Oct. 23, 2008

By Tim Simard

Observer staff

Anthony Pollina

Pollina said he worries about Vermont in the face of the sluggish economy, but believes he would be able to best move the state forward during this critical time.

He said the fastest-growing jobs in the state are low-wage jobs, median family incomes have declined and Vermont has the slowest economic growth in New England.

“We need to build the economy from the family level up,” Pollina said during a visit to Observer offices.

Pollina said one way to create jobs would be to put Vermonters to work repairing roads and bridges. By closing the capital gains tax loophole, Pollina believes about $20 million dollars would be available annually for roadwork.

The candidate also believes in investing in the state at a time when it needs it most. His many ideas include a Vermont Credit Card, which would reinvest a percentage of every purchase in local farms and businesses. Pollina also said he would ask businesses to join a new Vermont Merchants United network that would keep credit card processing fees in the state.

“The idea is to keep more money in state and encourage Vermonters to invest in their future,” Pollina said.

Pollina said Gov. Douglas’ “do nothing” approach and “misrepresentations” on the economy would not help the state. He said he believes in speaking honestly and doesn’t see a bright immediate future for Vermont’s economy. But with the tenacity of Vermonters, he feels the state will be OK in the end.

“Vermont is in a better position than a lot of other places,” Pollina said. “Putting money into the local economy helps everyone, and that’s what I want to do.”