1. Top concern: Decreased reliance on property taxes for the funding of education, and reduction of property taxes for those not adequately helped through income sensitivity. 2.
Schools: We need strong incentives for school consolidation where appropriate, and a much greater emphasis on innovative collaboration and consolidation of programs and administration among schools. 3. Property taxes: Property taxes should be significantly tied to income, and reduced from the current levels for more homeowners than those who are now income sensitized.
4. Wind power: Significant role. I support investments in wind and other sources of renewable energy.
5. Transportation: Proper maintenance of existing infrastructure is essential. New roads only when justified.
The state's economic health requires that we find the money. Dawn Teixeira 1. Top concern: Property taxes are the top concern of South Burlington voters.
I would repeal education funding laws and restructure property taxation without increasing income taxes. 2. Schools: Consolidating school districts appears to make sense in the long run, but it will not solve the immediate concerns of South Burlington's voters.
3. Property taxes: I support the concept for the intended purpose of helping South Burlington's senior citizens with fixed incomes, however, innovation is needed to prevent abuses. 4.
Wind power: We need basic progress on alternative energy sources, including wind power, so alternative sources can eventually make a material differnce in the future. 5. Transportation: The total tax burden is excessive for South Burlington voters.
The solution is not another tax increase, but to stop spending revenues on other purposes. Chittenden 3-8 FAMILY: Married, one step-daughter 1. Top concern: Property taxes.
There is no simple solution. The legislature must both find alternatives to the property tax and explore how reduce cost drivers 2. Schools: Legislature should provide all the tools and incentives possible for communities to pare spending and encourage collaboration and consolidation.
Local communities should make decisions about local schools. 4. Wind power: All energy sources, including wind and other renewable resources, along with energy efficiency measures need to be part of a state-wide energy plan.
5. Transportation: First priority needs to be on repair and maintenance of our existing transportation infrastructure with the targeting of the remaining resources to any imperative new projects. Andrew Thomas 1.
Top concern: Affordability. Cap property taxes. Control spending -- state budget doubled in eight years.
Allow Vermonters to buy health insurance from NH where it is 50% cheaper. 2. Schools: We should consolidate our school districts in Vermont, not in Washington DC with No Child Left Behind.
School choice would solve many of our problems. 3. Property taxes: Let retired property owners plan for their future.
Cap property taxes at the level when you buy your home and adjust for inflation only. 4. Wind power: I believe alternative sources of energy are Vermont's future including wind.
We should let Vermonters's choose what type of energy they want. 5. Transportation: Don't raise gas taxes.
Stop raiding the transportation fund. Focus resources on our basic transportation needs. Let Vermonters invest in bonds to cover additional costs.
FAMILY: Married, three children and four grandchildren 1. Top concern: High cost of taxes for education. I propose that the Legislature change the funding for schools from the property tax to a combination of property tax and income tax, and some sales tax.
2. Schools: Yes Vermont should consolidate school districts to pare education spending even if it means closing some community schools, but it should be voluntary and not by state mandate. 3.
Property taxes: Only for school funding. 4. Wind power: A high role in meeting part of the state's future energy needs.
5. Transportation: No question we will have to raise the gas tax which is a user fee to meet the short fall in the transportation fund. Mark Brigham FAMILY: Widower, two sons 1.
Top concern: The property tax burden is a crisis issue in South Burlington. We must enact an affordable and understandable school finance system that has responsible spending controls. 2.
Schools: Community schools should be preserved. Costs can be reduced by sharing services, administration, and by sharing facilities with other community entities or with public/private partnerships. 3.
Property taxes: The education property tax has become unaffordable for many. Shifting the burden based on income can help, but the underlying growth in spending is the real issue. 4.
Wind power: Wind power should be part of a diversified mix of energy sources for Vermont. Cost, safety and environmental impact, must all be carefully balanced. 5.
Transportation: Larger transportation projects could be funded from bond proceeds. This would free up more Transportation Fund money for smaller projects and routine maintenance. Chittenden 3-10 one seat, South 1.
Top concern: High property taxes. The Legislature must find fair alternatives to property-based education funding while addressing the healthcare and energy costs that greatly impact school budgets. 2.
Schools: Vermont should create incentives for districts to enter into consolidations, greater collaboration, and creation of magnet programs that will save money and strengthen schools. 4. Wind power: Wind power should be a significant part of the state's energy plan, along with other renewable sources and energy efficiency programs.
5. Transportation: Vermont needs transportation spending priorities: 1) maintenance of existing critical roads and bridges; 2) alternative transportation; 3) and new road projects (in that order).
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