1. What key business development/what job programs do you support?
Job creation and retention is my top priority. I have laid out my strategy in a comprehensive, 47-page plan for prosperity available on my website, www.jimdouglas.org. Within my first 100 days, I will propose legislation for meaningful permit reform to make it more predictable, less time consuming and less costly. I will convene a Jobs Cabinet comprised of high level government officials and representatives of the business and labor communities to identify the best way to attract jobs. I will reorganize the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to make it more responsive to the needs of business, and I will submit a balanced budget that does not raise taxes and does not increase spending beyond the rate of inflation plus population growth.
2. How would you foster cooperation among regional chambers, RPC's and EDC's?
Any economic development plan must have a coordinated approach that utilizes all of Vermont's economic development engines. A reorganized Agency of Commerce and Community Development will be charged with bringing all interested parties together to create a coordinated response to Vermont's economic crisis. I will personally meet with the leaders of Vermont's largest 100 employers and representatives of the small business community to ensure that all voices are heard and that my plan for prosperity is implemented in a cooperative, coordinated manner that takes advantage of all of our resources. The current work by the regional partners -- the development corporations, the planning commissions and the chambers of commerce -- is excellent, but with added focus and increased support their important efforts can produce even greater results.
3. What technology/communication changes will you make in state government?
If Vermont is going to compete for 21st Century jobs, we need a 21st Century infrastructure - especially in more rural areas of the state. I will promote blanket cell coverage so no one in Vermont is out of range of this important business tool. I will improve broadband access so Vermonters can utilize the Internet, and so business can offer opportunities for Vermonters to work from the home. We need to enhance and retarget our R&D efforts to make Vermont a high-tech haven. I will recommend the designation of a Commissioner of Innovation and Information within the Agency of Administration who will oversee all of the state's technology improvements.
4. What specific changes in the permit process do you advocate?
My plan for prosperity outlines specific changes to the permit process to make it more predictable, less costly and less time-consuming. We have heard the talk on permit reform for over a decade, but there has been little action. In my first 100 days in office I will offer legislation for meaningful reform. Among my reforms will be to limit party status so big-moneyed special interest groups cannot perpetually delay reasonable growth through costly lawsuits. I will allow on the record appeals to avoid duplication of effort, unnecessary cost, and further needless delays. We need a master application and online filing, and we must consolidate appeals of all state environmental permits to the Environmental Board. Finally, I will change the culture of government by appointing citizens to important positions who share my vision of a government that acts as an ally, not an adversary.
5. What interstate signage/information programs do you want to see?
I support Vermont's existing sign law that bans billboards
from our interstates and
roadways. I could support some adjustments to existing interstate
signs directing travelers to Vermont landmarks, historical and
cultural sites, and services. I am not entirely comfortable with
marketing specific businesses through the posting of corporate
logos. Vermont must work to preserve its unadulterated landscape,
and a move toward commercial advertising would violate the spirit
of Vermonters desire to keep billboard-style advertising out
of Vermont.
6. Who should determine growth centers and what incentives would you seek?
Local input should be the most important factor in determining growth centers. Regional development corporations and local officials, along with members of the community are the best judges of where growth is most desirable. We should use incentives to encourage development in growth centers, but we should be careful not to prohibit or penalize responsible growth elsewhere. Some incentives could include expedited or pre-permitting. I would be willing, however, to hear and consider any recommendation for incentivizing development in growth centers.
7. What measures would you implement to contain workers compensation costs?
Increases in the cost of workers' compensation benefits and premiums are posing serious problems for many businesses in Vermont. We need to seek out new ways to help reduce this burden while protecting the rights of workers. While rates continue to be a major cost of doing business, Vermont's reforms of the past have worked well. We should seek to make additional reforms that allow for more administrative remedies rather than a litigious system
8. What measures will you implement to contain health insurance costs?
No economic plan is complete without addressing out-of-control health care costs. First, I would revisit community rating to create more flexibility and competition in the health insurance marketplace. I would instead have a high-risk pool to subsidize those Vermonters who are uninsurable. I would work to end the Medicaid cost shift that passes the high costs of this program onto consumers of private insurance. I would reduce unnecessary government mandates and move toward Medical Savings Accounts so employers and employees could contribute to a special tax-free account to pay for high-deductible, low premium health insurance.
9. What taxes would you raise/lower in light of state deficits and a soft economy?
Vermonters are already overtaxed. In fact, we have one of the highest tax burdens in the nation. I would resist any effort to raise taxes on Vermonters. I will insist on balanced budgets, but the way we get there is by controlling spending. I have pledged to keep increases in spending at a rate no higher than inflation plus population growth. This policy will help keep government spending in check during the good times, so budgets are manageable during the tough ones
10. On what other topics should we know your position?
The transition to the 21st Century has been difficult for Vermont. Unemployment is up, wages are down; taxes are up and spending is out of control. The policies of the past are not the solutions of the future.
We need a new vision in Montpelier that will restore hope and ignite the spirit of Vermont in the cause of change. We need a governor Vermonters can trust to take our state's economic woes seriously.
I have a comprehensive plan to address the economic crisis in Vermont. My job creation and economic development program is a plan of substance and a plan for prosperity, not just more soundbites and platitudes. I hope you will visit my website - www.jimdouglas.org -- and examine my proposals. I think you will find that I have presented Vermonters with a plan worthy of their future.
CV chamber / P.O. Box 336 / Barre, Vermont 05641
(802)-229-4619
[email protected]
