2016 Vermont Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage


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OnTheIssues.org excerpts:  (click on issues for details)

Abortion     Bruce Lisman: Supports abortion rights and funding for Planned Parenthood.     Phil Scott: Abortion isn't a black-and-white issue, but I'm pro-choice.     Phil Scott: No taxpayer funding for abortion; but ok for family planning.

Budget & Economy     Phil Scott: I won't sign a budget that exceeds reasonable limits.     Sue Minter: Government can partner with workforce to grow economy.

Civil Rights     Phil Scott: Supports gay marriage and transgender bathroom rights.     Sue Minter: Economic security for women via livable wages and equal pay.

Corporations     Matt Dunne: State manager to help each manufacturer navigate rules.

Crime     Phil Scott: Private prisons needed because full cost borne by state.     Sue Minter: Phase out the use of private prisons altogether.

Drugs     Phil Scott: Address opiate addiction via prevention & enforcement.     Bruce Lisman: No legalization now; let's see what happens in other states.     Matt Dunne: Legalize marijuana quickly; prohibition hasn't worked.     Phil Scott: No legalization at this time; but I'm not saying never.     Sue Minter: Supports legalizing marijuana.     Sue Minter: Addicts need treatment, not jail time.     Matt Dunne: Create a trusted Vermont brand of legalized marijuana.     Phil Scott: Supports growing industrial hemp in Vermont.

Education     Phil Scott: Preserve school choice; improve Act 46 school consolidation.     Sue Minter: Universal pre-K via public-private partnerships.     Phil Scott: Age-appropriate sex education in schools.

Energy & Oil     Sue Minter: Keep electric rates low to compete in New England.     Phil Scott: Combat climate change & reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Environment     Sue Minter: Protect our state's waters, farmland, and forests.     Sue Minter: Led efforts in Climate Preparedness & catastrophic flooding.     Phil Scott: Support local agriculture; they're stewards of our land.     Phil Scott: Reduce chemicals in consumer goods, when evidence warrants.

Families & Children     Matt Dunne: Paid leave insurance policy to fund FMLA maternity leave.

Government Reform     Sue Minter: Call for transparency and accountability in state agencies.

Gun Control     Phil Scott: Enforce existing gun laws; Vermont is no gun trafficker.     Sue Minter: Universal background checks; ban assault weapons.     Sue Minter: Gun violence has reached a crisis point; more gun safety.

Health Care     Phil Scott: Replace dysfunctional Vermont Health Connect with subsidies.     Sue Minter: Focus on containing costs in Vermont Health Connect.     Phil Scott: Affordable health care? Yes; single-payer? No.

Local Issues     Phil Scott: Protect Northeast Kingdom economy from EB-5 fallout.

Principles & Values     Phil Scott: The right leader at the right time.     Peter Shumlin: Retiring after three terms to return to the business world.

Tax Reform     Bruce Lisman: Reset our finances and no new taxes.     Phil Scott: Property taxes shouldn't grow faster than property values.

Technology     Phil Scott: Reform alternative utility regulation; no executive bonuses.     Sue Minter: Utility rate goal: transparent process & affordable rates.

Welfare & Poverty     Matt Dunne: Guide corporate partnerships with nonprofit & public sectors.

Click for quotations from other sources by: Bruce Lisman Vermont Republican 2016 Gubernatorial candidate Matt Dunne Vermont Democratic Gubernatorial Challenger Peter Shumlin Vermont Democratic Governor (retiring 2016) Phil Scott Vermont Republican challenger for Governor Sue Minter Vermont Democratic 8Gubernatorial candidate