MARLBORO — Now that the election cycle has come and gone, I think it's important to take a break from all the political theater and show my appreciation for Governor Peter Shumlin.
Recently, some of our local media outlets - and opinions expressed in them - have speculated on issues that will be in the forefront of our legislature's minds, particularly in a way that is meant to transfer negativity and doubt on the governor.
We have a lot to be proud of and, in order to continue to build on the progress we've made, we need to stand with Governor Shumlin.
During (and after) a campaign, it is so easy to forget that this is the same governor that helped us recover and rebuild after the destruction wrought by Irene. It's the same governor who led in the effort to raise Vermont's minimum wage so that our hard-working friends and neighbors still have a shot to get ahead after the Great Recession.
This is the same man who, ignoring what was politically convenient, pushed to give Vermonters the right to know what is in their food with our new GMO labeling law.
It's the same Governor Shumlin who has taken on our state's opiate epidemic by fighting for treatment for those suffering with addiction, while also cracking down on those who bring drugs into our state and endanger our communities.
Yes, it is true: after this election, Governor Shumlin and our legislature were sent - and heard - a very clear message about the need to tackle education spending, our state's property taxes, the rising cost of health care, the effects of a post-Vermont Yankee economy, and other pressing issues.
But make no mistake: Peter Shumlin will work with the Legislature to tackle these issues head on, as he has for the last four years. He's continued to be up front and honest about education spending, and has already taken steps to get the details and funding options for Green Mountain Care to lawmakers ahead of schedule. He is working hard to present another balanced budget - as he has for the last four years - under some of the harshest of circumstances.
I know that I will continue to be supportive of Governor Shumlin's efforts to continue to make Vermont the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I hope you will, too.