By Rep. Jim Harrison

Spoiler alert – Author’s political bias may show…

The race to Election Day (November 5), has officially begun in Vermont. The Secretary of State’s office is beginning the mailing of general election ballots to all active voters in the state. Voters can choose to mail or drop off their ballot at their Town Clerk’s office or return them on Election Day.

And while I may be a little slow out of the gate, I am a candidate for re-election as the state representative for the Rutland-11 district (Chittenden, Killington, Mendon and Pittsfield). If you would like a lawn sign in any of these towns to show your support, please email me at Jim.Harrison.vt@gmail.com. I will drop one off and pick up after election day.

While it would have been easy to step down and say its someone else’s turn, I am running to help us bring more balance and fiscal responsibility back to the State House. On too many key bills, legislative leaders chose to override vetoes and enact their own plans rather than find middle ground with the Governor these past two years. Yes, I admit that I agree with Phil Scott on many issues, especially when it comes to affordability. 51 House members or 11 Senators are necessary that will stand up for finding that elusive middle ground on major legislative initiatives and right now we don’t have those numbers to support Phil Scott when it really counts.

The next legislative session will be critical in many areas, including education finance and property taxes, rising health care costs, lack of housing and heating costs. Our towns were particularly hard hit with education property taxes this year (Chittenden 24%, Killington 29%, Mendon 22% and Pittsfield 29%). Key lawmakers chose to proceed with their property tax bill rather than find a compromise with the Governor. Taxes would have still gone up, but maybe not as much. One of the provisions in the bill was to set up a study commission on education costs and financing. While that is well intended, it is a two-year commission and, in my view, we cannot afford another year of double digit increases and certainly not two!

Additionally, the legislature approved the Clean Heat Initiative (S.5) last year, which was enacted despite a veto by Scott. At the time it was passed, the prevailing estimate was that it would cause heating oil and propane to increase by 70 cents per gallon. Now that estimate is much higher and could be well over $1.50 per gallon. Fortunately, the bill did include a provision that requires the legislature to approve the final details of the program this coming session before it can take effect. If the current cost estimates are accurate, I will be a solid No when the bill comes up in January.

As you may have seen in the news recently, Vermont health insurance rates are high and getting higher. Furthermore, a consulting firm hired by the Green Mountain Care Board is suggesting that Vermont hospitals need to coordinate services and avoid a lot of the duplication that now exists, or some may close. Given the independent nature of our communities and the hospitals that serve them, the conversations and possible legislation needed may be difficult.

Affordability is one of the major reasons that John Rogers, a former Democratic state senator, decided to run for Lt Governor as a Republican. I will be supporting John on Election Day.

I will also be supporting our three Rutland County Senators (Brian Collamore, Terry Williams and Dave Weeks). While that is probably not a surprise, I will point out that all three voted against this year’s property tax bill and other bills that increase what we all pay. While Pittsfield is in the Windsor District for Senate, I will suggest that Andrea Murray is a new candidate and has made affordability a central part of her campaign. The Governor needs senators like Andrea.

Please use your vote wisely this election. Fortunately, there are more contested races for the State House than there have been in 40 years. Perhaps that is a sign of some dissatisfaction with the current direction of the legislature? We won’t know until the votes are tallied on November 5.

The race has begun. My money is on Phil Scott retaining the Governor’s office. I just hope we can better support his commonsense approach to issues and affordability.

If are not registered to vote, you can register at your Town Clerk’s office or visit mvp.vermont.gov.

The author serves as the state representative for the Rutland-11 district, which includes Chittenden, Killington, Mendon & Pittsfield. You can reach him at JHarrison@leg.state.vt.us or my cell 802-236-3001.  Harrisonforvermont.com