We can ill afford to chase ideals, especially since the significant price spikes caused by the COVID disruption. I am not enamored with a legislative body that passes goals into law which unnecessarily increases the cost of living for our working families and provides private right of legal action against our state leading to lengthy and expensive litigation on the taxpayer’s dime. I’d like to see our hard-earned tax dollars spent on making progress in solving our regional problems that affect the greatest number of people — lack of housing, education overspend, inadequate labor force, and a health care system unable to achieve any economies of scale.

There’s something refreshing about voting a novice legislator into the mess in Montpelier. I like the fact Steve Heffernan comes from a local family, has a history of service, has business experience and carries the responsibility to make payrolls for employees. I like that he might bring new ideas to a legislative group that spins on assigning blame to those who lead our state’s economy. I encourage you to support Steve Heffernan this year and help ensure we have a better system of checks and balances in Montpelier.

Brian Carpenter

Middlebury