Collaboration and Democracy
When the people rise up in unity over an issue and are not driven by deep-pocketed activist organizations, but by their own recognition that their rights are being trampled, the legislature had best take notice. We’re in such a time.
The uprising over Act 181 is enabling, even forcing, tri-partisan collaboration to occur that will directly benefit Vermonters. Thank you for making your united voices heard. Constituent engagement is forcing many legislators to face a reality that is different than what they had believed, to get out of their silos, and truly collaborate. This is how democracy is supposed to work for the benefit of the people. I am thankful for this result and welcome the newly inspired collaboration.
The respectful, peaceful, and well attended Act 181 rally, the honest, factual and compelling stories in emails, letters, phone messages, and personal live testimony before our House Environment committee, from every walk of life and all political persuasions, has overwhelmingly pleaded for repealing the Act 181 Road Rule and Tier 3. If you want to listen to some of the best of that testimony check out Neil Ryan HERE, Todd Heyman HERE, and Samantha and Josh from Vermont League of Cities and Towns HERE. Very interesting.
Debate within our committee will continue into next week and I am hopeful that the weight of testimony will be heeded and that both the rights and benefits of Vermonters as well as our environmental resources will be protected by repealing the Road Rule and Tier 3 and starting over with a more inclusive process to determine the best methods to protect what is really necessary to protect. I and many other legislators are actively working together to bring about this result. Please continue your engagement to encourage both the House and Senate to adopt it.
I am also hoping that this spirit of collaboration within the Statehouse will spill over into other equally important topics before us, especially Education. There continues to be grid-lock on that topic with members not willing to budge from entrenched positions. Part of the difficulty here is the lack of consensus from the constituency. Across Vermont, from small rural schools to larger city schools, from public only areas to highly successful independent school choice areas, from opportunity inequities to exorbitant property taxes, it is challenging to find a one-plan-fits-all solution. Maybe that’s a hint as to where we ought to go? For an excellent analysis of the situation, watch this week’s Governor’s press conference HERE.
Stay tuned and stay engaged.
I remain honored to be your Representative,
Rob North
Addison, Ferrisburgh, New Haven, Panton, Vergennes, and Waltham
