A version of this article originally was published on FYIVT.com and republished here with permission

By Dave Soulia

For generations, Vermont has balanced between personal liberty and collective governance, embodied by its motto, “Freedom and Unity.” Yet, beneath this ideal lies a long-standing trend of control exerted by certain segments of Vermont’s leadership—whether through quasi-governmental bodies like the Vermont Council on Country Life or more modern advocacy groups. These groups, believing they know what’s best for everyone, have consistently sought to manage and shape the lives of Vermont’s citizens.

A Long History of Control

The 20th century saw Vermont caught up in the eugenics movement, spearheaded by groups such as the Vermont Council on Country Life. This organization didn’t set out with sinister intentions, but rather a well-meaning belief that they could improve society. They focused on the sterilization of certain marginalized populations—believing that through this, they could “enhance” the state’s population. The eugenics movement became a prime example of how a group of neighbors, thinking they knew what was best, could create policies that harmed vulnerable communities. These sterilizations continued until 1970.

For more details on the Vermont Council on Country Life and its role in eugenics, you can explore the University of Vermont Special Collections here.

The legacy of the eugenics movement serves as a reminder of the dangers of concentrated control. While the methods of control may have shifted, the desire to manage Vermont’s population hasn’t entirely faded. In recent decades, the state’s approach to control has evolved into land-use policies, zoning laws, and environmental regulations—most notably Act 250—all of which continue to impact Vermont’s rural communities.

Modern Manifestations: Environmentalism and Urbanization

In the modern era, this form of control has taken on new faces, particularly under the banner of environmentalism. Groups like the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC), formed in 1963, play a central role in Vermont’s policy-making. While their efforts to preserve the state’s natural beauty are commendable, their influence on regulations such as Act 250 has made it increasingly difficult for rural landowners to build, expand, or develop their properties.

For more on Act 250 and its role in Vermont’s development, visit VNRC’s Act 250 page.

Moreover, policies like the Global Warming Solutions Act and urbanization initiatives—such as the push for “15-minute cities”—are contributing to a shift toward urban living. These policies, while framed as necessary for sustainability, often favor urban development and make rural life more costly. For many Vermonters, these regulations result in rising energy costs, land-use restrictions, and increased financial burdens, ultimately limiting their ability to live independently in the countryside.

This steady push toward centralized, urban living, whether through economic pressures or regulatory policies, mirrors the control exerted by the eugenics movement. The names have changed, but the idea that a small group of elites knows what’s best for the majority of citizens remains eerily familiar.

Taking Back Control: The Power of Informed Voting

Despite this history of control, Vermonters have the power to reclaim their personal freedom by becoming informed and engaged voters. The Vermont Constitution makes it clear that it is not just a right but a duty of the people to monitor their government and hold it accountable. Chapter I, Article 6 states:

“That all power being originally inherent in and consequently derived from the people, therefore, all officers of government, whether legislative or executive, are their trustees and servants; and at all times, in a legal way, accountable to them.”

This constitutional mandate is a call to action for every Vermonter to stay informed and involved. You can read the full text of the Vermont Constitution here.

Becoming an informed voter means digging deeper. It requires researching not only what candidates say during election season but also how they’ve voted on key issues like land use, taxation, environmental regulations, and housing policies. Understanding the real-world impacts of these policies is essential to making voting decisions that support personal liberty and economic sustainability.

What Can Be Done?

1. Educate Yourself: Research the voting records of your elected officials. Websites like the Vermont Legislature’s “Find A Legislator Search” provide resources to track legislative votes and positions on critical issues. Select your Representative or Senator to view their information and voting record.
2. Engage in Local Politics: Attend town meetings, vote in local elections, and stay informed about municipal policies. These are often the places where the policies most affecting rural life—such as zoning and development laws—are decided.
3. Hold Representatives Accountable: If your representatives support policies that negatively impact rural living, contact them. Communicate your concerns and advocate for policies that balance environmental protection with personal freedom and affordable living.
4. Vote for Balance: History shows that excessive control often leads to unintended consequences. Support candidates who strive for a balance between protecting Vermont’s natural resources and ensuring that residents can live freely and affordably. This balance is key to preserving rural life and preventing the state from becoming over-centralized.

Conclusion

From the eugenics movement to modern environmental regulations, Vermont has a long history of certain groups attempting to control the lives of the broader population. However, Vermonters have the ability to push back against this legacy of control through informed voting. By researching candidates, holding elected officials accountable, and engaging in local politics, citizens can reclaim control over their lives and their communities.

The future of Vermont should be shaped by the people who live here—not by a small group of neighbors who believe they know best.