Editor’s note: This commentary is by Kristin Sohlstrom, a Republican candidate for the Barre City Washington-3 District House seat.
[I] frequently get asked by friends and family why I am running for a seat in the Vermont Legislature. Many view it as hopeless and futile. After several years of rule by the Vermont Democrat majority, it’s easy to see and hear the tremendous frustration that exists. The Vermont I now know has a major disconnect between the citizens and the Legislature that is supposed to be representing them.
How do I know this? I’ve been going door to door for several weeks now and I hear it loud and clear. When over the last two years the Democrats have raised property taxes by over $100 million and then 10 days before this election they have an epiphany that perhaps Vermonters are overburdened, it’s very hard to swallow. And when every single person I talk to has a major complaint about the failed approach to health care and how to finance it, I wonder, who’s listening. Anybody?
Well, I’m listening. This isn’t an endeavor I have taken on lightly or without some roadblocks. It is, however, an endeavor that I am proud of and has given me great joy. I have had to pull myself up by the bootstraps and work hard with determination to show Barre City there is now a choice in representation where we don’t have to lose our spirit of independence and pride. I am running because I am a leader with experience that is relevant to today’s issues. I have the strength to do what is needed to bring Vermont back to its independent roots and the optimism to believe we can get there.
The Legislature has little respect for the ability and independence of Vermonters. The Legislature doesn’t believe we can think for ourselves and conduct our lives in an independent manner. The Legislature doesn’t believe we have intelligent minds of our own. They treat us as children and can’t pass laws fast enough to govern our every step. As they progress with this thinking and rule, the independence of all Vermonters becomes a smaller part of our proud tradition. And what do we get? A lack of trust in the political process!
Freedom and unity is Vermont’s state motto for a reason. It means we work as a team to find balance between the common good while retaining our independence and individual freedom.
Barre City residents are telling me that they are ready to see balance restored in Montpelier. I believe this is stemming from this long Vermont history that speaks to the independence that Vermonters are known for. Over and over I hear that people are not happy with property taxes and if you look at budget votes in Barre, you will easily see the high level of frustration. We have to give Vermonters back some independence and stop over-governing them. Passing law after law after law is not the solution.
We have a heritage of being able to think for ourselves and govern our own actions. Freedom and unity is Vermont’s state motto for a reason. It means we work as a team to find balance between the common good while retaining our independence and individual freedom.
I want to carry a very deep-rooted message to Montpelier in January. Give Vermont its independent voice back. Give Vermonters back some pride. Give Vermonters back the ability to think for themselves and grow strong again. And most importantly, trust in me to trust in you.
