Gov. Jim Douglas, Sen. Norm McAllister Pledge Support
ST.
ALBANS – Former State Representative and aide to Governor Jim Douglas, Dustin
Degree, announced today that he will once again seek one of the two State
Senate seats representing Franklin County and Alburgh.
Many
will recall that in 2012, Degree came within 35 votes of securing a spot in the
State Senate and says that this year, it is even more important to restore
balance to the legislature.
“Getting
to know my neighbors all over Franklin County was one of the best experiences
of my life. After losing one of the closest elections in Franklin County
history, I’ve kept a close eye on state government and am more convinced than
ever that the tax and spend status quo simply isn’t working for hard working
Vermonters.”
Degree
cited the need to create jobs and lower taxes as the main reasons he decided to
run.
“In the 14
months that have passed since the last election the number of employed
Vermonters has declined by 3,500 people, while the Senate voted to increase
taxes by over $80 million in 2013 alone. We must hold accountable those
legislators who bemoan the tax rate on the campaign trail and then vote to
increase it once elected, and over the course of the coming campaign, I intend
to do just that,” Degree said.
Degree said
if elected he’d continue to push for common sense drug reform. “I spent a good
portion of my time in the House of Representatives working to bring this issue
to the forefront. Unfortunately there are still people who fail to see it as a
priority. Anyone who claims to represent our county must first recognize there
is no greater threat to our future than opiate addiction. I’ve lost too many
friends and peers to the darkness of addiction. I’ll fight for them every day
of this campaign and every day after until we’ve created a system that ensures
better outcomes for those who need help and safer communities for all of us.”
Legislators
and leaders from around the county and state applauded Degree’s announcement and
pledged their support of his candidacy.
Senator
Norm McAllister (R- Franklin County) said, “I am proud of Dustin for once again
stepping up to provide the people of Franklin County with a real choice in who
represents them in Montpelier. Dustin has an unshakeable grasp of the problems we
face. His is a needed voice in the
conversation of the future of Franklin County and there’s no one I’d rather
serve with in the Senate come January.”
Former
Governor Jim Douglas also lent his voice to those supporting Degree.
“Dustin’s
leadership on our state’s drug problem and job creation combined with his
passion and loyalty for Franklin County makes him the right choice to represent
Franklin County in the State Senate. His dedication to public service and his
vision for the future make his candidacy truly unique. I hope my friends in
Franklin County will join me in supporting him this fall.”
Degree is a former State Representative from St. Albans City, where his work on Prescription Drug abuse was recognized by Governor Peter Shumlin. Before being elected to the House, Degree served as an aide to Governor Jim Douglas. Prior to his work in the Governor’s office, he worked in the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the St. Albans City Development Review Board as well as on the Board of Directors of the St. Albans Amateur Skating Association.
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