Dear Editor,
There are sharp distinctions between the Progressive Democrat Lt. Governor David Zuckerman and his challenger, a former longtime legislator, Republican John Rodgers.
Rodgers left the Democratic Party this year and joined the Republican Party, because of runaway tax and spending passed by the Progressive Democratic super majority of legislators and their disregard for those of us who think differently than them. Recent super majority tax and spend laws include a $100 million payroll tax, a property tax increase of 14%, increases on a wide assortment of taxes and fees, and pending huge taxes on Vermonters who heat with oil or propane, up to $4 per gallon. Sharp tax increases are likely not far behind for gasoline as part of the super majority’s march toward phasing out gas, oil, and propane.
Republican Governor Phil Scott issued a series of vetoes against these taxes and fees, but the Progressive Democrats defeated all the vetoes. John wholeheartedly supports the Scott vetoes, and the governor’s ongoing crusade against more and more taxation.
Governor Scott has endorsed John Rodgers for lieutenant governor.
While Vermont’s traditional rural land uses such as farming, timber harvesting, hunting, fishing, and trapping are under attack by well-funded extremist organizations, we don’t know for certain where many Legislators stand.
John Rodgers not only supports Vermont’s traditional rural way of life, he lives it. He farms the Rodgers family’s 200-year-old farm in the Northeast Kingdom. He harvests timber off the Rodgers land and trucks it to local timber mills.
He hunts, fishes; he snowmobiles and owns an ATV. His perspective is under-represented among today’s elected state officials.
If you want a lt. governor who understands and values this traditional way of life, vote Rodgers.
I am 74 years old and a former Democratic Party legislator and have been involved in state government in other capacities over the years. I am a native of Barre and currently live in Bolton. I have known John Rodgers for more than 25 years.
Steve McLeod, Bolton
