Former state senator urges support for Spike

As a product of rural Vermont and having the honor of representing Bennington District in the Senate for two AAto encourage, even urge, residents of this beautiful rural region to vote for Spike Whitmire for State Senate.
Spike brings a wonderful contrast to the oppressive policies pumped out of Montpelier. Vermont is a small rural state, yet year after yWear policies that attack the rural way of life become law.
Ever since the state took over funding schools, local control of community schools has eroded, school taxes have skyrocketed, bureaucracies have bloated, and education outcomes have decreased. There are models that deliver far better education for far less money. Spike has experience helping deliver those results!
Owning and using property is central in rural towns, yet Act 181, sponsored by Spike’s Democratic opponent, is the latest attack on the rural way of life. To sponsor such a bill shows zero understanding of rural life.
Perhaps the most anti-rural aspect of Vermont’s political system is the extraordinarily long sessions, which shut the voice of rural Vermont out of the policy-making process. It is nearly impossible for Vermonters who work in the competitive marketplace, as I did with my small engineering business, to afford to serve.
If you want something different, don’t vote for those who created the mess. Vote like a truly rural Vermonter who values land, hard work, and the ability to take care of yourself and your family. Vote for Spike Whitmere.
Mark Shepard
Vermont State Senator, 2003-2006, Bennington district
Rustburg, VA