I’ll continue to take a realistic approach in the Legislature

I am running for re-election as state representative in the new two member district containing Manchester, Arlington, Sandgate, and part of Sunderland. I hope to continue to work for government in the interests of all Vermonters.

Too often laws and policies are ineffective because they are based on politics, ideology, wishful thinking, and pressure from special interests. I will use my expertise in economics, my independence, and my ability to work across party lines to develop more effective policies that are based on economic realities.

My economic expertise has helped me to build support for comprehensive reform of state finances. I will be working to be sure that Vermonters get their money’s worth from government programs and that our tax system is simple, efficient, and transparent. The committees of jurisdiction in the House have finally begun to take this issue seriously.

I worked with other legislators to make the recent takeover of Central Vermont Public Service by Green Mountain Power a better deal. Although we did not win the direct payback of the CVPS bailout money to ratepayers from the Public Service Board, it will be harder for GMP to manipulate the regulatory process at the expense of ratepayers going forward. I will be vigilant in protecting Vermonters from the economic and political power of this foreign corporate monopoly.

All of us must have access to health care, but the question is how to achieve that goal. As we implement the federal health reform law or formulate our own insurance programs, all policies must be based on economic realities related to cost, coverage, and available revenues. Programs must be reliable and sustainably financed, and they must provide incentives for us to take responsibility for our own health through our own behavior. Good intentions are not enough: hard headed realism is needed.

I ask for your vote so that I can continue to serve as your strong and independent voice in Montpelier.

I also ask for your suggestions, concerns, criticisms, and questions. I hold legislative office hours over breakfast every Saturday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Chauncey’s Restaurant on Route 7A -- please stop by or contact me at 802-375-9019 or cynthiab@sover.net .

REP. CYNTHIA BROWNING

Arlington