To the editor: Janoo speaks to a wide range of issues

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure and honor of hearing from Amanda Janoo, Democratic and Progressive candidate for governor of Vermont.

In her introductory remarks, Janoo said she grew up in rural Vermont, went to town meetings with her parents and there learned about participatory democracy and the importance of community. Vermont’s economy is built from the bottom up. Vermonters show up for each other and are resourceful. She has worked as an economist internationally.

She asked the 80 or so people crowding into the Depot building in South Londonderry, “What are you most proud of?” She believes that Vermonters come up with “incredible solutions built on strength.” The role of the state is to nuture and support local communities.

She acknowledges that health care is a key issue and that insurance money is needed, so supports universal health care. We also need to support regional social service agencies and libraries. She likes the idea of Living Libraries, in which people with interesting and/or traumatic life experiences are available for respectful conversations.

When asked about her administrative experience, Janoo said that she has helped organize young athletes in JISP programs, has worked extensively in economic development to get community support for local economies, and has worked within the executive branch of several governments.

When asked what she is trying to teach, Janoo said she wants to be clear what is economically needed for state government. She gave examples of small businesses she helped in her international work with the Peace Corps.

She asked, “What is the Vermont we want?” People said we want to keep young people here and stop the brain drain that is occurring when young people leave the state to go to college and university and don’t come back because it is hard to make a living here and afford housing.

Janoo said it is key that we protect what we love and save what we need. Janoo wants to bring back small town doctors and nurses who know you as a whole person, including one’s mental health. Her goal is for Vermont to be a primary place to study primary care in a wholistic way.

Janoo said economies of scale don’t always make sense. The role of state government is to support communities. For example, political migrants are coming to Vermont and she wants people to feel
welcomed.

Janoo said community solar is getting harder to develop because of state reforms. The system should encourage development of renewable energy sources and products that are designed to be
completely recyclable.

We need to resist the federal encroachment of our fundamental civil liberties. Vermont shows others what a true democracy looks like. We embrace values such as everyone has what we need and everyone has a gift. We need to break down silos and encourage a clarity of goals, instead of stacking policies on top of each other. She has a strong belief in democracy which is built on community.

Janoo’s administration will be based on bottom-up values. Renewable energy, such as community solar which can be distributed through micro-grids, is viable here. The energy crisis is an opportunity for renewable opportunities. Janoo would attempt to buy back the three hydro dams that were sold to Canada by the Scott administration. Click here for more information.

Bruce Frauman
South Londonderry