August 27, 2002

Con Hogan Has it Right

Con Hogan, Independent candidate for Governor, understands how issues are connected, unlike his opponents who sometimes play to the hot buttons and emotionalism of specific issues for affected constituencies. His is the right answer for the two toughest, long-term policy issues facing Vermont right now. We must get these right. To play the environment against the economic vitality of Vermont is a mistake. Both must be addressed together and solutions will be difficult. Costs for some environmental issues will be high, e.g., water quality assurance, but the consequences for inaction are also high. The only viable approach to a continued healthy environment for tiny Vermont is a healthy economy to produce both profitable businesses and a tax base that enables solutions.


"Business vitality in an environment second to none

The mutually beneficial relationship between a healthy economy and a
healthy environment has yet to be realized in this state.

For some time now we have viewed business platforms and environmental platforms
as competitors that divide our focus, energy and resources. In fact, the
opposite can be true. The stronger our business climate, the stronger our
economic vitality, and the more resources we have to produce a Vermont
environment second to none.

It is all connected. We can no longer think about one program or another as
being the key to our future. We have to understand more fully how these economic
and environmental issues interact. We need a new way of thinking, which starts
with coming together around the common purpose of a vibrant economy in an
environment second to none."

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