Letter of Support for Debbie Powers

Sep 23

By Walter Goodell

I have known Debbie Powers for more than 30 years. I can’t say enough about her integrity and commitment to her community, her family, her faith, and her neighbors. She has lived here her entire life and has a vested interest in the success of our region. Her values are what set her apart.

She believes in less government, a leaner government, and a government that is functional and efficient. A government that serves the people, not the other way around.

Deb is focused on policy that supports our freedoms here in Vermont, while also helping Vermonters to prosper.

Her common sense approach to the issues we are facing is unusual and refreshing. She looks at issues and policy decisions from the perspective of a resident in Barnet, Ryegate and Waterford. Her focus is to reduce the tax burden on Vermonters, while increasing business and investment through de-regulation. She brings a common sense approach to encouraging growth and innovation, by not over regulating our small businesses, and creating unnecessary burdens that serve no purpose.

This is in direct contrast to her opponent, Mr. Tucker.

She believes that the parent is the one who is best suited to determine where their child attends school and supports school choice. She believes that schools that maintain expectations, versus lowering standards, serve the actual needs of our kids. She believes that pushing students through, will set them up to fail.

Deb wants our education system to focus on academics, reading, writing, arithmetic, and other core skills that allow our children to become successful contributing members of society. She believes that ideology has no place in the public school system.

She believes in accountability within our criminal justice system, ensuring justice for victims, and real consequences for those convicted.

We have all seen the frequency of violent crime, including assaults and homicides, and the direct correlation to the drug trafficking epidemic in our area. If you or your family have not been affected by these things yet, I pray that you don’t. We do not need somebody who is going to push an agenda that believes that nobody should go to jail, and that incarceration needs to be eliminated. Punishment, and consequences are a deterrent.

When reviewing the respective positions of our local candidates, it is clear that there is a stark contrast between Deb Powers and Mr. Tucker.

Deborah Powers’ common sense approach to governing and not pushing an ideological agenda is what we need. We don’t need to be told what to believe or what to think. We can take care of that ourselves.

We have been under Democratic control in the state of Vermont for 30 years, and as a result, Vermont continues to spiral downward. We cannot afford to sit by and watch this dumpster fire continue to burn until there’s nothing left for our children and the next generation.

We’ve seen what Progressive policies have done in other states. However, we don’t need to look at other states. Just take an objective and rational look at what’s happened to Burlington..

It is policy, legislation, and political will that dictates our quality of life. We need people in positions to make decisions and represent our best interests and not the best interests of people outside of Vermont, or foolish ideology.

If you see a Democratic Socialist or Progressive endorsement for any candidate, that should be a warning to you that your way of life in Vermont is going to continue to decline significantly.

Ask yourself the question, “Has life improved in Vermont over the last 30 years”? That should make your decision in November very simple.

We can no longer afford to hamstring local businesses and emerging companies so that Vermont can continue to decline, while our neighbors across the river flourish.

Leadership is really not that difficult.

It starts with asking the simple question, “What is in the best interest of Vermonters?” Nothing else.

Deb won’t spend time on foolish legislation that’s a waste of time and serves no purpose, No virtue signaling, no goofy causes. Everything else is window dressing, fluff, pandering, and promotion of ideology. We don’t need that.

Our population is aging, and can no longer afford to live and pay for property taxes, and utility costs that are directly related to poor governance. Mandates by Montpelier have led to an exodus from our state of companies and businesses, along with our neighbors and kids.

Please join me in supporting Debra Powers. It’s time to return to common sense.

Walter Goodell

Waterford, Vermont