State of Vermont Archives: on Local Issues

David Zuckerman: Diversify agriculture; currently 70% dairy

Phil Scott: Protect Northeast Kingdom economy from EB-5 fallout

Phil Scott: First and foremost, state government must regain the faith and trust of Vermonters. The first step is ensuring the EB-5 fallout doesn't bring the Northeast Kingdom economy down with it. We can look to the state response to Vermont Yankee's closing in Windham County as an example: In 2015, the legislature established the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone, [with] the intent of attracting industry to the area and provide a resource to existing businesses. This is an approach we can apply across Vermont. We can look to New York and the incentives they're offering to new businesses and employees as an example. The key is getting the word out about what Vermont has to offer, welcoming new neighbors and making Montpelier a true partner to our business community.

Peter Shumlin: Tropical Storm Irene recovery: we rebuilt faster & smarter

There are two Irene lessons that we must seize from our experience. The first lesson is clear: if after Irene we can rebuild over 500 miles of damaged road & 34 bridges in four months for a fraction of normal cost, we must apply those lessons to maintaining and rebuilding Vermont's aging transportation infrastructure from this point forward. We will build faster, smarter, and more economically.

The second lesson comes from the remarkable tenacity of the hundreds of small businesses that were drowned in water and mud. I pledge the following: My jobs agenda will expand the ability of businesses to get access to capital when they need it most.