On the Issues
I Believe in Vermont and in Vermonters
I want to be the Governor of Vermont because I am proud of Vermont and proud of Vermonters. I know that we can work together to bring creativity and innovation to our economic development, our healthcare system, and our energy future. I know that we can make Vermont not only the best place for us to live, but the best place for our children, and for their children as well. I believe in Vermont and I believe in you. I hope that you will believe in me too, so together, we can create a future of hope, opportunity, and high expectations.
Economic Opportunity for All
Vermont families are struggling, and I want every Vermonter to have the opportunity for a good-paying job with decent benefits. Job growth and retention will be the top priority of my administration. I look forward to sharing comprehensive strategies to ensure that Vermonters have the quality of jobs that they seek and deserve.
Universal Access to quality, affordable health care
Here in Vermont, we can and should do better. We don’t have to wait; we can start reforming our system now. We’ve done a lot, but we’re not where we need to be. Kids have access to health care and Catamount is an improvement for those who qualify for it. I have fought over the years for these improvements, but we must do better – we must demand universal access to quality, affordable health care for all Vermonters. As Governor I will continue working on this issue until every Vermonter has access to quality, affordable health care every time they need it. We can design a system here at home to make sure all Vermonters get access to affordable care, and I want to work with the federal government to make that a reality.
Conservation, Efficiency and Clean, Renewable Energy
How Vermont will meet its future energy demands will be one of the most critical questions facing Vermonters in the coming years. I am opposed to the continued operation of Vermont Yankee after 2012. I think when this plant is scheduled to shut down, it should – for financial and moral reasons.
Balancing the Budget
Vermont’s economy must be strengthened and diversified for the long term. And we must not forget that Vermonters are not just taxpayers – they also depend on the state for a wide range of services. An economy like this means difficult choices and shared sacrifices. We must have an honest and open conversation about our budgetary choices and their implications.
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The Future of Farming in Vermont
As governor, I will work with our dairy farmers to advocate on their behalf with our federal delegation to push for a fair pricing structure as well as a supply management system. At the same time, we must recognize as a state that there are still opportunities for farmers to thrive in our state. Although some state policies still stand in the way, we can and should work with farmers to encourage diversification, year-round production, value-added processing, and direct sales.
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I'm For Doug
Steve Finner, Barre
“Working Vermonters need a Governor who understands that a strong middle class is the key to economic prosperity. Doug understands that labor unions are a key ingredient in the mix, negotiating good wage jobs that also provide decent benefits and due process in disputes with employers. He knows that health care is a right and not just a privilege for the well off. His experience as a State Senator will serve him well as a Governor for all Vermonters.”