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Last night, Windham County GOP state senator candidates Rick Morton and Dale Gassett both addressed a large crowd at the GOP candidate forum in Whitingham, moderated by VDC editor Guy Page. Below, Morton – a pastor and Vernon nursing home administrator – explain why he’s running against the two Democrat incumbents, Nader Hashim and Wendy Harrison.
I am running for the Vermont Senate. Why?
Vermont property taxes are rising from 13 to 20%. I pledge to demand that the legislature enact property tax relief immediately. In January 2025, the legislature will also vote on rules implementing a “carbon credit” system on all kinds of home heating fuels. Best estimates show this program adding from 70¢ to over $3.00 per gallon to those fuels. If elected, I pledge to be a “NO” vote on the “Clean Heat” carbon tax and any bill raising costs to heat our homes. Both incumbent senators twice voted for this home heat carbon tax system and voted twice to override Governor Scott’s veto.
The legislature has imposed higher DMV fees, the new payroll tax, new energy regulations driving up electric bills, and an internet-based services tax. From the overall cost of living to climate related flooding, to crime and substance abuse, Vermont needs to get real about finding affordable solutions to all these issues.
Also, the legislature has voted for a bill more than doubling legislative salaries. I will be a “NO” vote for raising lawmakers salaries, especially when Vermonters are struggling to get by under the policies passed by these lawmakers.
Wrong Track:
The average of almost 400 separate polls indicates that 63% of Americans think the United State is on the wrong track (The Hill as of Sept 22nd, 2024). Nationally the three main issues affecting voter sentiment are the economy, immigration, and crime. There are many secondary issues affecting voter sentiment as well. All three of these national issues also affect Vermonters.
But in Vermont, our politicians are more rational than DC politicians, right? Well, not so fast.
Tax Bill:
Did you get your tax bill for 2025 yet? Are you excited about the average property tax increase of 13.8%. Check your town’s average tax bill change at vermontpublic.org. It appears our elected representatives listened more to bureaucrats, lobbyists, and activists rather than the voters who put them into office. Population outflows and the greying of Vermont are likely to continue as a result.
Carbon tax:
The legislature we elect on November 5th will meet in January 2025 to vote on final rules for the Clean Heat Standard (Act 18). What amounts to a carbon tax of $3.00 to $4.00/gallon or more will be added to the base price of heating oil and kerosene (VT Daily Chronicle 8/26/24). Can you afford $4.00/gal tax on your fuel purchases?
Responsibility:
Who did this? Vermont’s super majority legislature put us in this place. Governor Scott vetoed the Clean Heat Standard (Act 18), but the legislature overrode that veto. Both Windham County Senators joined in the veto override. Rational legislative discourse from diverse points of view will give us better legislative outcomes. Without more balance in the legislature more foolish, unwise and fiscally irresponsible actions will be taken. If our legislators are not held accountable for what they have already done then what is to make them change course going forward? Vermont voters need to send a message to the legislature.
Balance:
Windham County voters cannot rely on other counties to do the work of restoring balance to the State legislature. We must do our part from all parties: Democrats, Independent and Republicans. We must choose Senators and Representatives who will help the legislature chance course.
Consider a vote for alternatives Senators from Windham County. Change the party balance in Montpelier. Vote for Richard “Rick” Morton and for Dale Gassett. We both pledge to vote NO on Act 18 when it comes up in the next legislative session.
We offer Windham voters a heart of compassion. Rick Morton is an ordained chaplain at a nearby assisted living facility, has 24+ years’ experience in banking, and has an “outside the echo chamber” point of view. Dale Gassett has worked extensively managing and supervising within the construction industry. Both of us have long and strong involvement in community affairs and organizations.
Philosophically, we will resist the rush to legislate a mandated top-down solution for every perceived societal flaw. We would hope our children would be free to fulfill their God given potential with the least possible government interference or hindrance. Therefore, we will work to see that Vermont is fiscally responsible and does not infringe upon the individual freedoms guaranteed in the Vermont and US Constitutions.
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Categories: Commentary, politics
The biggest tax you are going to see is from the federal reserve with inflation.. When will these want to be statesman start dealing with this issue?????????
Mr. Day,
If I understand correctly, you are asking someone who is running for a state position what they are going to do about a federal issue? Is that correct?
I’m fairly certain our state senators and representatives have little to no influence of federal issues. Please do correct me if I have misunderstood your comment. Thank you, Pam Baker
@Pam Baker – The State has the constitutional authority to coin their own money in gold and silver and start their own State bank. – The State has the authority to preempt the federal tax by carefully crafting a state income tax (close to 100%) and then return those funds to individuals as local stipends. – The State has the power to institute criminal proceedings against politicians and state workers that break the highest laws of the land (The Constitution).
These things will never happen because we are weak, and we are controlled mentally and physically. We deserve what we get. Normalcy bias to our doom.
Pam, are you still wearing the face diaper?????? These people all took an oath of office to defend the constitution and they failed with the Covid kill shot. Vermont is not some cave you can hide in from the rest of the world. These people need to get smart real quick.
Mr. Day, there is no need to be rude. I simply asked a question to make sure I understand you correctly. You do understand to whom you are referring to in your comment? Mr. Morton is not a legislator. He was speaking about people, including himself, who are running for office in our state.
I’m having trouble understanding your logic. If you are willing to politely answer the question, again I ask you, is your question asking a potential state legislator what they are going to do about a federal issue?
If you are unable to engage in a mature and civil exchange, then please do ignore my comment. Any further inability on your part to talk/write like an adult will not be responded to by myself. I thank you for your time and attention.
Respectfully,
Pam Baker
Richard, I understand where you are coming from, but Pam is correct. This article is about Vermont and what we can change here. These two candidates have made a pledge to make change in Vermont, they have nothing to do with the other mess in DC. Change starts at home.
V I P 1,
Well stated. The local arena is very important. Eventually it can spread to Washington in some cases. We need to keep pushing for those that have critical thinking skills, not just follow the latest trend blindly.
All we hear is crickets from the leftist liberal Swamp!!
All they want to do is steal your money 💰 💰 Vermonters !
Wake up people and get out and VOTE Red, Red, Red vote Red period folks Get-R-Done Patriots 🇺🇸
You all missed the point. The bonding of debt in this state is a big issue and it is being controlled by the federal reserve and these want to be leaders should watch the how the interest rates are having an impact on Vermonters. Stop all bonding until this inflation is stopped and this is a local and state issue. Hope this has answered your question Pam. Sometimes i like to be rude and have a good day.
To be fair I agree with you on this, but your original post didn’t convey the bonding of debt in a way to not be misconstrued with what Pam said.
It is a big issue that no one is talking about.
Thank you for answering my question Mr. Day. Since I too, am running for office, and am quite new to finance at this level as well as government itself, this is critical information and was a very good question. I would love to learn more. However, life is entirely too short for churlish behavior, so I will reach out to other resources to educate myself. I do again, thank you for replying civily. My best to you sir.
Respectfully,
Pam Baker
No disrespect intended. If one is running for State office or local office, one should understand the REAL concepts and principles of finance – particulary in a Federal welfare State such as Vermont. How much legislation is passed with a dollar tag attached? Where do those dollars come from? If you run a household budget, what do you consider the State or City budget? A trough of never ending capital?
A question for all running for office – State or local – are you going to represent the People or the Corporation? What do I mean by corporation? The fact that municipalities are “incorporated” is your first clue. The fact the State of Vermont lends, sells, and invests our money through the giant casino known as the stock market (all our debt is bundled and sold as is our Federal debt.)
Please learn what ponzi scheme means – then you will understand the house of cards is about to fall down. Your role will be to mop up the mess or pretend it isn’t happening as the collateral damage piles up around you. Good luck!
Ms Casey,
Usually, when a comment is preceded by the phrase, “no offense intended”, it is in fact, offensive and intended. Just so you are aware. If you really meant to be informative, there are other approaches. Ones that would be helpful and build up others rather than attempt to subtly tear them down. I am not offended at your comments. But I will not tolerate people who address anyone in that manner.
But I do thank you, sincerely, for the opportunity to address this very issue. Before I start, I want you all to know that I am well aware of my responsibilities and my shortcomings, now and future ones, as both a citizen legislator and as someone who has twice taken an oath to defend this nation. In fact, here are the words I spoke while raising my right hand, in front of hundreds of people…. twice. “I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
I could not possibly be an expert at everything that is required of a citizen legislator. I am not a politician. I am a 62-year-old woman, retired nurse, former US Army Captain and prior service as an enlisted person, who has been a director of a homecare agency managing a multimillion-dollar budget. I have been a manager of a large claims department in a healthcare insurance company, a branch manager of a homecare agency, an assistant director of nurses not to mention the many leadership positions I held while on active duty. Amongst other jobs over my career.
That being said, there ARE many gaps in my knowledge base. I’m not a climate expert, but I am informed enough about logic and science to be able to ask questions, seek expert information and make decisions. I will absolutely run into situations where I have no formal knowledge or experience. Just like all other legislators who have in the past or ever will in the future, run in to. None of us are experts at everything. And since this exchange this morning, I have indeed reached out to several experts to gain a functional knowledge of what Mr. Day is alluding to. I encouraged those same experts to come here and provide some context. I think Mr. Day and you bring up excellent and salient points. You both could do a better job at communicating.
As far as your question about running for the people or the corporation is concerned, my focus is on protecting the people in my district, against insane, unsustainable and life altering financial ruin from increased taxes. To protect families from being forced to move out of their home or to double pay to send their children to a school of their choice. To protect our citizenry. We the people are the important part of this conversation.
I most likely will be ineffective as a legislator, because I am a dog with a bone. I will make sure the things the constituents in my district are concerned about, are my sole focus. I will most likely make others angry because my focus is on representing the citizens of my district. If there is room for more, then I will focus on veterans’ benefits, food sovereignty, real school choice and job creation. Do I have a specific plan? Nope. Because I am not, nor ever have been a legislator. But I have ideas, and I have begun contacting people to gain information. Constituents, small business owners, families and groups interested in protecting their children.
I will tell you, that I really want to introduce a bill that limits the introduction of bills to 100 or less per legislative session, no omnibus bills and must pass a Constitutionality review and have a fiscal plan (like a business plan) before its introduction into the “books”. Since, to my recollection, they put forth over 900 bills last session alone. That is absurd and utter nonsense.
But I digress.
That is just a little bit of my mind. Not that you have a chance to vote for me Ms. Casey or Mr. Day, but some of the citizens from my district do read this newspaper outlet and I wanted them to know where I stand.
As I learn more and discover more, I will likely broaden my opinions and plans, but the people are the reason I am tolerating this ugly process called politics. My former homecare patients and their families in my district. My family, neighbors and friends. The local business owners. They are the reason. They motivate me. It is a heavy burden to bear, and I will do my best. I will make mistakes. I will say stupid things. I will apologize sincerely. But I will carry on until the job is done.
Respectfully,
Pam Baker
Candidate for State Legislature
Windham 6, the towns of Halifax, Whitingham and Wilmington.
Pam, I appreciate your efforts. Sorry if you interpret my comment as personal. If you enter the State House – best be prepared to be offended and taken aback daily – by friend and foe alike. Those “ladies” up there swing designer handbags loaded down with our money – well trained in Maddy Kunin’s bootcamp of Bolsheviks.
I don’t mince my words for a reason – we are in a fight, a global war – the gloves are off and the Donnybrook is on. As the song goes “We didn’t start the fire” I’m not bringing a squirt gun to this fire. The enemy uses word salad – I’m bringing the salad shooter. The pen is mighter than the sword. God’s Army means business…those who know what that truly means…are girded up and ready for battle. It is what the enemy fears the most.
Ms. Casey, I didn’t take your comment personally. In order for it to be personal, you would have to know me a long time. Then it becomes personal. But again, I won’t tolerate the tactic you originally approached me with. It’s not necessary , it’s adversarial.
That all aside and moving forward, I wholeheartedly concur, the “donnybrook” is on! And I fully expect all manner of things, should I have the misfortune of winning a seat in the House(snark intended). Indeed, any attempts I have made in my district to bring community together or foster learning (Constitution Class) has been met with vitriol from my neighbors. I have been called a right wing, radical, Christian Nationalist and an insurrectionist. Then booted off FPF permanently. I have a hostile relationship with our current legislator. Who, by the way, wanted to know if I would respect him now that I was running. I didn’t respect him before, why would I suddenly “respect,” him now? I’m not a hypocrite. He is. And he is someone who I say very strongly worded borderline ad hominem attacks on his intellect and character, or lack thereof. To his face and in writing.
It likely will be very ugly, but that isn’t about me. It’s about them. And I’d rather see the devil coming at me then not see. So “swing away Merrill”. They can do their worst.
At the same time, I am always trying to build bridges. Because I will represent everyone, regardless of your political affiliation. That’s the job. And you can’t build bridges with fists. Doesn’t mean my head is not always on a swivel. And my powder IS always dry. Doesn’t mean that I will become a politician. And for the record, I invite the constituents in my district to call me out should I start babbling nonsense.
I believe in Servant Leadership and hope to knock some sense into these folks. Our focus should always be, “is this what is best for the citizens”. Because we know that is absent in the State House.
I thank you for your time and efforts today. I hope we may get to work together on some issues.
Respectfully,
Pam Baker
Candidate for Windham 6, the towns of Halifax, Whitingham and Wilmington
@Pam Baker
If you want some learning material, if you click my name I can recommend some books you can read or listen to the audio book online for free (search YouTube for the audio book if its not on the website). I also suggest the mises YouTube channel and watching a few Mises University Playlists in their entirety.
First watch all the videos here to give you a quick run down – https://mises.org/begin
Search or click Library:
How to Think about the Economy: A Primer – Per Bylund
Economics in One Lesson – Henry Hazlitt
The Mystery of Banking – Murray N. Rothbard
The Progressive Era – Murray N. Rothbard
Anatomy of the State – Murray N. Rothbard
America’s Great Depression – Murray N. Rothbard
And if you REALLY like to read:
Human Action – Ludwig von Mises
Man, Economy, and State with Power and Market – Murray N. Rothbard
The Theory of Money and Credit – Ludwig von Mises
Bureaucracy – Ludwig von Mises
The Causes of the Economic Crisis, and Other Essays Before and After the Great Depression – Ludwig von Mises
Democracy: The God That Failed – Hans-Hermann Hoppe
Search the site for any other stuff you might find interesting. Welcome!
Fair enough Pam – you are entitled to your ascertion and perceptions of my words and/or tactics. I didn’t mean any disrespect to you – if you believe otherwise, free will.
I will say the battle has nothing to with politics. The level of criminality, deception, and skullduggary, is much bigger and is so much deeper than many can comprehend.
It spreads much wider than this captured peehole in a snowbank known as Vermont.
If you sincerely believe you can turn reprobate minds around, I do wish you luck. At this juncture, I believe the only way to turn it around is let it fall and burn into it’s own cellarhole. Why? Because I want those responsible to own it and face the consequences of their deviant, malevolent actions. God is letting it all happen for a reason – the reason should be clear by now…since it is not, He’ll let it play out accordingly until the People snap out of the programming and repent. The harvest is ready and the sifting is underway.
The fact that Woodstock Vermont wanted to do a one hundred million dollar bond should have been a wake up call to all Vermonters. The question should be is Vermont running an operation where bonds never get paid off and you get the bill in your property tax. There are people that are investigating this whole bonding operation.
Barre City is mailing out ballots to vote on $7.6 million dollar bond for sewer upgrades. On the heels of increasing the sewer rate 21% this year. On top of spending $16 million+ in upgrades in 2015 aka the Big Dig. (Dubois and King involved in that – sound familiar?)
Water and sewer rates increasing at rates higher than taxes. The water is barely fit to drink being so laced with chemicals – it’s slimy and smells of bleach/chlorine. Yum!
Bonds are bondage to taxpayers. Watch the bond markets closely…they are currently being surpressed on purpose – when that rubberband snaps…look out! See history of Jefferson County Alabama filing bankruptcy in 2011 for more details. “The bankruptcy filing by the southern U.S. county will add to concerns about the risks in the $3.7 trillion U.S. municipal bond market, which was hit recently by the high-profile debt crisis in Pennsylvania’s capital of Harrisburg. In addition to Harrisburg, which filed for bankruptcy last month, just two other cities — Vallejo, California and tiny Central Falls, Rhode Island — have declared bankruptcy in recent years since the onset of the U.S. financial crisis. ” (Reuters November 2011)
Churlish Behavior// rustic, rude ill bred person, and a medieval peasant information from Webster Dictionary
churlish /chûr′lĭsh/
adjective
Of, like, or befitting a churl; boorish or vulgar.
Having a bad disposition; surly.
Difficult to work with, such as soil; intractable.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition •
Some times the best things are said with very few words. Now, have a good day PAM.
@ Pam… get over your aversion to rude behavior – you’re going to get a lot of it and no amount of reprimands will slow it.
Get thicker skin and get it NOW.
Focus on the issue not on how it is presented. It is up to you as a representative to represent the rude and polite people and deal with them all with grace and only swear at them when you’re in the car alone on the highway. If you spend your time on your high horse – you’ll be resented and booted. Good luck.