BRATTLEBORO-I was going to write a different letter of support for Emilie Kornheiser, as she runs for Windham-7 (West Brattleboro) state representative. Then, however, my thoughts coalesced around one word: courage.
The courage to push for the right things, even if she receives backlash for her positions: This capability is one our district needs, our state needs.
Given the political reality that has been in effect in Vermont for several years - with a popular Republican governor who chooses not to work closely with a heavily Democratic and Progressive legislature - our representatives need to fight awfully hard for the things they feel strongly about.
Perhaps Emilie's biggest achievement has been the funding for child care. The need for additional child care in our state is tremendous, and growing our economy depends on it. She was among those most out in front in getting this done.
I think Emilie's courage this year was most clearly on display with the school-funding-related "yield bill." The school committees throughout the state - the people who know the local needs the best - plus the state's flawed funding model itself are responsible for our quantum leap in school-related property taxes.
While the increases will vary by school district and town, the whole effect will be one we have not seen in recent memory.
Would it have been OK to just leave it at that and pass on a 20% or more increase to us taxpayers? No, and the Legislature stepped up to find creative ways to lessen this blow. Emilie, as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, was at the forefront of this work to reduce this percentage.
And then there is general unfairness of today's world, where those with the most wealth are paying less than their fair share. Emilie has not shied away from talking about this, even about floating a wealth tax. This is a tax that a number of responsible businesses also support. Such a change would be highly controversial.
Meanwhile, until changes like this come about, the status quo will continue to be unfair.
In Emilie Kornheiser, we have a smart and perceptive state representative with an established track record, a legislator who is not afraid to take a stance, a person of courage we want to keep.
Michael Bosworth
Brattleboro
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