Platform
A Republican Vision for Vermont
“Empowering all Vermonters to succeed and secure a future for themselves and their communities”
Vision in Brief
Republicans believe in less government and protection of the rights and freedoms of Vermonters. We believe in maintaining Vermont’s quality of life by encouraging economic growth while adhering to responsible environmental practices and providing choices in health care and education.
WE BELIEVE IN:
- Efficient, limited government
- Quality jobs and affordable health care
- Equality of opportunity
- Preservation of our freedoms and wisdom of our citizens
- Rule of law Public Safety
- Stewardship of the environment
…EFFICIENT, LIMITED GOVERNMENT
We favor government close to the people and government that will respect and work for the people. We trust the people, acting through their elected officials, to recognize those things they can do better for themselves, and those things which are more appropriately left for government to manage.
We want decisions made at the family, community, and town level before state government gets involved. Problems are often better dealt with by the opportunity and wealth created in the private sector rather than by state government. We therefore favor policies that encourage job creation as well as competitive free enterprise including a regulatory process that is swift, predictable and fair. Decreased dependency on government translates into lower taxes.
…QUALITY JOBS AND AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE
We favor growth of quality jobs in new and existing businesses which will minimize the need for the social safety net and enable even greater help for those who may need it. Republicans will support policies to care for those who cannot help themselves including the very young, the very old, and the infirm.
We believe that increased job opportunity and increased competition in health care will help make health care more accessible and affordable for all Vermonters and reduce the cost shift that has escalated health care costs in Vermont.
We support policies that foster retention and growth of clean, environmentally friendly businesses. Sensible economic development creates quality jobs that pay well and are sustainable in the global economy.
…EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY
We strongly believe in equality of opportunity in our diverse society in which each individual is self empowered regardless of race, creed, age or gender. We believe in allowing people to be judged on the merits of their individual performance. We support government policies that enable each individual, with appropriate preparation, to make the most of his or her potential.
We believe the key to realizing equal opportunity is a rigorous education. Republicans believe this will enable the greatest number of Vermonters to achieve their goals and join in the prosperity Americans widely enjoy.
We believe in planning for the future of our state by ensuring that our children have the best educational opportunities possible through educational choice and increased accountability. We believe in encouraging adults to pursue life-long learning to bolster individual success.
We strongly support and affirm the right and responsibility of parents/guardians to choose the best educational options for their children. We believe school systems should be held accountable to the citizenry.
…THE PRESERVATION OF OUR FREEDOMS AND WISDOM OF OUR CITIZENS
We are and shall ever be indebted to our veterans and those currently serving in our armed forces.
We believe in the wisdom of our fellow citizens. We are committed to seeking their views on matters of importance to them and to our communities. We welcome response from voters as essential in a well-functioning republic. Republicans do not fear their neighbor’s judgment and will not, when serving as elected officials, quickly pass major legislation without consulting them.
We believe in individual freedoms including: Freedom of association, support of competitive free enterprise, equal opportunity, defense of life, protection of parental rights, right to bear arms, and protection of property rights. Republicans understand that a primary responsibility of government is to support traditional families.
Republicans understand that our most cherished civil right and responsibility is the freedom to vote.
…RULE OF LAW
We believe in the rule of law. Laws are made by elected representatives, not non-elected judges, nor state agencies through rule-making. Judges should be accountable to interpret plainly the statutes elected representatives have passed.
We believe it is fundamental for the successful functioning of government that the balance of power among the three branches be restored and sustained. Republicans will resist any attempt by any branch of government to erode or trivialize this power of freedom. Republicans will pay special attention to the judiciary in preserving this right since the judiciary is the sole branch of state government not elected by the people.
…PUBLIC SAFETY
We believe in enforcing existing criminal laws to protect the innocent and the victims of crime and keeping the communities of Vermont safe and free from fear.
We support communities in their continuing efforts to combat crime.
We strongly believe that our responsibility is to protect our children from all elements of harm.
We support Megan’s law, a total ban on child pornography, and all efforts to keep our children safe from those who would take advantage of their vulnerability.
We support Vermont’s Public safety agencies and their need to be given sufficient resources to fulfill their duties.
…STEWARDSHIP OF THE ENVIRONMENT
We believe in the proud tradition of conserving the environment upon which all life depends. Conservation of our natural wonders began under a Republican president and the Environmental Protection Agency was created by another. We believe we are best served by private stewardship of the land. When government is to be involved, the environment can best be conserved consistent with the principles outlined in this platform.
Republicans know that farming, forestry and quarrying have always been central to Vermont’s cultural identity, economy, and quality of life.
AS REPUBLICANS: we strongly believe that these principles are what distinguish us. When applied faithfully, and by following our Declaration of Independence to adhere to the laws of Nature and God, these principles will unite us in a society characterized by individual liberty, personal responsibility, accountability, equal opportunity, compassion, and the rule of law.
