Editor’s note: This op-ed is by Rob Bast, a practicing architect with Bast and Rood Architects. He has served in town government for 24 years in Hinesburg, 19 as a Selectman, was a board member and president of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
This letter hopes to reach all those who consider themselves among Vermont’s independent voters. It is often independent voters who make the difference in an election, and this could be one of those times.
The race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination is a huge opportunity for those who are perhaps agnostic about party, but do care about the future leadership of our state.
People in my area know me for my quarter century in local government, and know that I consider myself an independent voter. I tried to be a leader who sought the best long term solutions, who sought to build trust in government through honesty, creativity and initiative.I believe that independent Vermont voters will use this kind of sieve when considering their next governor.
Everyone knows who the Republican candidate is. The question is, which opposing candidate can carve out a vision for the future which is spirited and informed?
Who can demonstrate successful leadership at multiple levels of government and cutting edge business?
Who differentiates most clearly from Brian Dubie, who, whatever one may think of his various positions, is in my opinion way smarter than he is given credit for and who will be a formidable candidate?
Only one of the Democratic candidates offers new governmental leadership perspective, hard won in other arenas beyond Montpelier. Only one candidate has a solid grounding in large-scale management in the private sector. Only one of the candidates grasps the key elements of new technologies from the viewpoint of an active participant, and can bring that perspective to the fore in revitalizing Vermont’s economy. Only one Democratic candidate is tuned in enough to motivate young voters, and also give them hope of a solid future in our state. Independent voters are the swing voters in Vermont. The Democratic candidate who can carry this swing vote, which makes the difference in most Vermont elections, who has these attributes, is Matt Dunne.
I urge Independent voters to support the best possible race for Governor, a race between Mr. Dunne and Mr. Dubie. Neither a party or a person should be the ultimate winner in November: Vermont should be the winner in this election.
