(Photo: YUKI SOGA/FREE PRESS)
The Burlington Free Press editorial board recommends David Zuckerman for lieutenant governor of Vermont.
Zuckerman’s status as a Progressive/Democrat who puts the “P” first in his affiliation says that he will bring a different perspective to the office, as well as a measure of independence, regardless of who is elected governor.
The Democratic Party’s failure to fully embrace their nominee speaks to Zuckerman’s willingness to challenge the political establishment.
The lieutenant governor has no direct power to implement policy or push through legislation, save when called upon to break a tie in the Senate. But the office serves as a bully pulpit to raise questions and spotlight issues that may otherwise receive little attention.
Putting a true farmer in high office would speak to Vermont’s agricultural heritage and give voice to the impact of all the state asks of employers – especially the owners of the smallest enterprises such as Zuckerman’s Hinesburg organic farm.
For example, Zuckerman, as a Progressive, predictably backs raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour – a policy seen as a long-term economic stimulus that would also lessen demands on state programs that support low-income Vermonters.
But as a businessman, he counsels a gradual process that would allow employers to make adjustments to absorb the increased cost and lessen sudden disruptions to the bottomline.
Should Zuckerman win the office, Vermonters also can expect legalizing recreational marijuana use in the state again to become a high profile issue.
The economic benefits of legalization – both in terms of state revenues and new business opportunities – need deeper analysis, especially given November ballot items in Maine and Massachusetts seeking legalization.
Also, past experience shows new revenue is quickly absorbed into state spending, seemingly doing little to lessen the annual budget challenges faced by the Legislature.
But because legalization now appears to be a question of when, rather than if, Vermonters would benefit from a thorough examination of the consequences. That discussion is the likely result of electing a lieutenant governor who champions the cause.
The agenda in the Statehouse in the coming session is likely to be dominated by matters of the economy and the state budget, as it should be. Those challenges are sure to receive ample attention from the governor and the Legislature.
Vermonters would be well served to elect someone as lieutenant governor who would do more than add one more voice to the chorus and be more than the governor’s emissary in the Statehouse.
The office is well suited for someone willing to pursue his own agenda, especially one that contains items lawmakers might be reluctant to take up for various political reasons. David Zuckerman is the candidate mostly likely to bring that independent voice to Montpelier.
Join the conversation online at BurlingtonFreePress.com or send a letter to the editor to letters@freepressmedia.com.
The post Editorial: For lieutenant governor, Zuckerman appeared first on Zuckerman for Vermont.