John left the Democratic Party because the cost of living is being callously increased by the super majority. John will strongly advocate for policies that will stem unsustainable government spending and fight against the unnecessary increases in property taxes, home heating costs, electricity rates, transportation fees, and health insurance premiums.
John is deeply committed to the working Vermonters who work too hard for too little in a state that costs too much to live in. Vermonters deserve to be able to afford to live in Vermont and Governor Scott needs an ally in Montpelier.
A Year of Balance, Progress, and Putting Vermonters First
As I wrap up my first year as Vermont’s Lieutenant Governor, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about where we’ve been — and where we’re headed. It’s no secret that folks are feeling squeezed these days. Whether it’s the cost of housing, heating fuel, health care or just keeping up with everyday expenses, Vermont’s affordability crisis is real, and it’s affecting people in every corner of our state.
As I wrap up my first year as Vermont’s Lieutenant Governor, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about where we’ve been — and where we’re headed. It’s no secret that folks are feeling squeezed these days. Whether it’s the cost of housing, heating fuel, health care or just keeping up with everyday expenses, Vermont’s affordability crisis is real, and it’s affecting people in every corner of our state.
But here’s the good news: this year, we proved that when Montpelier is balanced — when no one party can simply bulldoze the other — we can actually roll up our sleeves and get things done. For the first time in a while, there was real collaboration.
We passed important housing and infrastructure bills that will help get more homes built, improve local roads and water systems, and start tackling the cost drivers behind so many of our challenges. We also got the train moving on long-overdue education reform. None of it was easy, but the progress we made shows what’s possible when people from different parties sit down, listen to each other, and find common ground. That’s the Vermont way.
It's easy to get discouraged watching what’s happening in Washington, D.C. The partisanship, the gridlock, the finger-pointing — it’s enough to make anyone lose faith. But Vermont isn’t Washington. We don’t have to act like them. We can still lead with respect, with decency, and with the understanding that there’s more that unites us than divides us. It’s going to take all of us working together to get Vermont back on track. That is why I have an open door policy in my office and spend so much time traveling around the state listening to Vermonters. I know the best ideas come from working Vermonters. We can’t view running for office as a means to grow a career, rather it must be for the purpose of serving.
As a farmer, small business owner, and community servant, I’ve seen a lot. But that doesn’t mean I do not have more to learn from you.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be traveling around the state, visiting communities big and small, and talking with Vermonters about what’s working — and what’s not. I want to hear directly from you about what a nonpartisan Montpelier can do better.
Governor Scott has set a great example of steady, practical leadership that puts people first, not politics. My goal is to keep building on that — to keep finding ways to make Vermont more affordable and more livable for everyone, no matter your class, income level, zip code or political stripe.
At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a Vermont where our kids can grow up, our seniors can retire with dignity, and families don’t have to move away just to make ends meet. That’s what drives me every day. We may not agree on everything, but if we keep talking, keep listening, and keep working together — I believe we can get there. Because that’s what Vermonters do best.