BRATTLEBORO-I’m eager to say goodbye to Phil Scott as Vermont’s governor. He’s friend to neither education nor to creative problem solving about our most pressing issues.
I’ve talked to the two Democratic primary candidates, read their platforms, and attended their forums. I’m convinced Aly Richards is the better candidate, and here’s why.
Aly has progressive values along with a track record of success in making those values a reality here in Vermont. Ten years ago, she understood the potential of childcare to drive our economy by letting parents work, businesses grow, and children thrive. She mobilized Vermonters to make childcare more affordable and available in ways that other states want to copy.
Both candidates share reformist aims and agree on a lot of things, but what sets Aly apart is her experience in leadership toward strategic goals, her relationships with the people on the ground as well as those eager to make changes in government, and her knowledge of the issues and of how to keep stakeholders focused on the end goals.
I’m excited about Aly’s priority to develop a Vermont Economic Action Plan, a strategy that could bring people back to the state, encourage young graduates to stay here, and entice new people to move here. She understands that this plan cannot succeed without proven leadership to address housing, healthcare, and education — key pillars to a strong Vermont economy.
We need a governor who not only has compelling ideas and deep understanding of the problems but also the experience leading major change right here in Vermont, the knowledge needed to make lasting change without destabilizing systems that are working, and the relationships with people that can make change happen.
I believe that person is Aly.
Janice Stockman
Brattleboro
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