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Scott Kicks Off Gubernatorial Campaign

Vermont Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott officially kicked off his campaign for governor Tuesday night, saying Vermont’s economic foundation must be stabilized.
Republican Phil Scott has been lieutenant governor since 2011.  Prior to that he was a state Senator.  He is co-owner of a construction company and he also races stock cars. Scott is the highest ranking Republican in Vermont government.

Although he made it known that he was running for governor during the Labor Day weekend, he waited until after Election Day to make his formal announcement.  That occurred Tuesday evening at a packed conference center in South Burlington.

State Senator Dick Mazza chairs Democrats for Phil Scott.  He says the issues that Scott has been discussing resonate with Vermonters.   “He’s someone who has experience in the business world.  He’s been Lieutenant Governor and done a great job.  It’s a struggle and there’s a lot of issues out there.  It’s not going to be resolved overnight but I think he’s the right person for the time.  He’s just got a tremendous amount of support.  You’re going to see a lot of folks, not only Republicans.  I think you’ll see Democrats and Independents, support Phil Scott.”

Barre town resident Ray Thomas says he’s been waiting a decade for Scott to run for governor.   “The whole state’s ready.  Common sense, a balanced budget, some control over the entitlement programs and a better work environment.  I think a better business environment for people that are trying to start businesses and maintain businesses in the state, you know,  and try to compete with New Hampshire a little bit.”

Speakers included former Governor Jim Douglas, who said he’s watched Scott for years and that he shares goals to make the state more affordable.   “Phil is one of the most respected people under the Golden Dome.  He reaches across the aisle to get good ideas passed and to resist bad ones.  I know a little about serving as governor. I’m convinced beyond any doubt that Phil is the right person at the right time to serve as governor of the state we love.”

Following the former governor’s comments Scott was introduced by his mother.  As he took the podium he said he was honored and humbled to stand before so many supporters.  He told the crowd his focus as governor would be to rebuild Vermont’s economic foundation and focus on the fundamentals.   “Certainly no economy can stand for any length of time with a weakening foundation.  So let me be clear:  I’m here tonight to say I’m running for governor to rebuild Vermont’s economic foundation.  When we shore up our economic foundation, Vermont’s economy will once again be robust. When we shore up our economic foundation Vermont’s economy will once again keep and attract working age families, innovators and entrepreneurs. Current employers will stay and expand.  New employers will come.  Wages will rise. And the revenue government needs to care for the most vulnerable and to invest in our future will grow.”

Scott outlined several of his focuses areas.  “We have to work together to address the factors that are driving up the cost of living in our state.  First, education structural reform including the very difficult discussion of consolidation in some areas is necessary.  Second: health care. It’s long past time to pull the plug on Vermont Health Connect and provide Vermonters with something that works. And we’ve got to get serious about the state budget to make Vermont affordable and get our middle class growing again. State government must have the discipline to live within its means.”

Scott faces retired businessman Bruce Lisman in a Republican primary.

On the Democratic side, House Speaker Shap Smith withdrew from the race on November 17th due to his wife’s cancer diagnosis.  Former Transportation secretary and Irene Recovery Officer Sue Minter and Google executive and former state legislator Matt Dunne will face off in a primary. Incumbent Democrat Peter Shumlin is not seeking another term.

 

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