BRATTLEBORO-As a nurse, the wife of a veteran, a mother, and a grandmother I have a strong interest in seeing our state not just survive, but thrive.
Before retiring, I worked as an registered nurse for 40 years. I have one son teaching in early education, one son who is a Vermont farmer, one daughter-in-law who is an elementary school teacher, and three young grandchildren.
For several months my friends - retired nurses, mothers, and grandmothers like me - have discussed the proposals and the possible solutions to the many challenges that face Vermont. One thing has become crystal clear is that they cannot be seen or resolved as standalone issues.
The cost of education and reform of the system cannot be addressed without discussion of the cost of healthcare. The cost of healthcare cannot be resolved without greater access to primary care and a decrease in the expensive and unnecessary use of emergency rooms. The need to revitalize our population with young families cannot be resolved if we cannot offer safe places for young couples to give birth and provide affordable housing and good education for their young children.
The litany goes on.
This is why I am writing to encourage support of Amanda Janoo for governor. We cannot afford to limp along with the old, tired ideas and the lack of courage to take some bold initiatives.
Amanda is a former United Nations economist who knows how to look at the big picture, has ideas about how to use our resources to rebuild the Vermont economy, and has the courage to attempt big changes.
Take it from a bunch of old women: It is time for a gutsy change at the top.
Sue Euphrat
Brattleboro
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