St. Johnsbury Development

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Created on Friday, 06 February 2015 13:37

Written by Tom Weineck

AROUND THE NEK - Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott spoke at the annual Saint Johnsbury Development Fund about issues facing the economic development in the region. Scott talked about taxes, the cost of education, and how to keep the working class.

"One of the larger issues in trying to create economic development of this area is high taxes, such as school and property," said Scott.

Due to the high taxes, the state is losing the working class, which means less people will be buying homes and having families.

"It's about creating an environment that is good for growth, like having a well paid job," said Scott. "But having high taxes are not exactly magnets for young people to come."

Besides taxes, the cost of school is the other major concern Scott has regarding the area. Scott says something needs to be done about the cost.

"If we can't help politically to cut costs, we will have to do something drastic," said Scott. "If we can't do anything to help, we will need to do something outside of legislature."

Scott does not like the way things are headed in the legislature regarding cutting the cost of education.

"We can't afford to continue the way we are going. It's not working for any of us," said Scott.

Scott says it will have to be a team effort to combat these problems.

"These problems can't be ignored, we have to start discussing ways to lower spending and taxes," said Scott.