http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/36202.page Public Action election that should be issue oriented.

Thank you

Bill, Corinth
Posted by VPR Online Producer, Tim Johnson]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1860818 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1860818 GMT
Currently commercial properties, second homes and deer camps are lumped
together and taxed at the same rate. The goal is to help business owners have
a steady property tax, free from the local vote. The result is that in about
1/2 the towns in Vermont the second home owner pays a higher tax than his
year-round neighbor.

My husband retired after teaching high school math in Vermont, and we realize
the importance of education. But we now have no vote, yet are taxed together
with commercial properties at a higher rate than our neighbors. Let us either
vote locally for the school budget, or include a provision to allow us to pay
either the commercial rate or the local rate, whichever is lower.

Thank you.

Linda, Milton
Posted by VPR Online Producer, Tim Johnson]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1860816 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1860816 GMT
Susan Grab ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1860417 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1860417 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1855231 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1855231 GMT
Sara
Burlington]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1854813 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1854813 GMT
I am extremely concerned about the safety of the Vermont Yankee
nuclear facility. It frightens me that it may be allowed to
continue operation beyond 2012.

As Governor, what are your plans for Yankee's future?

Susan Beard, Rutland, Vermont ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1854647 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1854647 GMT Ashley George
Burlington]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1854634 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1854634 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1854023 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1854023 GMT State transportation program funds pay for both education and the type of facilities projects that make Vermont so special – the sidewalks, bike paths, scenic easements that are locally and regionally important to communities and tourism. Given the scope and cost of these projects, however, they are not likely to be funded by the private sector.
a) Do you believe that it is the responsibility of the state to fund such projects?
b) Given the poor economy and tight budget, are you willing to ensure that such projects continue to be funded?
]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1853816 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1853816 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1853014 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1853014 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1850413 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1850413 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1850016 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1850016 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1849241 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1849241 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1847812 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1847812 GMT
Jan Schultz
Burlington]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1847027 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1847027 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1847012 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1847012 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1845817 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1845817 GMT
How would you address the increasingly desparate need for reducing the use of oil in vermont?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1842413 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1842413 GMT What is your plan addressing the shortage of physcians that accept medicid patients in this state and prescriptions that medicaid will not cover like glasses if your over 21? That is a very problem that many people with disabiltis talk about.
Nicole, Montpelier ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1834222 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1834222 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1834218 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1834218 GMT Bob Zeliff
Bridport]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1830220 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1830220 GMT Robert Sand
Woodstock, VT]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1828820 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1828820 GMT
Rachel in Huntington]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1827412 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1827412 GMT institutions (CDFIs) who are often the first step for community development loans to individuals and small businesses. These CDFI's need to attract investments such as Equity Equivalent (EQ2) investments which increase their risk tolerance and lending flexibility, lower the costof capital, and protect them by providing
a cushion against losses in excess
of loan loss reserves. EQ2 and similar investments allow
CDFIs to better meet the needs of their
markets by allowing them to engage
in longer-term and riskier lending which is not served by the traditional financial community . A
larger permanent capital base also provides
more incentive for potential investors
to lend money to the CDFI. All
of these results help CDFIs grow their
operations and solidify their positions
as permanent institutions. Unlike for profit
corporations, which can raise
equity by issuing stock, nonprofits
must generally rely on grants to build
this base. Traditionally, nonprofit
CDFIs have raised the equity capital
they need to support their lending and
investing activities through capital
grants from philanthropic sources, or
in some instances, through retained
earnings. However, building a permanent
capitalthrough grants is a
time-consuming process and one that is constrained by
the limited availability of grant dollars. Given the need to create jobs and stimulate community development, would you commit to establishing an Equity Equivalent program with incentives to investors as part of your platform?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1826613 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1826613 GMT
I am wondering what the candidates will do for young people in this state, specifically those who are in their 20's and 30's and are struggling to live in this state? People my age can barely afford to buy housing, but can't afford the taxes. I am a Democrat, but to be honest I hear our party focusing on extraneous matters besides affordable housing, economic development, and other issues that impact the cost of living in this state. I am getting tired of hearing our party in the legislature talking about Global Warming and the War in Iraq while us 20 somethings are forced to leave this state.

Recently I was talking to a 32 year old and a 28 year old who both want to buy a home in this state...their first home. They can scrape together the money to get a mortgage and make a downpayment, but they can't move forward because the taxes are in excess of $5,000. Both of these guys have college degrees and good paying jobs, but can't afford to buy a starter home, let alone pay the taxes in this state. What are you going to do to refocus the Legislature on affordability and economic issues rather than on issues that should be discussed in DC?

Thanks. Michael in Middlebury.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1826413 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1826413 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1820619 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1820619 GMT Thanks]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1818814 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1818814 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1862619 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1862619 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1818813 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1818813 GMT
Thank you.
Karen in Montpelier]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1817812 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1817812 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1812827 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1812827 GMT --Scott Campbell
St Johnsbury]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1811612 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1811612 GMT
As governor, would you recognize a connection between land use planning and issues such as living affordability, climate change, job growth and economic and environmental sustainability? And, what would be the key elements of your plan?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1806814 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1806814 GMT
Also, what do they plan to do about educating and providing jobs for the next generation? Our population in the state is declining and all of our college graduates are forced to find jobs in another state. I support the idea of helping these students through college in the form of State grants, but there has to be a requirement for them to work in our state for a certain period of time if they receive these grants. How can we do this if there are no good paying jobs available?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1805812 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1805812 GMT BACKGROUND
As Democratic party email letter recipient, I am familiar with their polemics, but I have not observed these polemics displayed aggressively in public to steer public opinion, and I have not observed the same distortion of the facts, as I have seen in Gov. Douglas. By contrast, Gov. Douglas has aggressively and publicly engaged in harsh polemics that distort the positions of the opposition, at the expense of an honest public debate, in the mold of George Bush. I therefore feel that Vermont must elect a new governor.
QUESTION
As a voter, I look for politicians who avoid polemics and seek to understand the views of supporters of the other political parties, and can propose ways to address those concerns in meaningful ways. What do you understand the Republican electorate's concern's to be, and how will you accommodate those interests, so they can vote for you?

BACKGROUND
Both Symington and Polina are qualified and would serve the interests of the people of Vermont. I worry that they will split the electorate, and put Gov. Douglas back in office.
QUESTION
Would either of you, Symington or Polina, In the interest of the people of the state of Vermont, be willing to endorse the other, in the name of defeating Governor Douglas, on the day before the election, if the polls showed that you had a low chance of winning the election, to push your supporters toward your opponent, so that the Republican candidate can be defeated?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1804430 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1804430 GMT
My question is how will each candidate deal with NIMBYism (not in my backyard) that has hindered wind energy development in this state?

John Hanley
Burlington]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1800023 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1800023 GMT
Now we hear about bridges closing down all over the state - which is death to local businesses. Why isn't the state living up to it's responsibility to keep our local infrastructure functioning? I'd gladly pay a few extra bucks a year in gas tax if I could USE the roads I drive on.


]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1797012 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1797012 GMT
Secondly, can you please share specifics on your present or future administration's approach to solid waste disposal and the issue of sustainability? Specifically can you speak to how you plan to address the current issues at the Intervale in Burlington and how you would lead Vermont in responsible and meaningful practices to keep the compostable and recyclable materials out of our landfills?

We thank you for your thoughtful responses.

With respect,

Jennifer and Kara in Essex Junction]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1793414 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1793414 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1783017 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1783017 GMT
What priority would both of these matters hold within your administration?

What concrete steps would your administration take to address these matters?

What timelines would your administration set for addressing such?

What are the expected outcomes by which your administration would measure the effectiveness of such proposals?

How would your administration fund such proposals?

Thank you in advance.

Morgan W. Brown
Montpelier
Blogger of the Vermont Watch blog: http://vermontwatch.blogspot.com]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1780617 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1780617 GMT
As governor, what would you do to increase access to and affordability of higher education in Vermont?

Jon in Underhill Center
]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1767422 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1767422 GMT
VPR asked listeners what's on your mind this election season? Do you have a question for the candidates? What do you feel are the important issues that need to be addressed by the governor-elect in 2009? Some posted questions, some recorded questions on Reactionline.

Listen to the Gubernatorial Debate hosted by VPR Wednesday, September 24 at 7pm.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1765221 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/posts/list/1565610.page#1765221 GMT