"I'm For Doug"

I’ve known Doug for most of the 30 years we’ve both been Richmond residents. I’ve seen him on the right side of issues I care about as a Chittenden County Senator. I was particularly impressed with his ability to find common ground between a Vermont Ski Area, the State Agency of Natural Resources, and environmental organizations in a difficult water withdrawal conflict in the early 1990s, when Governor Dean asked Doug to help negotiate a resolution of the issue. I was pleased that Doug had the support of Senators such as Arthur Gibb and George Little in his 2002 campaign. I admire Doug for his service on the Mount Mansfield Union School Board more recently. Doug is knowledgeable, experienced, committed to public service, and has served us well. We need a Governor who will work for the good of all Vermonters. Please join me in supporting Doug for Governor.

I believe that Doug Racine is the right person to be the next governor of Vermont. While I think that each of the democratic candidates for governor possess qualities that recommend them, upon careful consideration and conversation with all of them, it has become clear to me Doug is exactly the sort of leader we need. His extensive experience at all levels government in Vermont has readied him to meet the pressing challenges that we face. His dedication to the principles of fairness, his ability to advocate for what’s right, not just what’s popular and perhaps most importantly, his ability to listen and learn make him worthy of our trust and our support.

I’ve been following Doug’s work in Montpelier for a few years now. I admire Doug for his honesty. He avoids vague statements and generalizations. You always know where he stands and what he stands for. This past legislative session when vital programs faced devastating financial cuts, I watched Doug stand up for people who live with mental health challenges. Vermonters need a Governor who understands Vermont’s weaknesses but focuses on our strengths and potentials. We are caring people who want everyone to live happy and prosperous lives. If you are tired of hearing negativity and listening to leaders who list all the things we can not do, please vote for Doug. He genuinely cares for Vermont and her people and he will work for you.

Doug Racine is a strong supporter of health care for all Vermont citizens. He understands that can only happen with governmental participation. Doug Racine knows that Vermont has good schools and he has worked hard to ensure that all Vermont children have equal education opportunity. He understands that this will require continued property tax equity for all home owners and businesses. Doug Racine is a positive promoter of Vermont business and industry. He understands that the Governor needs to be the economic leader, the constant cheerleader for economic development and the crucial partner providing assistance to commuities so that they in turn can nuture new and current business development. I support Doug Racine for Governor of Vermont!

I have known Doug for 45 years.
He is the most honest, decent caring person.
Doug can always be trusted to do what is best for our state.
Doug should be the choice of the Democratic party and the choice for all Vermont.

There is one question to ask when figuring out what Democratic candidate to support. Who is ready to lead? After watching this past legislative session the answer is clear. Doug Racine. Doug stood strong and tall against those who wanted to weaken the safety net for vulnerable Vermonters. He fought for using the rainy day funds and against raising property taxes. It was Doug’s consistent leadership and ability to pull everyone together that brought about passage of S.88,his health care reform bill. I have always appreciated Doug’s thoughtful and visionary approach to public service. I have voted for him in his Senate and Lt. Governor races because I liked his integrity, his willingness to listen and to learn. What I see now is a outspoken and passionate leader who is ready to serve Vermont as its Governor.

My father served in the Vermont House when Doug was Lt. Gov. Dad was an independent and had lots of despicable stories about “the crooks” he worked with. He couldn’t stand most Vermont politicians (including some of Doug’s Democratic opponents), but he respected Doug Racine both as a politician and as a person. Even behind the scenes he found Doug to be an honest, fair and genuine individual who truly cares. Politicians we can trust are hard to come by; politicians my dad trusts are almost non-existent! To me, that speaks volumes.

As far back as the 1980s I used to go to Montpelier to see how the budget committee was making decisions, especially in relation to the Parent Child Centers. I was impressed with Doug Racine’s ability to listen and be reasonable when he spoke. Over the years I have been watching and I am still impressed — the most recent time was at Middlebury College with all the Democratic candidates. Doug talks like a humble Vermont person with the power of a Governor. I can definitely see him as the head of our state.

Not only did Doug show his experience and leadership during this past legislative session but there is no better Democratic nominee who is a champion for quality child care. His leadership in getting health care reform legislation passed at the end of the session was remarkable. Doug has a broad range of experience in state government, has “doable” goals to get health care reform off and running, and knows and understands the challenges which Vermonters face. We need someone with his abilities to lead our state and bring real change to state government.

Why I support Doug for Governor is that he supports people with developmental disabilities and he listens to the self-advocates with their concerns about budget cuts for developmental disabilities. Also he was able to get our cuts from 5% down to 1% for developmental services. Doug will be a great guy for governor.