Jon on the Issues

I am working to develop additional position statements, which, of course, I will post as they are ready. See also the Current Projects page to see what I am doing to push forward the issues in which I am most involved including PILOT, tires out of the Winooski River, Riparian Buffers, Fish and Wildlife Funding, and the Carr Lot project.

Environmental Protection

As a leading environmental lawyer, I am particularly knowledgeable in this area. As a member of the Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources Committee, I am able to use my expertise to find ways to protect the environment while supporting a strong economy.

Growth Centers – I support growth centers and will work to nurture their future development.

Planning and Zoning – I support increased funding for planning. I will support changes in the zoning-enabling law to continue improving its operation.

Permit Process Reform – I helped conceptualize and authored the first draft of this bill and supported its passage. The process reforms have been highly successful.

Act 250 – I support Act 250. After 37 years since its passage, however, there may be ways to improve its operation. I would support a broad-based consensus building effort to identify such changes. I do not support weakening any Act 250 criteria.

Energy Policy and Conservation – I support alternative energy and conservation.

Groundwater Protection – I have already supported groundwater mapping and withdrawal reporting. I will support a more comprehensive bill in the next session.

Civil Rights

Death With Dignity - I support it. A few weeks before my mom’s death from cancer, she looked at me and said she wished she could take something to hurry along the inevitable. She was a strong, dignified woman; she knew her mind and her position was well considered. I favor giving moms (and dads) the right to pursue this option if they desire. At the same time, I honor and respect those who do not choose this option.

Abortion/Choice - I support Roe v. Wade and oppose any effort to curtail the rights it recognizes including a requirement for parental notification. I also support the choice to have a baby. I love both my kids, who are adopted.

Sexual Preference/Gender Identification Issues - I accept people as they are. I support all people in living full lives as productive citizens accomplishing as much as they can. I voted for the transgender anti-discrimination bill.

The Economy and Sharing

The Economy – I support strengthening our economy. A strong economy enables us to finance better schools, health care and other things we need and want.

Sharing – The fruits of a strong economy should be shared equitably. We need to provide adequate food, housing and health care for all including, especially, kids who can do little or nothing to affect their situations. When kids come to school sick, hungry or worried about their housing situation, they are much less ready to learn. We waste education money, and we limit their future performance. This is most unfortunate for them and counterproductive to the future performance of our society and economy.

Transportation

I support public transportation.

I support maintaining the infrastructure we have and would raise the gas tax to do so.

I support reducing property taxes by providing increased funding to the local roads program.

I will continue to monitor the benefits and costs of major new construction projects such as the proposed Circumferential Highway to make sure we are getting good value for our investments including the environmental costs associated with highway construction.

Seatbelts

I support increased enforcement of seatbelt laws.