MARLBORO-My observations of Amanda Janoo as a candidate for governor have been very positive. She is strong, articulate, a good listener, and she is working hard to earn our votes; her economics background will be a plus for the housing, healthcare, and population issues facing our state.
As for Gov. Scott, I can appreciate his worries about the rising tax burden in the state, as well as our aging population. However, he has had nine years to address these problems, and not much has changed; he is not an innovator. His refrain of not raising taxes is comforting in some ways, but he has not created economic relief for Vermonters. In fact, some of his actions - or inactions - have made it worse, evidenced by the increase in healthcare costs and housing (up 28% compared to other state increases).
My greatest concern in his leadership and problem solving is his recent consideration to allow health insurance pricing based on age. I am 61 and have been in good health, and my employer and I have paid the incredibly high rates for insurance (basically 10% hikes yearly) over my 30-year career.
Although those rates were burdensome, I saw them as an investment in my later years when I might need more care; it is how I understood insurance to work: pay up front so it will be there for you later.
Now, Gov. Scott is considering elders being charged more for insurance (up to 20%) as they are in or entering retirement and fixed incomes! I find it obscene to even consider such a thing. Again, it is not innovative by any means.
My other frustration is his override of the Legislature in moving his candidate for secretary of education forward, placing her as an interim secretary because the Legislature did not confirm who her. A person would not meet the criteria in Vermont to be a classroom teacher, principal, or superintendent now leads the Agency of Education; this is a dictatorial response to a democratic process of which he did not like the outcome.
Gov. Scott has not improved the key issues facing the state over his nine years in office: population demographics and the costs of housing and healthcare. His holding the line on taxes and wishing for something to change reminds me of the Hoover administration during the Great Depression.
For me, leadership is visionary, thoughtfully innovative, and engages stakeholders. Gov. Scott is barely campaigning and has become comfortable in his position, if not complacent. Nine years is a lot of time to shift the tide for Vermonters and make a difference; it hasn't happened.
Thank you for your public service and efforts, Gov. Scott, but it is time to have someone else take the helm. I am ready to give Amanda Janoo the helm.
Casey Deane
Marlboro
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