December 1, 2011
By Lisa McCormack, Stowe Reporter

A new campaign is promoting efforts that few Vermonters would argue against: a stronger economy, more good-paying jobs, and growing prosperity for every generation.

Bruce Lisman of Burlington — a philanthropist, a retired JP Morgan Chase & Co. executive, and former chairman of the University of Vermont board of trustees — established the Campaign for Vermont in early November, aiming to build momentum to take the state in a new direction.

It’s designed to be a nonpartisan group, with people of all political views coming together on common ground.

State Rep. Heidi Scheuermann, R-Stowe, has joined the group as a founding partner. 

“I think it’s time for a citizens movement in Vermont,” Scheuermann said. She says her constituents are increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of constructive debate at the Statehouse and a lack of transparency on spending issues.

“For the past couple of years, I have come to believe that the current structure in Montpelier is not working as well as Vermonters expect and, frankly, deserve,” Scheuermann said.  

She finds three issues most concerning.

“One, there is not enough accountability in our government,” Scheuermann said. “Two, the focus of our public policy initiatives is so ideological that the underlying goal of economic growth is forced to the periphery. And, three, there is virtually no actual debate on the important public policy issues of the day.

“This is what Campaign for Vermont is all about. It is an effort to bring prosperity to the forefront by way of greater government transparency and accountability and a focused, determined effort toward policies that will encourage private sector job growth.”

In his statement of purpose, Lisman took a positive approach, rather than a critical one.

“Economic prosperity — the right of every generation to be economically secure — is the most important issue of our time,” Lisman wrote. “There is no single policy area as important. Yet, the work we do now to reduce barriers to job creation, strengthen our educational system, make health care accessible and affordable, establish a safe and clean electricity portfolio, and make government more transparent and accountable to our citizens will have a profound impact on whether or not we succeed in getting Vermont on the right economic track.”

State government must find ways to boost the economy while protecting programs important to Vermonters, Scheuermann said.

“We’ve got to be open to some changes,” she said. “We have a social contract with Vermonters. We also have an environmental contract. And we want to make sure we can protect those. But first, we need to make sure we have the economic base to support them.”

Common goals

The campaign is driven by common goals, Scheuermann said.

“This is the first time in our country’s history that people are questioning whether their children will be better off and leave this country a better place,” Scheuermann said. “We want to make sure that in Vermont this does happen.”

Building membership in Campaign for Vermont shouldn’t be difficult, Scheuermann said.

“It’s nonpartisan,” Scheuer-mann said. “There are people who consider themselves Democrats. There are people who consider themselves Republicans. There are people who consider themselves independents. 

“It will take a steely determination to build this prosperity we’re talking about. We’re talking about a dedicated vision we haven’t had before.”

Lamoille County residents listed as founding members on the campaign’s website include Pall Spera of Stowe, Marc Sherman of Hyde Park, Edward French of Hyde Park, and William Bourne of Morrisville.

“It’s people who haven’t been involved in politics very much, but people who are leaders in their community and who really want a broader vision,” Scheuermann said. “They want things to happen in Montpelier that make sense while taking into account our economic reality.”

Members with backgrounds in politics include former state representative Dick Pembroke, a Democrat from Bennington.

Joining Lisman as founding officers are former Vermont tax commissioner Tom Pelham and Mary Alice McKenzie, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Burlington.

Revive manufacturing

“First of all, if we want a more prosperous Vermont, we want to ensure there are more jobs than people,” Scheuermann said. “The goal is to ensure that whoever wants a job gets employed.”

The state should focus on its many economic assets, including manufacturing and tourism, Scheuermann said.

“Manufacturing is still the largest sector of our economy,” Scheuermann said. “They are good-paying jobs with good benefits. We can’t give up on it. We can’t compete with China, but we can compete with other states in our region.”

Earlier this year, Scheuermann introduced legislation to establish a job in the state’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development devoted fully to manufacturing issues. The bill died in committee, but she believes the initiative deserves a second look.

Attracting businesses

Pall Spera, owner of Pall Spera Real Estate, calls Campaign for Vermont “refreshing.”

Spera, a Stowe justice of the peace who ran as an independent, says he was attracted to the group because it’s nonpartisan. He joined as a founding member.

“It’s about jobs and business,” Spera said. “It’s about the future of Vermont.”

Spera wants the Legislature to develop a long-term plan for the economy.

“I don’t see much action,” Spera said. “That’s what frustrates me. We just spin through each cycle.”

Vermont’s business and environmental regulations can be redundant at times, and discourage national companies from relocating or opening offices here, Spera said.

“I’m not saying I want a shortcut; I’m just saying there are regulations that could be streamlined to attract good things to Vermont,” Spera said. “It should be a constant homework assignment.”

For instance, said Spera, if the state decides to sell all or part of the State Office Complex in Waterbury, that could be a good opportunity to recruit a Silicon Valley software company to Waterbury. 

“Let’s ask them ‘What is it going to take to bring you here?’ and then make it happen,” Spera said. 

He’d like to see the state start a Facebook campaign called “Come, look at Vermont,” aimed at bringing new companies to the state.

“I’d make that the hottest thing since Green Mountain Coffee,” Spera said. “I’d be happy to sit down as part of a think tank and make that happen.”

But, while Vermont could easily market its laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle, the state would have to focus on creating good-paying jobs, Spera said.

“You’re not going to get people to come here if you’re not going to have a decent standard of living,” Spera said. “I think we can strive to have it all.”

Taxes, policies

Among other things, the group will look at public policies affecting taxes, education and businesses.

“I’m under no delusion we can reduce broad-based tax policy,” Scheuermann said. “But we should be preparing ourselves for the (economic) recovery so we can attract the good-paying jobs, businesses and entrepreneurs when it comes.”

Scheuermann would “like to bring better opportunities to students in a way that’s financially accountable to Vermont taxpayers.” 

Additionally, during the upcoming legislative session, Scheuermann will encourage the state to invest more in tourism because “every dollar invested brings $4 back into the economy.”

Scheuermann favors policy changes designed to support manufacturers and encourage manufacturing companies to relocate in Vermont.

“It’s clear from speaking with Vermont manufacturers that there are things we can do to help them,” Scheuermann said.

For instance, she suggested the state change its corporate tax structure to benefit companies that export products.

“These are all centrist ideas,” Scheuermann said. “There’s nothing that would cause any reasonable person to throw up their hands in disgust. It’s basically to open up the debate and put different ideas out there that we can mull over.”