This campaign is all about growing the economy, reducing the tax burden and ensuring that every generation has the opportunity to be secure and prosperous by leading a transformation that makes government more innovative, more efficient, more productive and more valuable.

The Secretary of State has an opportunity, and an obligation, to lead this transformation.  We must rethink, revitalize and reform policies and systems throughout state government. Our families can no longer afford a state government that measures the productivity and value of programs and services based on how much it is spending.

I know that state government can be more efficient, productive and valuable–producing outcomes that increase economic activity and reduce the burden on taxpayers–because I’ve achieved those kind of real results.

Confronted with the realities of a declining economy, the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation under my leadership, for example, embraced an entrepreneurial approach to problem solving, and the results speak for themselves.   (Please read more on the Real Results page.)

As Secretary of State, just as I have done as a commissioner, I will lead by example and demonstrate how government can produce results that strengthen our economy, improve service and reduce government’s reliance on taxpayers.  I’ll start by simplifying and streamlining the professional licensing, business registration, regulatory functions and other responsibilities of the Secretary of State’s office.  But we can’t stop there.  This transformation to more entrepreneurial public management must occur all across state government.

This is going to be an upbeat, grassroots campaign that directly and interactively involves Vermonters. I will listen and learn from you every step of the way, so please also join us on Facebook, check out our YouTube and Flickr pages, follow us on Twitter–keep the feedback coming.

Vermont needs innovative leaders who understand that there’s no better way to balance the budget than to grow the economy; there’s no better social program than a good job; and there’s no better way to achieve these outcomes than by transforming government and proving that it can, in fact, do considerably more with significantly less.  That is why I am running for Secretary of State; and I would be very grateful for your support.

I look forward to seeing you on the trail!

All the very best,

PS — Please support our campaign to transform state government by making an online contribution today!