Looking to the Future,
Citizens See Farms
By Sara Nelson

Tolerance, independence, hard work, local pride, frugality, and respect for the land. These were some of the Vermont values enumerated by Randolph area residents at a forum hosted by the Council on the Future of Vermont at VTC this week.

The organization is undertaking a year-long project to discover and report on the vision of Vermonters as they consider the future of the state. The project will include a statewide survey, meetings with organizations, schools, and municipal offices, and community forums like this week’s session at VTC, which was the first of 14 to be held around the state.

Monday’s event was the first in the state. Organizers had said that Randolph was chosen because of its diverse economy and population and history of civic engagement.

About 35 people were in attendance, filling most of the chairs, which were arranged in a circle. Most people took at least one turn answering the questions of moderator Paul Costello about the values, challenges, opportunities, and priorities for the state.

Some themes that emerged were environmental and energy concerns, opportunities for young people, and problems related to the cost of living in Vermont.

"It’s time for us to go back to a land-based economy," a Bethel farmer declared.

"We need to stop consuming, and start appreciating."

Another self-identified farmer said the state should start "regionalizing food production systems" in preparation for changes caused by global warming.

"We need to be prepared for a population influx," she said.

At several times during the discussion, participants said that traditional trades including farming should be given more respect and presented as worthy careers.

"Let’s get our smart kids farming," said one participant.

A young woman echoed that sentiment, describing her experience as one of few young people who choose to stay in Vermont.

"How sad is it that we tell our young people that we don’t have a place for them," she asked, drawing applause from the group.

Financial problems and classism were also brought up.

"We’re leaving the invisible people behind," one person said.

People said they were worried about education and teacher pay, the cost of health care, transportation, and care for elders. One man referred to land use permits and the cost of land, saying the state shouldn’t "overlegislate living."

The final part of the conversation concerned solutions.

Some participants suggested changes in emphasis, such as stressing the importance of agriculture, lessening the emphasis on tourism, and becoming less political.

Other suggestions were more tangible: people called for supporting local businesses and making universities more affordable.

One woman said a number of problems could be solved if the state would invest heavily in new energy technologies.

"We need to get ahead of the curve," she said.

Another had specific ideas to increase conservation. She suggested energy monitors in homes, and carbon footprint labeling of products in local stores.

"Conservation doesn’t mean anything to people until they can see what they are gaining," she said.

A final suggestion was for "more places for people to come together and talk about things like this, but less formally."

The discussion was videotaped and transcribed, to be incorporated into the CFV’s final report. While the community forums are intended to have an immediate positive effect in bringing people together, the report will also be presented to non-profit organizations and legislators, project manager Sarah Waring said.

"This project will enable leaders, philanthropists, and the non-profit community to better respond to Vermonters," she said.

Waring said a CFV website soliciting input will soon be up, and Vermonters are invited to attend any of the scheduled forums. The next one will be held in Rutland on Dec. 4.