others are interested in protecting salamanders.
Hawkins-Hilke said in an interview that he was No. 4 on the reduction-in-force list at ANR last year. He survived the first round of cuts, but in February he was told his position would be eliminated. Town planning commission and conservation commission officials canvassed lawmakers about the RIF and pressured the Legislature to retain the position. By mid-June it was clear the administration had gone ahead with its original plan.
Wood called it a “limited service position” that wasn’t “meant to be a full-time job” and he said the agency will continue to offer services to local communities through its district offices.
“The position provides planning assistance to towns and municipalities — just assistance to conservation commissions and town plans on the types of things in towns that could be done to protect wildlife habitat,” Wood said. “That type of thing has been done by the department for many years.”
Mike Hedges, a member of the Waterbury Conservation Commission, said he is not confident ANR will help his group finish mapping for new subdivision regulations. Nor is he counting on help from officials from the agency with plans for protecting a moose crossing corridor on Route 100 near Walker Construction. It’s the only place, he said, where the large game animals can pass from the Green Mountains to the Worcester Mountains. Hawkins-Hilke identified the crossing for the commission and was going to help them develop a plan for protecting the area.
“It’s hard for others to take up those extra duties,” Hedges said.
Wood said the agency is responding to constant downward budget pressures.
“There aren’t any more paper clips to cut,” Wood said. “We’ve been into significant cutting of positions for a while now. There isn’t any choice.”
Wood said game wardens, however, continue to be fully funded by the Department of Fish and Wildlife because they “are a high priority.”
“I have not tried to cut game wardens, though the Legislature has cut their overtime,” Wood said.
Since the recession began in 2007, the agency has eliminated 100 positions, many of which were federally funded, according to Wood.
Corriell said the state faces an uncertain revenue outlook in the current fiscal year and a $100 million deficit in fiscal year 2012. He said small amounts add up to “real money” in the budget and that government leaders have to make hard decisions.
“This is a very challenging time, and as a state government there need to be priorities,” Corriell said. “What we need to do is focus on growing our economy. It’s short-sighted to focus on one position.”
Bartlett also sees the administration’s decision as a matter of priorities. “This is a continuation of this administration not being supportive of conservation and/or planning,” Bartlett said.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Addressing Property Taxes
It is obvious that education is a hot topic in most of our communities. Many school boards worked hard to deliver a level funded or lower budget than last year. Staff reductions were made and programs were cut; and still tax rates went up. Voters are angry and frustrated. How can we have a system that penalizes communities that are doing all the right things to contain costs with a higher tax rate?
The culprit is the Common Level of Appraisal or the CLA.
The CLA is the part of Act 60 and Act 68 that is designed to make sure that all taxpayers and communities are treated in an equitable manner. It is the means by which the school tax on a $210,000 home is the same no matter which community the home is located, as long as the school spending is the same. I believe that it is the CLA that disconnects voters from their school budgets, not income sensitivity. It is the CLA that is causing tax rates to rise, when school spending is dropping.
I have been talking with the Finance Committee for several years about working to find a solution to the problems with the CLA formula. So far no one has come up with a solution. It is my understanding that there are some issues with “freezing” the CLA where it was last year, but I find it hard to believe that it could be more of a problem than we have now increasing it!
I am going to ask the Finance committee once again to see if we can at least get a short-term fix for this problem. I do have a longer term fix.
When Act 68 passed, I worked with Representative Richard Marron from Stowe to put a new system of property evaluation in place. Rep. Marron was then the Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, and he did a great deal of work with the state of Maryland to understand their system.
They have a 3-year rolling, on-going statewide appraisal system. One year it is primary residences, the next year business property and the third year all other property. This system keeps property up to date and I believe it would serve to get rid of the complex CLA formula. I still believe that this is a good idea and I’m trying to get folks to consider it again.
My plan for Vermont envisions hiring professional appraisers to work for the state tax department, performing the ongoing work in each county. We would keep our local listers doing the work that they currently do. With professional appraisers, I believe there would be more consistency in the property evaluations eliminating the need for the CLA.
This system would save money for the towns, which constantly have to reappraise. There would still be an appeal process for taxpayers who felt they had an unfair evaluation.
I believe that this system will keep evaluations up to date in every part of the state, is easy to understand and meets the requirements of treating taxpayers in a fair and equitable manner. It may even reduce property taxes.
It sure would be better than watching property taxes increase while school boards cut services.
The culprit is the Common Level of Appraisal or the CLA.
The CLA is the part of Act 60 and Act 68 that is designed to make sure that all taxpayers and communities are treated in an equitable manner. It is the means by which the school tax on a $210,000 home is the same no matter which community the home is located, as long as the school spending is the same. I believe that it is the CLA that disconnects voters from their school budgets, not income sensitivity. It is the CLA that is causing tax rates to rise, when school spending is dropping.
I have been talking with the Finance Committee for several years about working to find a solution to the problems with the CLA formula. So far no one has come up with a solution. It is my understanding that there are some issues with “freezing” the CLA where it was last year, but I find it hard to believe that it could be more of a problem than we have now increasing it!
I am going to ask the Finance committee once again to see if we can at least get a short-term fix for this problem. I do have a longer term fix.
When Act 68 passed, I worked with Representative Richard Marron from Stowe to put a new system of property evaluation in place. Rep. Marron was then the Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, and he did a great deal of work with the state of Maryland to understand their system.
They have a 3-year rolling, on-going statewide appraisal system. One year it is primary residences, the next year business property and the third year all other property. This system keeps property up to date and I believe it would serve to get rid of the complex CLA formula. I still believe that this is a good idea and I’m trying to get folks to consider it again.
My plan for Vermont envisions hiring professional appraisers to work for the state tax department, performing the ongoing work in each county. We would keep our local listers doing the work that they currently do. With professional appraisers, I believe there would be more consistency in the property evaluations eliminating the need for the CLA.
This system would save money for the towns, which constantly have to reappraise. There would still be an appeal process for taxpayers who felt they had an unfair evaluation.
I believe that this system will keep evaluations up to date in every part of the state, is easy to understand and meets the requirements of treating taxpayers in a fair and equitable manner. It may even reduce property taxes.
It sure would be better than watching property taxes increase while school boards cut services.
Fairness and Diversity
How will I change the structure and tone of state government?
Right now I think state government is tone deaf on the issues of diversity. The changing population is something we are watching and mostly going “wow this is different”. There have been token appointments and conversations, but the reality is we don’t have any idea what to do. As governor I would convene a series of public meetings to talk about the various issues and work with state and local government to develop solutions. The real solution is education and that takes time, but it is the most effective way to go. Taking an issue and keeping it visible is the best way to get good results. That’s the power a governor has, to take an issue and make it public and keep constructive conversations going.
Appointments to boards
This administration has misused their power of appointment and has used many appointments as political rewards. My approach to board appointments would be to ask the various groups that are involved with the board to make recommendations. As a new and important part of the process I would include individuals who are working in the area of diversity and fairness to participate in the recommendation of individuals for boards. The comment about Native American’s and District Environmental Commissions is an excellent example. One of the problems is we don’t know what we don’t know. So a key to moving forward is getting a different point of view as base line input for recommendations.
Hate Groups
I return to the issue of education. I can see an entire series of public service ads talking about these issues. They would be made with public officials, regular citizens, law enforcement, and all kinds of Vermonters, of all types of ethnic backgrounds. Vermont has a long history of welcoming all folks; it’s time to get back to that behavior.
Vermont brand
As governor I would celebrate the growing diversity of our state and show that pride in our advertising and promotion of Vermont. We are still in the process of figuring out how to develop innovation and intellectual property as economic development and there is no reason that these issues have any ethnicity attached to them. I would develop an introduction to diversity daylong program that would be given to all state workers and any group that receives state dollars. It would at least be a start in developing awareness.
School Issues
I wish I had an easy answer for this question. We have passed laws that have resulted in attempts to address bullying, harassment and hate crimes and as you say they have come to nothing. There must be programs in other states that have been effective in training educators in these issues. I believe we need a total education and sensitizing set of programs to truly move forward. How long has the south been integrated and how much progress has been made?
I don’t think the issue is large or small districts; the issue is human nature and ignorance. For many years I have felt that half the trauma for the state of Vermont surrounding Civil Unions was that for years Vermonters had prided themselves on “not being like other state” and not being prejudiced. Civil Unions smacked us right in the head and said “Oh yea, you think you’re not prejudiced? How come you’re acting like this?”
Right now I think state government is tone deaf on the issues of diversity. The changing population is something we are watching and mostly going “wow this is different”. There have been token appointments and conversations, but the reality is we don’t have any idea what to do. As governor I would convene a series of public meetings to talk about the various issues and work with state and local government to develop solutions. The real solution is education and that takes time, but it is the most effective way to go. Taking an issue and keeping it visible is the best way to get good results. That’s the power a governor has, to take an issue and make it public and keep constructive conversations going.
Appointments to boards
This administration has misused their power of appointment and has used many appointments as political rewards. My approach to board appointments would be to ask the various groups that are involved with the board to make recommendations. As a new and important part of the process I would include individuals who are working in the area of diversity and fairness to participate in the recommendation of individuals for boards. The comment about Native American’s and District Environmental Commissions is an excellent example. One of the problems is we don’t know what we don’t know. So a key to moving forward is getting a different point of view as base line input for recommendations.
Hate Groups
I return to the issue of education. I can see an entire series of public service ads talking about these issues. They would be made with public officials, regular citizens, law enforcement, and all kinds of Vermonters, of all types of ethnic backgrounds. Vermont has a long history of welcoming all folks; it’s time to get back to that behavior.
Vermont brand
As governor I would celebrate the growing diversity of our state and show that pride in our advertising and promotion of Vermont. We are still in the process of figuring out how to develop innovation and intellectual property as economic development and there is no reason that these issues have any ethnicity attached to them. I would develop an introduction to diversity daylong program that would be given to all state workers and any group that receives state dollars. It would at least be a start in developing awareness.
School Issues
I wish I had an easy answer for this question. We have passed laws that have resulted in attempts to address bullying, harassment and hate crimes and as you say they have come to nothing. There must be programs in other states that have been effective in training educators in these issues. I believe we need a total education and sensitizing set of programs to truly move forward. How long has the south been integrated and how much progress has been made?
I don’t think the issue is large or small districts; the issue is human nature and ignorance. For many years I have felt that half the trauma for the state of Vermont surrounding Civil Unions was that for years Vermonters had prided themselves on “not being like other state” and not being prejudiced. Civil Unions smacked us right in the head and said “Oh yea, you think you’re not prejudiced? How come you’re acting like this?”
While Vermont has been “white,” the prejudice against the French Canadians and the Italians has been very real and very nasty. Just because a state has been all white doesn’t mean it free from prejudice.
What sets me apart?
I was born in Massachusetts and raised in South Carolina. My family moved to Orleans, Vermont in 1962 when I was entering the 11th grade. My father worked in textiles and my mother worked for a lawyer. They were totally supportive of integrating schools and raised my brother and I to judge each person as an individual.
A woman of color worked for us so there was someone at home when my brother and I got home from school. My parents spent 3 years trying to convince Johnny Mae to use the front door. She never would. As the violence was increasing, my father had the chance to take a job in Vermont.
My parents saw they had two children who thought all folks were equal and that we were in for a very difficult time as some of our school friends began to take sides in the issue of integration. So my parents made the decision to leave the south and move to Vermont for their children's well being.
I have never shared this story before. When the issue of Civil Unions came along, I felt that I was being given the opportunity to act on a civil rights issue in a way that my parents had never had the opportunity to, and if they had still been alive would have been so proud and happy that I had that chance. So I think that kind of awareness makes me different than all the rest.
What sets me apart?
I was born in Massachusetts and raised in South Carolina. My family moved to Orleans, Vermont in 1962 when I was entering the 11th grade. My father worked in textiles and my mother worked for a lawyer. They were totally supportive of integrating schools and raised my brother and I to judge each person as an individual.
A woman of color worked for us so there was someone at home when my brother and I got home from school. My parents spent 3 years trying to convince Johnny Mae to use the front door. She never would. As the violence was increasing, my father had the chance to take a job in Vermont.
My parents saw they had two children who thought all folks were equal and that we were in for a very difficult time as some of our school friends began to take sides in the issue of integration. So my parents made the decision to leave the south and move to Vermont for their children's well being.
I have never shared this story before. When the issue of Civil Unions came along, I felt that I was being given the opportunity to act on a civil rights issue in a way that my parents had never had the opportunity to, and if they had still been alive would have been so proud and happy that I had that chance. So I think that kind of awareness makes me different than all the rest.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Gubernatorial Candidate Susan Bartlett
Tuesday, 06/22/10 Noon and 7pm
Bob Kinzel
There's a wide field of candidates for governor, and Primary Election Day is August 24. This month on Vermont Edition we're interviewing the major party candidates and getting their positions on key issues in the primary races. On Tuesday our guest is Democrat Susan Bartlett, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Bartlett describes herself as the moderate among the five Democratic candidates, and we learn about her platform and how she approaches key issues facing the state.Listen ...
Bob Kinzel
There's a wide field of candidates for governor, and Primary Election Day is August 24. This month on Vermont Edition we're interviewing the major party candidates and getting their positions on key issues in the primary races. On Tuesday our guest is Democrat Susan Bartlett, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Bartlett describes herself as the moderate among the five Democratic candidates, and we learn about her platform and how she approaches key issues facing the state.Listen ...
Bartlett Supports Re-structuring State Government
Wednesday, 06/23/10 7:34am
Bob Kinzel - Montpelier, VT
(Host) Democratic gubernatorial candidate Susan Bartlett says it's critical to restructure all of state government along the lines of the recently passed Challenges for Change bill.
Bartlett says developing an outcomes based approach to the state budget is one way to improve government services without raising new taxes.
VPRs Bob Kinzel reports
(Kinzel) As chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations committee, Susan Bartlett played a key role in the drafting of next year's budget. As part of the process, Bartlett became a strong supporter of the so called "Challenges for Change" bill.
It's legislation that reduced state spending by roughly $30 million by implementing a system of outcome based standards for a number of state programs.
Backers of this approach said it was a positive way to deliver essential services without making serious budget cuts. Critics said the bill was all fluff and no substance and they argued that the legislation would hurt people who rely on state services.
Senator Bartlett is one of the five Democrats running for Governor this year. Speaking on VPR, she said the "Challenges" approach is a central part of her campaign:
(Bartlett) "I'm not afraid to say this is what we need to do we need to change how we are delivering services we can't keep doing things the same way there needs to be a significant structural change this isn't about efficiencies this is about significant structural change and that's not popular because that's scary."
(Kinzel) Bartlett says performance standards need to be established for all programs to be certain that state revenues are being targeted in the most effective way:
(Bartlett) "We might be spending a lot of money on child abuse but if we aren't measuring to know if we're really making progress in preventing child abuse then we may be spending a lot of money but not getting the results with the goal with this would here are the outcomes you're going to measure them so you're going to know if you're making progress and if you're aren't masking progress then you can change the strategy."
(Kinzel) Bartlett acknowledges that two of her opponents, senators Doug Racine and Peter Shumlin also voted for the "Challenges Bill," but she says they don't share her enthusiasm for the legislation:
(Bartlett) "But if you listen to them talking about it, it's a different approach I believe."
(Kinzel) Bartlett says she also supports imposing performance based standards on hundreds of independent contracts that the state authorizes every year.
For VPR News, I'm Bob Kinzel in Montpelier.
Bob Kinzel - Montpelier, VT
(Host) Democratic gubernatorial candidate Susan Bartlett says it's critical to restructure all of state government along the lines of the recently passed Challenges for Change bill.
Bartlett says developing an outcomes based approach to the state budget is one way to improve government services without raising new taxes.
VPRs Bob Kinzel reports
(Kinzel) As chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations committee, Susan Bartlett played a key role in the drafting of next year's budget. As part of the process, Bartlett became a strong supporter of the so called "Challenges for Change" bill.
It's legislation that reduced state spending by roughly $30 million by implementing a system of outcome based standards for a number of state programs.
Backers of this approach said it was a positive way to deliver essential services without making serious budget cuts. Critics said the bill was all fluff and no substance and they argued that the legislation would hurt people who rely on state services.
Senator Bartlett is one of the five Democrats running for Governor this year. Speaking on VPR, she said the "Challenges" approach is a central part of her campaign:
(Bartlett) "I'm not afraid to say this is what we need to do we need to change how we are delivering services we can't keep doing things the same way there needs to be a significant structural change this isn't about efficiencies this is about significant structural change and that's not popular because that's scary."
(Kinzel) Bartlett says performance standards need to be established for all programs to be certain that state revenues are being targeted in the most effective way:
(Bartlett) "We might be spending a lot of money on child abuse but if we aren't measuring to know if we're really making progress in preventing child abuse then we may be spending a lot of money but not getting the results with the goal with this would here are the outcomes you're going to measure them so you're going to know if you're making progress and if you're aren't masking progress then you can change the strategy."
(Kinzel) Bartlett acknowledges that two of her opponents, senators Doug Racine and Peter Shumlin also voted for the "Challenges Bill," but she says they don't share her enthusiasm for the legislation:
(Bartlett) "But if you listen to them talking about it, it's a different approach I believe."
(Kinzel) Bartlett says she also supports imposing performance based standards on hundreds of independent contracts that the state authorizes every year.
For VPR News, I'm Bob Kinzel in Montpelier.
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Importance of Appointing Women to Government Positions
It is very important to me to appoint women to my administration. But the most important factors for any position in my administration are that the person be knowledgeable in the field, have a successful track record of getting to positive outcomes and they work well with others. I want individuals who are willing to try new ideas and who will work to help all those they work with to get to good results. My appointments will not be political and they will not be rewards to helping me become governor.
There is no better way to appreciate the importance of women in government working in the legislature for 18 years and on the appropriations committee for many of those years. Women bring a different perspective and different approach to problem solving than men. It isn’t good and it isn’t bad, it’s just different.
First, is a woman’s preference to take the long view of an issue and second is the willingness to reach across political divides to get to “yes.” It is no mistake that over the years as chair of senate appropriations I have worked to get the majority of my seven members to be women. In the complex policy issues we face in the budget, women work well to get to comprehensive solutions.
Over the years I have had many conversations with individuals who work with government and many of them comment on the differences they have seen over the years, as more and more women are in the legislature and in positions of authority in state government. There are many capable women in Vermont who could offer leadership in state government and they will be part of a Bartlett administration.
There is no better way to appreciate the importance of women in government working in the legislature for 18 years and on the appropriations committee for many of those years. Women bring a different perspective and different approach to problem solving than men. It isn’t good and it isn’t bad, it’s just different.
First, is a woman’s preference to take the long view of an issue and second is the willingness to reach across political divides to get to “yes.” It is no mistake that over the years as chair of senate appropriations I have worked to get the majority of my seven members to be women. In the complex policy issues we face in the budget, women work well to get to comprehensive solutions.
Over the years I have had many conversations with individuals who work with government and many of them comment on the differences they have seen over the years, as more and more women are in the legislature and in positions of authority in state government. There are many capable women in Vermont who could offer leadership in state government and they will be part of a Bartlett administration.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)