What we achieved this week in Vermont was historic, and we could not have done it without your continued support.
Here in Vermont, the election was about one basic question: Can you, your aging parents, your grandparents, your kids, your grandkids, and your neighbors afford to live and thrive in Vermont if we don’t make a course correction on the path set by legislative leaders over the last two years? The answer was clear, because Tuesday, Vermonters voted and sent a strong message: They voted overwhelmingly for balance, and they voted for moderation.
They told us they can’t afford the direction we’ve been going. And they want lawmakers to set clear priorities focused on the needs of all working families, small business owners, and communities large and small.
I’m sure it comes as no surprise that making Vermont more affordable will be a top priority. And I’m very pleased to have more moderate, commonsense legislators who will be willing to work with me on this goal.
Over the last two years, I’ve heard from many, many Vermonters from all walks of life and all political parties who no longer feel like they can afford to live here.
They’re struggling to get by, and they’re worried about their future.
So, to each and every one of you, I want you to know, I hear you, and I hope legislative leaders heard you too.
Just as I have for the last eight years, I will use every tool I have to make sure the message Vermonters sent tonight is brought into the State House next year.
Because we cannot continue to spend more than Vermonters can afford.
To all the candidates across the state who were successful: Congratulations. And it’s okay to take a few days to celebrate. You’ve worked hard.
But this isn’t the time to spike the football because our challenges are too great and we need to get to work.
Tackling these will take a lot of work, creative ideas from all sides, the courage to make hard decisions and compromise.
So, here’s my commitment to you: I’ll always be willing to come to the table, put party labels aside, and work with anyone to make Vermont a better, more affordable place to live.
And here’s my ask to lawmakers: While you were elected with an “R” or a “D” next to your name, when we arrive in Montpelier in January, we need to put that aside because at the end of the day, we’re all on Team Vermont.
All I’m asking lawmakers of both parties is to always vote in the best interest of your communities, not your committee. And for the people you represent, not your party leadership.
Believe me, I know it’s not easy to cross party lines. I’ve been doing it my whole political life.
But at the end of the day, character and integrity are what you’ll be remembered for.
Doing what you believe is right, even if there are political ramifications within your own party is always the right thing to do.
I also want to talk a bit about the state of politics across the country.
We simply can’t go on like this for much longer. I’ve always believed most Vermonters, and most Americans, are somewhere in the political middle.
Sometimes our voices are just drowned out by the extremes of both parties.
It’s up to us to change that. And I think Tuesday’s results in Vermont show we can once again set the example and put party labels aside to do what’s best for our state and our nation.
The fact is, our democracy can’t thrive if both sides believe the other side is the enemy.
Most Americans are good people who are just trying to do what they think is best for their families and their communities.
We can’t look at each other just through the lens of politics. We need to look at each other as people first.
That’s what I think most Americans want. That’s how I’ll continue to lead, and that’s the example we should all set for our kids.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for once again placing your trust in me.
I’ll always do the best I can for you.