(Promoted for the usual reasons. – promoted by JulieWaters)
Last week, when we released our vision for Vermont’s economic future, there was one element that received the most questions and feedback: our proposal for transforming the culture in Montpelier.
Because of Vermont’s, size, scale, and deep-rooted tradition of community, a culture of openness and transparency is a natural fit for our state. However, right now our state continues to rank among the worst in the nation in government transparency.
This not only reflects poorly for our state, but is detrimental to our future economic stability. Without an open and transparent government, Vermonters don’t know where their tax dollars are being spent, we are unable to discover opportunities for improving efficiency, and there is a lack of accountability in campaign finance.
In order to have a government that outlines clear goals and objectives for its workforce and promotes trust from its citizens, Vermont needs a new generation of leadership committed to changing the closed-door culture in Montpelier.
Today, during a presentation at the State House in Montpelier, I detailed my plan for making Vermont more transparent and changing the culture in Montpelier. Some of the points in this plan include:
- Providing clear access to government information: Vermonters should be able to access basic state data quickly through an easy to use, searchable online database.
- Building a culture of transparency internally: We can increase productivity and better engage our state workforce simply by encouraging a culture of transparency and clarity within the government through public goals and easy access to leaders.
- Setting an example with transparent leadership: A critical part of establishing a culture of transparency is to lead by example, and as Governor I would not only post my 9-5 schedule publicly for all Vermonters to see, but would also make sure all candidates submit personal financial disclosures.
From my time leading the AmeriCorps*VISTA program, I know that creating a culture of transparency has immediate tangible benefits on an organization. And while better transparency will help improve state operations, eliminate waste and increase the efficiency of government services, it has become clear that transparency is not a priority for any of the other candidates.
I encourage you to download the slide deck, read our announcement or watch a video of the presentation to learn more about my plan for creating more transparency in Vermont.
Really, Matt? Did you really want to say that? That just didn’t ring true for me, so I just did a two-minute Google search and discovered that Deb Markowitz has been quoted by the Times Argus on July 25 advocating for transparency; and
a discussion of transparency has been a key feature of Doug Racine’s healthcare platform on his website ( I believe since the beginning of the race.) I have little doubt that if I took the time to search a little further I could find this topic figuring in both Susan Bartlett’s and Peter Shumlin’s public comments as well.
The only candidate for whom this is an unlikely priority is Brian Dubie.
I’m delighted that you present such an articulate discussion on the topic, but chagrined that you feel you must paint your collegial competitors with such a broad and imprecise brush.
“…not…any other candidate” is another one of those sweeping generalizations (like “never” and “only”) that is a minefield of misstep.
Mr. Dunne,
I ask this question in light of the recent news that Google appears ready to work with Verizon on developing a preferential internet.
Precisely what is Google’s police and working policy on internet neutrality? (“Internet neutrality” defined as no preference given to any entity for any reason.)
“Providing clear access to government information: Vermonters should be able to access basic state data quickly through an easy to use, searchable online database.”
Sign me up as a supporter in the House.