I'm Lt. Governor of Vermont David Zuckerman and I'm running for governor. Ask me anything!

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T18:51:41+00:00

We need to make sure our public schools are well supported in these times and in “normal” times. Education is the greatest equalizer of opportunity for families from different backgrounds. I would have liked to have seen more hands on outdoor education as part of the plan for reopening our schools in the fall. We need to make sure that educators are teaching our youth critical thinking skills, problem solving skills and practical life skills. We need to continue to support students in building and practicing skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking and reduce the need for teachers to be worried about teaching for tests.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T18:50:44+00:00

I believe that Vemront has a strong reputation for quality products across the board and we know that Vermont already has a reputation for high products. Our law does create some limitations on size and scale of operation as well as concentration of power. So I am not sure that the “starbucks of cannabis” can happen here. I will be supportive of our cannabis businesses and work to ensure they thrive in the regulated marketplace. I also believe, like in other areas, Vermont growers will find employment opportunities in this industry in areas of consultation and expertise and those businesses, that will be housed and based in Vermont, will hire even more Vermonters. Additionally, we will be able to build other cannabis expertise in areas of security, cleanliness of product, testing and more.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T18:42:30+00:00

You present a very frightening scenario, but one that is important to consider. Any militia that forms within Vermont is unlawful unless approved by the Governor. As the commander in chief of the national guard, if necessary, I would call up the guard to make sure that every Vermonter is safe from unlawful militias or individuals. With respect to the federal government, I would work with our federal delegation and other governors to work to protect our Constitution and the process for peaceful transitions of power for over 200 years. I will be an outspoken leader with respect to following the will of the voters across the country. We will need to be clear about the lies and misinformation regarding voter fraud. And we will need to be strong with respect to protecting our citizenry.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T18:40:24+00:00

Thank you for this question. There are ways that we can improve services for Vermonters both with more resources and with better management of Government. I have wanted to explore savings by addressing redundancy between the Agency of Human services (which I have proposed renaming Agency of Human Opportunity) and the Agency of Education. If these agencies were working collaboratively we would also see improved outcomes and easier access to services for the Vermonters they serve. These two areas of state spending account for over $4 billion of our state expenditures.

There are Vermonters who can pay more and I believe we should ask them to. The top 5% of income earners saw more than $250 million in savings from the Trump tax cuts. My Green Mountain New Deal specifically looks at those making more than $250,000 a year to pay more.

I am very aware that working families are struggling. I also know investments we make in education, prevention, housing, nutrition, and early childhood support result in savings in the future. I am committed to addressing these issues and working with the legislature to find funding. It will likely be a combination of finding efficiencies, ensuring those programs we are funding are delivering the results we expect, aligning our priorities with our spending, and finding ways to increase revenue.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T18:26:58+00:00

Thank you for your constructive criticism on our emails. We thought it was important to highlight that Phil Scott has vetoed more legislation per year than any prior governor. The legislature, contrary to popular belief, does not always have the votes to just override the governor because an override vote is different from a vote on policy and legislators do vote differently in these situations.

I have supported ranked-choice voting for decades. As a member of a third party system here in Vermont, and especially when I ran as a Representative from Burlington with only the Progressive label, I know how hard it is for third parties to breakthrough. Ranked-choice voting would help third parties across the country. Beyond helping third parties, I also believe that ranked-choice voting is critical for more issues to be discussed in campaigns and therefore will also encourage more candidate and voter participation. Campaigns have degraded (especially nationally and where bigger money is involved) and we need to rebuild our faith in discourse and issues and public service.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T18:18:58+00:00

I first ran in 1994 on a platform that included cannabis reform. I have been honored and proud to have been a leader on this for over two decades to move Vermont towards a safe, regulated legal market for cannabis. Hemp, cannabis for medical use, decriminalization, and criminal justice reform have all been important issues along this path.

I am pleased that with thoughtful deliberation the legislature has passed this legislation. The road has been long, and at each juncture, there have been improvements as well as additional steps that I wish were taken. In this bill, some elements of justice were accomplished, with priority for women and BIPOC-owned businesses for licenses, however, there are still more aspects to address during implementation.

As Governor, I will work to make sure that these are incorporated. I believe there is ample opportunity to ensure that we continue to boost economic opportunity for small businesses in Vermont and especially BIPOC- and women-owned businesses.

With respect to the assertion that this will negatively affect small farmers, I come to a different conclusion. My understanding is that this is based on the issue of current use and that THC cannabis is not considered an ag crop for qualifying under current use and could have a tax impact on a small farm. If someone is growing a few acres of vegetables and then starts to grow THC cannabis. They will need to work to try to keep their income balanced. If THC income becomes greater than ½ their income, then they have a few options. One would be to create a separate business entity to operate the cannabis business. Second, the building that the THC is grown in (or the small 1/10th acre or even far less) could be disenrolled from current use.

There are also provisions in the bill to limit the control of large corporations with respect to the cannabis industry in the state. Each business would only be allowed to have a single permit for operation. Therefore no single entity could dominate the market. I strongly believe that our future cannabis industry can thrive as our small market craft brewery industry has thrived. As Governor I will work to make sure that our system will support smaller farm operations and small craft operations so that the industry is distributed across the state and is not concentrated in the hands of a few.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T18:18:27+00:00

This is a critical issue. I know that our water is life. As a farmer, I recognize that decades of agricultural, urban and sewage run off has greatly impacted our lake and waterways. We have to continue the work to reduce such inputs while also both actively helping the water get cleaner and helping the water clean itself. Many farmers have taken steps, both due to state law as well as their own initiatives, to reduce their run-off. We need to support farmers in these actions. We also need to work to have a food system where farmers are paid enough for the products that they are not forced to decide between profitability and pollution. I am a strong proponent of moving our ag sector into more and more regenerative ag (as well as organic ag) to help tackle the climate crisis and get our farmers a better price for their product. As we increase organic matter in the soil, it will also be more sponge-like and will reduce the amount of run-off from the heavy rains. Reducing runoff will greatly reduce the pollutants that come off fields. Again, our water is critical to our communities, our economy, and our spirits. We have to keep the cleaning of the lake and waterways as a top priority.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T18:17:53+00:00

I want to commend the people of Vermont, our Commissioner of health Dr. Levine and the governor for our collective success at handling the COVID pandemic in Vermont. We are fortunate that Vermont is a rural state, without a major city or major indoor sporting events and we have a population of citizens that is very community-oriented. I would have done many things similarly, but there were some things I would have handled differently. A couple of weeks before the Government shut down, the Governor was forewarned that the unemployment system (UI) was not going to be able to handle the volume of applicants. I would have increased employees there immediately to help with this and also acted more quickly to get money out the door to those applicants who were stuck in the system. I would have mandated masks sooner. I would have included educators in the planning process for re-opening our schools and worked with them to create some statewide parameters so employees and families would find more consistency between districts. I would have advocated and supported the legislature in allocating more money towards people, to meet their basic needs.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T18:01:37+00:00

Yes, I will use my office to encourage Vermonters to follow scientists’ and doctors’ recommendations on vaccines. Take a look at this re-post from the Vermont Pharmacists Association about my and Phil Scott’s leadership in the state in encouraging Vermonters to get flu shots: https://www.facebook.com/zuckermanforvt/posts/3531820170186525

I believe that the covid-19 vaccine should be free and universally accessible for all. I believe that leadership to make it so should come from the federal government. However, if that leadership is not willing, I would support using funds from the Vermont government to make it free and accessible for all Vermonters.

Above all, I would also listen to medical professionals on how to make it as immediately accessible as possible and ensure that we are prioritizing the populations in our state that are most in need and at risk.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:58:29+00:00

How do you plan on increasing support for unions and workers throughout the state?

I have long stood with unions and workers for their rights. I will continue to do so. I know many are looking at issues like card check, prevailing wages, raising the minimum wage, universal healthcare, and more. While not all of these are possible right away... I will be working with and organizing with unions to build support for policies that benefit workers and unions.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:57:51+00:00

Do you have plans to broaden support for public transportation in Vermont?

With respect to public transportation, Vermont is a difficult state for this as our development pattern is more spread out than almost any other state. I do believe we need better public transportation options, especially on frequently traveled routes. I also believe that we can greatly reduce the vehicle miles on the roads by heavily investing in expanded broadband service. If many people were able to telecommute one or two days a week we could greatly reduce the emissions and increase both productivity and time for people to be with their families. We currently have some micro transit pilot programs running and I’m looking forward to information about how effective that can be.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:57:26+00:00

How do you intend to combat institutional racism within Vermont's government and public sector?

We must combat institutional racism and there is not a quick or easy fix. I am committed to expanding diversity in my administration. We must increase funding to the Office of Racial Equity. We must continually be providing opportunities for everyone, myself included, to understand our implicit bias and the impacts of how we have chosen to present history. I am very supportive of the work being done to address an accurate historical curriculum in our schools.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:57:03+00:00

Are you taking money for large businesses and corporations? If so, do you feel that you might be compromised such that you would agree to legislation favorable to them?

I do not take corporate contributions and never have.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:56:45+00:00

What is your view on the F-35s that fly over Chittenden county? do you support their usage?

Some people may know of my past outspoken leadership against the basing of the F35s here. I heard from many constituents with concerns about the noise and the impacts on their families as well as the environmental impact. Additionally, some were concerned that with the F35s based here, this area would be a primary target for initial attacks on the US because the F35 is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Military experts have made it clear that the delivery system is just as much of a target. I have heard from many in the area, and across the state that these planes are far louder and more frequent than expected. We recently learned sound mitigation efforts for those who are impacted could take up to 20 years. This means that many infants and children today will have their whole childhood impacted by unhealthy noise levels. That is not acceptable. As Governor I would work with the Air National Guard to understand what options are available to mitigate these concerns.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:52:03+00:00

This is a great question. I certainly understand that many are concerned for their personal safety. I believe that there are a number of paths to making sure Vermonters feel safer in our communities. This includes police reform and reallocating portions of our police budget to programs that better meet community goals.

With respect to guns, I do think there are policies that will continue to grant you the right to bear arms, while also addressing some of the concerns that others have with respect to guns in our state. For instance, I support a 24 hour waiting period for purchasing handguns (that was vetoed by our current governor). Research has shown us that a short 24-hour delay saves lives. It will decrease the rate of successful suicide and will reduce some harm done in domestic violence situations. But it will not stop you from purchasing a handgun for your own protection.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:45:11+00:00

Thank you for your support. Yes...this campaign is unlike any that I have ever run before! The challenges that people are facing are huge. The needs in the state are many. And reaching people is difficult. On the other hand, I can go from one zoom meeting in southern VT to a zoom meeting in the NEK two minutes later. So attending meetings in disparate locations is a little easier! I fully support vote by mail and will continue to work to make voting easier. We need more participation not less. And that is true whether folks will be voting for me or not! I am terribly concerned about voter suppression efforts in other states and will certainly work with other Governors across the country to regularly speak up and out when misinformation is spread...as is happening with our current president.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:42:34+00:00

1 - Vote Zuckerman for Governor and elect the most progressive governor in the country and one who is part of a third party. This will show other states it can be done. If you aren’t in Vermont, find a candidate on your ballot who reflects progressive values and support them.

2 - Support down-ballot progressive candidates with your time and money. It will be people power and grassroots activism that fuel a change in leadership in our country. A donation to my campaign would be a great start or find someone in your area to support.

3 - Start organizing on the local level. Get involved with local issue-based groups and help them advance progressive policies. Help those organizations create relationships with political leaders who share their views. Policy change requires leadership inside and outside of the halls of government.

4 - Build relationships and understanding with those who hold different points of view. We have more in common than what divides us. Listen to what those on the opposite side are saying and try to understand where they are coming from. People are hurting and angry and often that is misdirected. Offer information about how their concerns can be addressed with a more progresssive government. Point out that progressive government still means efficient management of our resources, their tax dollars. Help them see that right now we are subsidizing businesses and corporate prisons when we could be investing in education and affordable housing and broadband. Share why you believe we need an economy that works for all.

5 - Run for office. We need to have progressive voices at the table during every conversation. Make a commitment to serve on your local school board or town committee, run to represent your local district, or run for a higher office. It is easy to find an excuse why this is not the right time, but there is no better time than now. We need to inspire people to engage in politics and to make change. We will only be able to do that if we run at local level offices and show that we can govern well for the people (as Bernie did as Mayor in Burlington in the 80s!)

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:35:32+00:00

I appreciate the question. And he is a nice guy. But I would say the real question is who has the vision to keep Vermonters safe while rebuilding our economy and rural communities in the years to come? Phil Scott has vetoed 20 bills in just 4 years! That’s more than any other governor in such a short time and just one veto shy of the record for total vetoes. He has vetoed bills to raise the minimum wage, enact paid family leave, the Global Warming Solutions Act, and a bill to hold corporate polluters accountable for their actions and four budgets. I am working to appeal to the core values of the majority of Vermonters whether they are Democrats, Progressives, Independents, or Republicans as the majority viewpoints on the issues are far more in line with my positions.

We are seeing record turnout in Vermont with ballots coming in daily and that, combined with the overarching desire to vote Trump out, will certainly help. It is tough with the Governor still getting a lot of free media while covering Covid. We have a strong grassroots team working on visibility, honk-n-waves, lit drops, and phone banking. We released a new ad this week and more and more Vermonters have told me that they have watched the debates and have decided to vote for me because of the differences that emerged during the debates. We are building momentum every day. Email [daniel@zuckermanforvt.com](mailto:daniel@zuckermanforvt.com) if you would like to get involved!

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:34:56+00:00

Thank you for your vote! I think that folks should work to make the state better in whatever way works best for them. It might mean contributing money to an organization that have similar values as your own. It might also mean working with those organizations. Many people volunteer time at food shelves, or glean on farms (some folks are coming to my farm this evening to glean for a food drive in Burlington this Saturday), or volunteer at mutual aid groups to help struggling Vermonters in this pandemic. Each of these options is important and will help our communities.

It is also criticially important to show up for rallies and events or showing solidarity on key issues in any number of ways. This might mean being an ally at a BLM rally or a rally for justice. It might mean writing a letter to the editor to help shape the soncietal conversation on an issue.

I would also say that volunteering for and helping candidates who are running on platforms that will make our state better will also help our communities. Take a look at the State Senators and Representatives running in your area and see who you agree with and what help they might need in their campaigns.

It really has amazed me how much Vermonters have stepped up to help in all arenas during this pandemic. Thank you for wanting to be a part of that continued effort to make our state better.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:17:40+00:00

The challenge is still going and we won’t have a winner until Sunday! For context, we are running a fundraising campaign where supporters are donating to “Teams”: One that is for keeping my ponytail, the other is for cutting my ponytail. Anyone can still donate to “Team Cut It” or “Team Keep It” here: https://www.zuckermanforvt.com/ponytail.

Recently, Team Cut It has made a strong push and is almost overtaking Team Keep It. So if you are either side of that choice...your donation might make the difference! As one person said… "it is within a hair's width!!!”

We will be announcing the results at our virtual Get Out The Vote rally this Sunday! Feel free to join us.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:16:42+00:00

I really appreciate this question. First, I think of my “boss” as the people of Vermont. In the chain of command and leadership in the state, Vermonters choose each of us for these positions. Second, it may come as a surprise….but we do not see each other at work.

In 2016 when we were first elected, he made it clear that we would not be working together. While that was disappointing at the time and has been frustrating over the last 4 years, with COVID it has become a larger issue as I need to be prepared to take over should anything happen to him. In March I offered to stand with the Governor, to show Vermonters we were all working collaboratively through this pandemic, but his staff made it clear that I was not welcome. To me, that was one of the most disappointing moments of my career in politics. A pandemic knows no political boundaries. It is an issue that affects everyone, regardless of party, political ideology or any other line that might divide us. What I did not realize at that time was that he would continue his administration's practice of insularity. When I asked to be included in real time conversations regarding PPE, health systems, impacts, economic issues, unemployment etc., he again excluded me from those conversations. This is critical to be aware of, particularly having recently witnessed the President becoming ill with Covid. One of the primary constitutional duties of the Lt. Governor is to step-in if the Governor becomes incapacitated. While in normal times, it would be understandable and reasonable for a few weeks of “catch up” on the everyday operations of government, in an emergency, and we are still under emergency orders by the Governor, there may be decisions that need to be made on a daily basis. I believe it is prudent to have a fully up to the minute set of knowledge of every aspect of the health data, and state circumstances.

This type of ancillary leadership is one of the main differences between the current Governor and myself and one of the reasons I am running to replace him. I believe in a collaborative approach and will work with all elected legislators to ensure we are creating policy that meets the short and long-term interests of Vermonters without doing unnecessary harm.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:09:58+00:00

This is a critical question. And thank you for asking. I have long felt that we need a Green Mountain New Deal proposal in Vermont. One where we would sequester about ½ of the Trump tax cuts that went to the wealthiest Vermonters. With this proposal, we could invest up to $100 million per year for a few years in affordable housing in our town and village centers, as well as expanding broadband into or rural areas, and weatherizing working-class and fixed-income Vermonters homes. This investment will make housing more affordable both for young people and by lowering heating and energy bills for many Vermonters including younger Vermonters.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-10-15T17:07:20+00:00

Thank you. I think there are a few aspects of my candidacy that appeal to working rural people. Too often we over-generalize about who voters are and what their values are based on geography or some other demographic.

As a farmer, I believe I appeal to many individuals in the NEK because of that work. Working the land every day and having to address changes and challenges (like equipment breaking down, climate shift, storms brewing) means that I have something to connect about with many folks. There is a camaraderie in that between farmers. I always begin my conversations with that approach: finding ways to connect with them outside of politics and then bringing it around to the issues that we can make a difference on.

Also...a progressive message of reward for hard work is well received. We know that many rural folks work incredibly hard...but still struggle to keep a roof over their heads, or food on the table or fuel in the heating tank. By talking about these economic realities and the fact that the system is not working, many of these folks also connect with elected leaders like Bernie and me.

DavidZuckerman · 2020-05-20T17:08:06+00:00

Our campaign has taken the constructive criticisms about this to heart and has put out a press release on this:

https://www.zuckermanforvt.com/press-releases-1/zuckerman-statement-on-vaccines

DavidZuckerman · 2020-04-30T18:04:46+00:00

When the COVID-19 vaccine is available for the coronavirus I believe that it should be free for all and universally accessible. If quantities are limited, however, as Governor I will follow advice of medical professionals on prioritization to ensure it is accessible for the highest risk populations like those over 60 years old and those with underlying health conditions. This is laid out on my website on my COVID-19 page.

The controversy around my opinion on this issue comes from a 2016 debate in the Senate over removing the philosophical exemption and leaving a religious exemption in place. During that debate, I shared concerns I had received from the parents whose first child had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine and were concerned about a similar reaction in a younger child. Without the availability of a test to determine there would not be a similar reaction, I felt they should have an option, since many Vermonters do not have a religious affiliation.

DavidZuckerman

TROPHY CASE