Dean Meets Middlebury For Breakfast Discussion Several Pertinent Issues Debated Among Communnity Members, Officials

Author: Meghan Michelson

Addison County's regularly scheduled legislative breakfast, which is usually comprised of state legislators presenting their proposed bills and engaging in discussion, had a special keynote speaker this week.

On Monday Governor Howard Dean appeared at the breakfast at the Legion Hall in Middlebury for the last time during his term, which concludes in January.

Dean, who became governor in 1991, addressed his current political agenda and responded to questions posed by local residents and legislators in attendance. Over cups of coffee and breakfast pastries, residents expressed dismay over several controversial issues.

Dean's arrival increased overall turnout at the gathering but it did not alter the atmosphere of intimate dialogue between lawmakers and citizens. Vermont is one of few states where such gatherings take place and where, on occasion, local citizens are able to address current concerns directly with the state governor.



State Budget



Dean expressed his overall sense of pride in the current state budget and tax situation when he said, "The 2002 budget is balanced and both legislative parties have kept their eye on the ball." He explained that the House of Representatives recently passed a "sensible and thoughtful" tax bill, characteristics he considers crucial to a successful budget.

Dean has cut the state budget twice during the 11 years he has been in office and paid off an inherited $70 million deficit. "We've never had the budget larger than the state's economy since I've been in office, and we've reduced the debt by 26 percent," said Dean. Vermont is the only state in the country that can boast such economic results.

Alluding to the upcoming conclusion of his time in office, Dean said, "When I leave, I want my predecessor to enter into a better economic situation than I did."



Medical Marijuana



A bill that proposes "to exempt seriously ill people from prosecution and prison for using medical marijuana under a medical doctor's supervision" was introduced at the legislative breakfast by Representative Betty Nuovo of Middlebury. The bill was passed with amendments in the House on March 15 but stirred great controversy among those present Monday morning.

The bill requires that patients diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition could be treated through the therapeutic use of cannabis. Patients would only be allowed to grow an adequate supply, not exceeding three mature marijuana plants, four immature marijuana plants and three usable ounces of marijuana.

Residents questioned the quantity allotted as an adequate supply and suggested a more central means of distribution. State Attorney John Quinn pointed out that possessing more than two ounces of marijuana is considered a felony in Vermont. "We don't have the resources to monitor individuals growing the plant," Quinn said, adding, "We must have some other legal medical drug to alleviate this specific pain."

Representative Michael Fisher of Lincoln, Vt., added, "It is compassion for patients' pain that caused this bill to make it through the House, but the way it is grown is a problem. It could be tweaked to make it more responsible."

Governor Dean strongly stated his opinion in opposition of the bill legalizing marijuana for medical use. "The problem with medical marijuana, the way I see it, is that if it is such a great drug, then why not put it through the Food and Drug Administration like any other drug and open it up to studies," said Dean.

He expressed his concern that the passage of the bill would ultimately send the message to youths that smoking the drug is acceptable. "I don't support this bill. There is no scientific evidence that marijuana works," concluded Dean.

Transportation Infrastructure



The Legislature has enacted a law related to the state's Transportation Capital Program and Project Development Plan that includes guidelines for modifying town highway bridges and reconstructing and enhancing the state's rail and public transportation system.

The fiscal year 2002 budget expenditures for the transportation plans exceed $300 million, the majority of which comes from federal funding and the rest from state and local sources.

Although the rail program has been criticized because of Vermont's rural setting and minimal need for advanced public transportation, Dean supports the plan. "I advocate the urge to go through with the government's commitment regarding the Capital Program," said Dean.

He explained that to upgrade Route 7 to an interstate highway would cost millions of dollars, whereas the rail system, called the Champlain Flyer, would adequately transport people and freight, and at less expense to taxpayers.

Vermont will suffer a $15 million cut in federal funding for transportation next year, and Dean expressed concern over how the state was going to cover the costs of the transportation plan. "We're going to have to do less paving, among other things, or else we must come up with our own source of income or funds for transportation," he said.

To compensate for this cut, Dean suggested an increase in the gas tax over a rise in automobile registration fees, which was proposed by a resident in attendance. "Raising gas taxes over car taxes rewards those who are driving environmentally friendly vehicles that get better gas mileage," said Dean.