On the Issues
Helping Small Businesses
Jim understands that small business and entrepreneurship are the driving forces in making Vermont an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family. As Secretary of State, Jim will work to encourage small business growth in Vermont by streamlining the registration and licensing process – creating an online “one stop shop” – where business owners can quickly navigate the process with clear directions, online forms, and relevant links to each step in the process. In addition, when you call the Secretary of State’s Office, you’ll be assured of customer-friendly service and atmosphere.
Jim will work with Vermont business owners to create jobs for our economic strength and sustainability.
Creating Open and Transparent Government
- Open Government is Good Government
Jim knows that an open government is a good government. We’ve all seen the problems that are created when government is not honest or forthcoming with information. Vermonters should expect open and transparent decision-making from their government. As Senate Government Operations chair, Jim helped state government officials craft language protecting employees who reported waste, fraud or other illegal activities in state government. It is of paramount importance that we do everything possible to ensure that the citizens of Vermont trust our government.
Jim believes that openness and transparency will strengthen our democracy while promoting efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness in government.
- Access to Public Records
A commitment to open government must be a commitment to transparency at all levels of government, which includes open access to public records throughout our state agencies and departments. There should not be unreasonable barriers to the public’s access to public records. If government operates in secrecy, then we erode our democracy.
Public officials must be trained in the proper use of executive session and deliberative process – and not use it as a shield from public scrutiny. In addition, Jim supports fully enacting the Vermont Public Records Commission recommendations, and will work with the legislature to create an Ombudsman position which will provide timely review and assistance for public records requests. This will help Vermonters access local and state government information without being intimidated by the legal process.
Jim firmly believes that all Vermonters have the right and responsibility to know what’s happening in their government.
- Demanding Accountability from Public Officials
Jim believes in protecting taxpayers’ money and eliminating waste and inefficiencies in government. One way to achieve these goals is to provide regular, ongoing training for elected and appointed officials. Jim believes that any person or entity receiving public money should be subject to strict accountability to ensure that the money is spent in accordance with the appropriate laws, policies and procedures. As Secretary of State, Jim will aggressively advocate for timely and thorough audits of public expenditures.
Jim understands the importance of clarity and accountability with public money.
- Strengthening Campaign Finance and Lobbyist Disclosure Laws
Jim will work to bring the Secretary of State Office into the 21st century. He will overhaul the databases, providing easier, online records search for campaign donations and expenditures, candidate filings, and lobbyist donations and expenditures. He will ensure that the Office sets up an online system to file campaign finance and lobbyist reports, and will advocate for more frequent filings. Jim will also work to strengthen legislation for lobbyist registration and reporting.
Jim believes that the public has a right to access campaign finance and lobbyist disclosures in a timely and easily accessible manner.
Protecting Vermont Consumers
The Secretary of State’s office has oversight of over 55,000 individuals in 45 different professions. The current Secretary of State modernized the division to ensure that the rules governing the professions are clear and appropriate and that professions qualified to practice are able to get their license without delay. She also improved prosecutions so that professionals who are incompetent or unethical are quickly and effectively removed from practice. Efficiencies and savings were realized, which helped lower fees for some professions.
Jim recognizes the importance of ensuring that Vermont consumers of professional services have every protection possible.
Improving the Election Process
Jim will maintain the integrity of Vermont’s election process, ensure the statewide voter checklist is functioning efficiently and properly, allow real-time access to the voter check-off list to our town clerks, and work with the town clerks to help them carry out the important work that they do on behalf of all Vermonters. While serving on the Senate Government Operations committee, Jim was instrumental in ensuring that Vermont law requires a verifiable paper trail for all votes cast in this state.
Jim knows that an honest and fair voting process is the foundation of our democracy.
Municipalities and Cities
The Secretary of State’s office is the go to place for municipalities and cities. One of the main functions of the office is to assist town clerks and city officials and provide resources to enable them to run their communities efficiently and effectively; and to serve their citizens well.
Jim understands the importance of supporting local government and is committed to working closely with local officials.
