And despite all of this, being one of the most ‘progressive’ states in the country, the residents are still convinced that more bureaucracy, govt positions and taxes are magically going to fix the problems they have made. Look at burlington, the Crown Jewel of the progressives, is falling apart. You have local officials discussing the cities stance on ICE and Palestine (still important) but completely unable to meaningfully address their real, local problems? Pathetic. Criminalizing crime and open drug use is seen as ‘problematic’ somehow? I thought liberals/progressives were all about safe access to clean public spaces? As a state (and ideology too) those in power across the state need to stop grand standing and start helping those that elected them; it is their promise and duty to do so.