Independence Begins At Home

By Peter Clavelle

We have all heard that “charity begins at home.” Charles Dickens popularized that phrase more than 120 years ago. In the year 2006, it is time to coin a new adage: “Independence begins at home.” It is time to breathe new life and meaning into the ideal of independence, into the spirit of democracy. And there is no place more fitting to launch this new independence movement than right here in the State and the 251 communities of Vermont.

The Second Vermont Republic has certainly stirred some interest. This quest to return Vermont to the status of independent republic—a status held from 1777 to 1791—has sparked thought and generated controversy. I too find appeal in the vision of a Vermont that practices direct democracy, fosters sustainability, and promotes economic self-sufficiency. But the Green Mountain Independence movement must begin at home. We must first achieve independence within Vermont, transforming the relationship between State government and Vermont's communities and their citizens.

Vermonters will be gathering in cities and towns across the state on March 7th for Town Meeting Day. This annual exercise will be touted as true democracy, as grassroots decision-making. Yet this remains a myth. The reality is much different. Vermonters have little control over how we govern ourselves.

Where do we start? Here are six steps we can take now to secure true democracy and move toward Vermont independence.

(1) Amend Vermont's Constitution. Since 1791, the cities and towns of Vermont have been denied the right to govern themselves in affairs that should be locally determined. Among all fifty states, Vermont stands as one with the most centralized of governments. Cities and towns remain creatures of the State—with Vermont's Constitution specifically stipulating that municipalities “are to be and remain under the patronage or control of the State.” Most states in this country (36 of them) have now granted local governments the ability to determine their own destinies. A Home Rule amendment to the Vermont Constitution is long overdue.

(2) Authorize Local Option Taxes. Vermont citizens must have more authority to decide how they wish to tax themselves. Vermont's cities and towns have traditionally been over-dependent on the property tax. The statewide property tax established under Act 60 has increased this dependency. Steps must be taken to diminish the property tax burden. Burlington and other larger Vermont cities and towns generate a significant portion of the State's tax revenues. If we are to retain our economic vitality, we need the means to broaden and diversify our tax base to support essential services such as police, fire, and public works. Citizens in every community must be allowed to decide whether a local option sales tax would be preferable to property tax increases or reductions to essential services.

(3) Establish State Collection of the Statewide Property Tax. The lion's share of property taxes now flow to State government to meet the State's constitutionally-mandated responsibility to finance public education. Cities and towns currently collect those taxes for the State. The statewide education property taxes increase every year, in large part due to State tax policy (the State mandates reappraisals, sets the base tax rate, and adjusts property values based on the common level of appraisal or CLA). Yet, the Governor and some legislators are quick to blame local officials for property tax increases. The State has the primary responsibility for school financing, and, therefore, the State should be responsible and accountable for collecting education taxes. Then, and only then, will the Governor and State Legislature be motivated to deliver true tax reform that diminishes Vermont's dependency on the property tax.

(4) Enact Campaign Finance Reform and Instant-Runoff Voting. Money corrupts politics across this country. A primary proponent of campaign finance reform has said, “The endless chase for dollars is threatening to turn our political campaigns into auctions and the 2006 elections could be the worst ever.” The Vermont Legislature passed landmark campaign finance reform legislation in 1997. The law, which includes contribution limits and spending caps, has been under attack ever since. This law must be defended vigorously in federal court. The Republican Party and others challenging the law should drop their opposition. Vermont can also invigorate democracy by adopting statewide instant-runoff voting (IRV). Burlington will lead the way and demonstrate the effectiveness of IRV in our mayoral election this March. This simple, common-sense reform allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. IRV eliminates the spoiler factor accompanying third-party candidates, save taxpayer money, and decrease negative campaigning. IRV would ensure that our Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other State officers are elected by the people, not the Legislature.

(5) Commit to Universal Health Coverage for All Vermonters. Spiraling healthcare costs weigh heavily on Vermonters. To achieve economic self-sufficiency, we must move our State toward a system of universal health care, extending affordable care to all Vermonters and decreasing the healthcare burden on businesses and families.

(6) Crystallize a Vision for Sustainability. I agree with author Thomas Naylor's contention in The Vermont Manifesto: “if Vermont is to survive, it must carve out a more independent niche for itself—independent of the U.S. Government, Corporate America, and globalization.” In a nutshell, we must become more sustainable. To be sustainable, we must create livable-wage jobs, clean and protect our environment, embrace a sensible energy plan, and guarantee quality education for our children. Yes, we have an opportunity to become a model of sustainability. But we are missing that opportunity because Vermont lacks a coherent strategy for sustainability. Defining a shared vision for our long-term future is the necessary first step.

As we prepare for Vermont's next Town Meetings, let us remember that governing in a democracy should be about more than charting a course based on a vote every year or two. It ought to involve ongoing dialogue with constituents. Democratic government must provide a broad spectrum of opportunities for citizens to voice their concerns and to shoulder responsibility in meeting the challenges ahead. Indeed, true democracy ought to be about turning the work of the community over to the community.

True democracy will arrive when Vermonters commit to becoming more than simply taxpayers or clients of government, but true citizens, participants in the process of governance.

True democracy will arrive when our Governor, Legislature, and the State's elected officials of all political stripes understand that not all wisdom resides under the golden dome in Montpelier.

True democracy will arrive when Vermont's cities and towns are treated not as “creatures of the State,” but as partners of State government.

True democracy will arrive when Vermont citizens are relieved of their heavy property tax burden and allowed to decide how they want to tax themselves. True democracy will arrive when we remove the corruptive influence of money from politics and open the door for all to run for political office.

True democracy will arrive when there is a balance of authority and responsibility, and State government is held accountable for the taxes it levies.

True democracy will arrive when we deliver affordable health care to every Vermonter and give each citizen a voice in charting a course for our long-term future.

Yes, there is some appeal to returning Vermont to its status as an independent republic. But let us not wait for that day. Let us commit now to transforming the relationship between State government, Vermont communities, and our citizens.

Independence and true democracy begin at home.