To the editor:
I recently completed three decades of work with the State of Vermont, much of that time working closely with governors of both political parties, most recently Gov. Phil Scott.
I still follow Montpelier and am so disappointed by what the Vermont Legislature enacted in the most recent session over Gov. Scott’s veto: a 14% property tax increase, 20% DMV increase, $9.6B Clean Heat Standard, and $1B electric rate increase. Vermonters cannot afford these increases.
I was very happy when I heard Scott Beck would be running for the Vermont Senate to represent Caledonia County. I worked with Scott on many issues during his 10 years in Vermont’s House of Representatives. Scott is exactly the type of person needed to bring balance to the Senate, end the supermajority, and put Vermont on a different trajectory. He is deeply respected by both parties as a centrist that listens, does his homework, and always does what is right for Vermonters.
Scott Beck opposed all of the recent tax and fee increases and has stood strong with Gov. Phil Scott. But he doesn’t just vote no. He has been a leader in the legislature and was behind several bipartisan acts that will really help Vermonters: child tax credit, corporate tax reform, common level of appraisal reform, and increases to the Earned Income Tax Credit. Scott is recognized as the expert in the legislature on education finance and has a broadly supported plan to finally fix our education funding challenges, while making it explainable to Vermonters and providing an excellent education to all Vermont students.
Scott will vote no to defend Vermonters, but he will also work across the aisle to improve the lives of Vermonters. This is rare and probably why he was recently rated as the most centrist representative in Montpelier. His peers have also recognized him as legislator of the year.
I will be voting for Scott Beck to represent Caledonia County in the VT Senate and encourage you to support his election as well.
Bradley Ferland
Hardwick
