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House candidates share views at forumBURLINGTON FREE PRESS ARTICLEHouse candidates share views at forum July 17, 2006 By Wilson Ring -- The Associated Press CASTLETON -- Three men hoping to become Vermont's next representative in the U.S. House gathered Sunday for the first of what are to be four summer conversations as a way to give voters a feel for their candidacies. There was little new during the hour-long Conversation on the Green held in a giant tent at Castleton State College, but the forum gave the candidates a chance to outline their positions. Democrat Peter Welch, a state senator from Windsor County, recited his familiar desire to get Vermont and the United States off what he feels is the wrong track laid out by the Bush administration. "I'm running for Congress because I believe that America needs to move in a new direction," Welch said. "I believe that the Bush agenda has been wrong for Vermont, and I believe it's been wrong for America." Republican Mark Shepard spoke of the need for smaller government and lower taxes as a way to encourage business. "We're a small state. We're a state where there're opportunities," Shepard said. "But we really need to have an environment that's conducive to job growth. That's been a high priority of mine." Springfield businessman Keith Stern, running as an independent, told people the two-party system had failed the people. "Our leadership has dropped the ball," Stern said. "Some of it is from a lack of vision, a lot is from taking care of the political donor class. Whatever the reason, it is now time for a change." There were five chairs set up on the stage under the tent, set up at the college for another event but made available for the campaign appearance. The chairs reserved for independent Dennis Morrisseau and Republican Martha Rainville remained vacant. Rainville told the Welch campaign that she was focusing on the primary against Shepard, but she would be happy to debate after the September primary, Welch campaign spokesman Andrew Savage said. The House candidates are hoping to fill the seat being vacated by independent Rep. Bernard Sanders, who is running for the Senate. Over the next three Sundays similar events are scheduled to be held in Bellows Falls, Craftsbury Common and Bristol. During their five-minute introductions each candidate outlined his basic philosophy. After that each man was allowed to answer the same question posed by members of the audience. The three candidates each spoke of the need for the United States to build an energy policy that would reduce dependance on foreign oil and to seek ways to reduce global warming. Welch spoke of the need to rebuild a multilateral foreign policy. "I would lead in Congress by promoting the return to American leadership and strength, by example and by building and strengthening international organizations and working with our allies," Welch said. Stern said he would push for nuclear disarmament and a global nonaggression treaty. "Our foreign policy has been a disaster," Stern said. "We need a new approach completely." Shepard said the United States needed to lead by its example of freedom. "I think overall, foreign policy is about demonstrating how freedom and a free society is the best society, the most prosperous society and there is no nation like America, and it's no accident," Shepard said. |
"... many politicians talk the talk about doing something tangible about new jobs and it doesn't go much further. Sen. Shepard walked the walk." Bennington Banner State Senator Endorsement Editorial, October 29, 2004
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