Long-standing track record proves otherwise.

Letters to the Editor
Written By Barney Smith

By Darcy Nelson

To the Editor:

  Our local Democrat/Progressive legislative candidate platforms all emphasize the term affordability to solicit voter support. However, their long standing track record proves otherwise. 

We have been under Democrat/Progressive leadership in both legislative bodies for more than 3 decades with a Super Majority in 2023-2024. That SuperMajority overrode 6 of Governor Scott’s Vetoes intended to slow the bleeding of their uncontrolled spending, regulation, and mandates. 

Under this leadership, Vermont spending has increased by 62% since 2019. This is unacceptable. More spending does not translate to affordability. More money thrown at more programs to ‘fix’ problems is NOT the answer. Their spending ‘compassion’ in many cases makes problems worse (childcare, education, healthcare, energy policy, environment, housing, et al). 

Voters, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. A recent UNH study shows 40% of Vermonters are ready to exit this state because it is UNAFFORDABLE. In 2024 we experienced a RED wave with Republicans. Vermont Republicans gained 23 seats in the House/Senate combined and removed the Democrat/Progressive Super Majority. 

With this leverage, Republicans achieved several significant wins including the rollback of Act 181, the prevention of new taxes and unnecessary regulations, and reductions in proposed property tax, education, and healthcare cost increases. 

Let’s not have short term memories and go backward. Let’s make 2026 a continuation of 2024 and give Governor Scott and Lieutenant Governor Rodgers a House and Senate to work with to successfully bring affordability back to Vermont households and businesses. 

Republicans can and will produce results.  Vermont is worth fighting for! 

Darcy Nelson

Ryegate, Vermont

Barney Smith
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