Your are Your Town's Best AdvocateTo be an effective leader and participant in your town, you must recognize the significant role the Vermont Legislature plays in regulating and funding the activities of local government. As a Dillon's Rule state, Vermont is one of only four states in the country that cannot exercise local action or govern without explicit grants from the legislature. Therefore, it is imperative that you represent the priorities of your hometown and region to your legislators. A third of current legislators have served at the local level in some capacity. The others may not always recognize the effects that legislation has on municipalities unless they hear about them from local officials. More legislators than you might think tell us they never hear anything from local government officials in their districts. Almost one-third of the 1,155 bills that were introduced in that last biennium affected municipalities. You need to create opportunities to influence legislative action that affects the quality of life and economic success of your town. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns is an enthusiastic advocate for local government; nonetheless, we need your help in delivering the local government message and telling your own local story to legislators.
from the VLCT Weekly Legislative Report No. 1, December 15, 2017 Suggestions to help you effectively advocate for your municipality during the 2018 legislative session. |
Senator Brian Collamore |
Senator Peg Flory |
Representative Sandy Haas |
Senator David Soucy |