Post Election Thoughts and Thanks

 

Hello neighbors,

I want to express my appreciation to voters for their support and confidence in returning me to represent Berlin and Northfield at the statehouse in Montpelier. I commit to continuing to work hard and with others in being solution-oriented, to share information on key issues, and to explain my decision-making process on votes.

I also ask that you continue to connect with me about issues of concern. We may not always agree, but it is important to me to hear and understand all perspectives. If all our challenges were simple, we would not need dialogue and debate. I have always believed that the sharing of ideas, rather than unilateral thinking, produces best outcomes. None of us can stand alone and claim to know the best answers to everything.

That is why I was so personally pleased to see the election results this year that will strengthen balance in our governing as a state. A legislative supermajority of any party, where the majority can steamroll its own solutions because it knows its ability to override any veto, does not support shared dialogue. When there is no need or interest in listening to alternative approaches, there is no process of constructive challenge to its own thinking.

We now retain both a Republican governor and a majority Democratic Senate and House, with its inherent checks and balances. However, now that the Democratic supermajority has come to an end in the legislature, both must work together to avoid stalemate. Hopefully this will bridge the growing divide we have experienced in the recent past.

As an Independent, I hope I can enhance this rebuilding of collaboration.

That is why I am also supporting Laura Sibilia, another Independent, in her challenge for the position of Speaker of the House. This position bears leadership responsibility for overall direction and priorities of the House and for the effectiveness of its work.

In the recent past it has been led by unilateral decision-making. A shift in this leadership culture needs to occur. There is real urgency to addressing economic pressures on multiple fronts: education, health care, housing, climate resilience and more, all within the context of affordability for Vermonters. This means we need to re-organize under a leadership that holds a primary focus on building strong working relationships and developing concrete and effective outcomes.

Lastly, I want to thank all for the well wishes after hearing of my mishap just a week before the elections. A broken leg is a real curveball in life’s usual course. I’m now hopping around (no weightbearing on the right leg for 8 weeks) but look forward to being on two feet – at least partially – by January.

Thanksgiving wishes,

Anne