Dear Editor:

 

Subject: Independent candidates for office

 

Before this election season is over, I hope voters will take the time to really listen to the Independent/third-party candidates. Often these candidates get tuned out and are not invited to the table. This fall we’ve been fortunate in that VPT has invited them to participate in the televised debates. So-called “fringe” candidates have valuable points to make and should be heard. Shoving them aside is a real threat to democracy. They enjoy a freedom of expression that Republicans and Democrats are often devoid of because they are beholden to an entrenched party/platform. The two-party system is looking increasingly like two-party warfare, which has been escalating with media conglomeration, polarization of the parties and the Citizens United decision, resulting in a campaign finance free-for-all.

 

One candidate who I think is worth learning more about is Gaelan Brown, a fourth generation Vermonter who’s neither fringe nor establishment. He’s an Independent, who is running for a Washington County State Senate seat, who considers himself a fiscal conservative and social liberal. Gaelan’s intelligence is perhaps the greatest strength of his candidacy. It’s clear from his website (www.GaelanBrown.com) that he has thought long and hard about every important issue facing Vermonters. His views are backed by research and the Constitution, not by any political party. Some of the highlights include: decentralization of government; pro-local business/energy/food/products; a state-owned bank; single-payer health care; replacing power generated by Vermont Yankee with energy purchased on the open market/Hydro Quebec; an aggressive approach to solar installation similar to what’s happening in Germany; and challenging No Child Left Behind, mandated health insurance and the federal defense budget’s drain on our state budget.

 

Unfortunately, I’m a resident of Orange County and won’t have the chance to vote for Gaelan, but he deserves serious consideration by the voters of Washington County.

 

Thank you,

Gia Biden

PO Box 183

75 Felicity 1^st Avenue

Williamstown, VT 05679

802-498-5018