Why Women Should Vote for Bartlett

I want women to vote for me to become the next governor because I am the best qualified for the position, not because I’m a woman.   In conversations with folks who work in the halls of government there are often discussions about what are the qualities that make for good leaders and good policy.  

It is generally agreed that effective leaders are much more willing to consider the long term effects of policy; they are willing to reach across the aisle and work with others; they believe in planning; they have empathy for folks, and they are strong and can make difficult decisions; they don’t have to take credit, they just want good results.

I believe that I have shown all of these traits in my years in the Senate.  I understand that there are long-term impacts from the decisions we make in Appropriations.  I have always worked with all of the individuals, regardless of party, or philosophy involved with the issues.  As Chair of Appropriations, I have helped develop long-term policy around issues such as corrections, substance abuse, our high school drop out population, affordable housing, access to early education, creating jobs and job training programs, developing programs to help farmers transition to sustainable agriculture and much more.  

In these difficult financial times there have been many nights that I have tossed and turned trying to figure out what we can do to balance a budget and do the least harm to Vermonters in need.  I have made difficult decisions while balancing the needs of all the people of Vermont, not just special interests. 

As the Chair of Senate Appropriations, I have balanced a $4 billion budget for years.  I understand not just the numbers, but also the policy behind the numbers.  I see the problems we are confronting because we have not had plans; we have not had the comprehensive conversations we need to have to move forward in a sustainable manner.  I am ready to lead our state to solutions that can only come from an in-depth understanding of the issues.  

I know that I can lead diverse groups of individuals to solutions that serve all Vermonters. That is what I have been doing in the Senate for years. 

If you want to know more about my views on various issues, please check out my web site www.bartlettforgovernor.com or you can always call me at home. 888-5591

Letter: Choose Bartlett as next governor

Burlington Free Press              SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2010

As we all know there are five candidates vying for the vacancy for governor of Vermont. After learning about each candidate's qualifications, I decided to support the senator from Lamoille County. Susan Bartlett is my choice for she is prepared to hold the position.

First: Bartlett has an education background earning degrees both at the University of Vermont and Johnson State College. With her degrees, she obtained employment as directorof a group home for youth and as director of special education services for a school district in Lamoille County. She developed programs that offered stability to our youth at risk.

Second: With her spouse, she has hands-on experience in organic farming and raising animals. She knows dirt, lambs and sheep.

Third: She has business experience having owned and operated a successful shop, Wool & Feathers, in Stowe. She knows yarn.

Fourth: She has served as Vermont's senator from Lamoille County for 18 years. When she won her first race, she was the first Democrat to be elected to that seat in the county's history.

Fifth: During her 18 years in the Senate, she served on the Appropriations Committee for 16 of those years. She was at the helm as the chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee for eight of those years. (A former Vermont governor, the first woman from Vermont to serve in that office, also served on the Appropriations Committee.) We know what a tough time our state is in right now with budgeting issues. Bartlett knows budgets.

Sixth: If you've met or read about Susan Bartlett, you have a sense of her competence, her vision for our state, and for the people within its borders. Voters in Lamoille County know.

PATRICIA A. ALLEN 
South Burlington

6/25 Women For Bartlett Meeting

This Friday, 6/25, Pixie Loomis is hosting an event called Women for Susan where women all across the state of Vermont will come to talk and spend some time with Susan. I encourage all women interested to go check out the event. It will be at 1701 Cleveland Corners Road in Susan's town of Hyde Park, and will start at 5 pm.

Call 802-279-7222 for details.