The writer is a Republican nominee for a Windham-3 seat in the Vermont Legislature.
BELLOWS FALLS-Vermonters are facing high property taxes, housing costs, and other financial pressures. Instead of assuming every problem requires more spending, I believe we should examine creative ideas that could save money while improving services.
One idea worth considering is an independent government-efficiency committee tasked with finding ways to reduce educational expenses without eliminating teachers or other essential school jobs. We should examine administration, purchasing, contracts, unused property, energy costs, and duplication of services for potential savings.
We should also examine vacant or underused government buildings. Could appropriate properties be converted into temporary or transitional housing, and could that cost taxpayers less than hotel and motel programs? Let’s run the numbers.
Technology offers other possibilities. Vermont could explore artificial intelligence, sensors, cameras, and warning systems that detect wildlife approaching roadways and alert drivers, potentially preventing collisions.
Finally, we should examine whether certain ingredients, additives, or product designs are intentionally used primarily to encourage excessive or compulsive consumption. If evidence supports that concern, we should discuss appropriate consumer protections and disclosure requirements.
Not every new idea will work. But government should be willing to ask unusual questions, examine the evidence, test promising ideas, and admit when something doesn’t work.
Vermont doesn’t always need bigger government. Sometimes we simply need government willing to think differently.
Ryan Coyne
Bellows Falls
The writer is a Republican nominee for a Windham-3 seat in the Vermont Legislature.
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