If you are looking for a chance to compare and contrast gubernatorial candidates -- at least the five Democratic candidates -- there's a forum planned for Monday in South Burlington.
The Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services has scheduled a forum for 5-7 p.m. at South Burlington High School. It's free and open to the public.
"The future of mental health, developmental services and substance abuse treatment will be greatly impacted by decisions made by the next governor," said Ken Libertoff, director of the Vermont Association for Mental Health.
Todd Centybear, executive director of HowardCenter, added, "The public needs to know what set of values the new governor will use when facing difficult choices."
All the announced candidates for governor were invited, the sponsors said. The five Democrats -- Sen. Susan Bartlett, former Sen. Matt Dunne, Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, Sen. Doug Racine and Sen. Peter Shumlin -- accepted the invitation. Lt. Gov.Brian Dubie, the Republican candidate, hasn't participated in any early forums and isn't expected at this one.
-- Nancy Remsen
Labels: Brian Dubie, Democratic gubernatorial candidates, mental health
Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie isn't the only gubernatorial candidate raising money. Recall that last week he raised $115,000 at a birthday party for himself.
Most all the Democrats are busy, too.
However, as we have mentioned before, the public won't get a detailed accounting of how much candidates have raised, from whom or how they've spent the money until next summer when they have to file their first campaign finance reports. Right now any news about money is based on what candidates and their campaigns are willing to release.
Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, one of five Democratic gubernatorial candidates, held some kickoff events last week and her campaign staff report she raised about $25,000 from 117 donors.
Sen. Peter Shumlin, D-Windham, another of the Democratic five, is in the midst of a “charge the battery” fund drive. He wants to raise $20,000 in 20 days and reports raising nearly $8,000 with 15 days to go.
A campaign spokesperson for Sen. Doug Racine, D-Chittenden, said he hasn’t scheduled special fundraising events this month because of his hectic legislative schedule.
Sen. Susan Bartlett, D-Lamoille, said she, too, is a bit tied up writing a budget for state government. Her campaign manager said her fundraising is on track with the campaign's plan.
Matt Dunne, another of the Democratic candidates, reported Monday that Sarah Judd joined his campaign as finance director. Dunne said his gubernatorial campaign has raised more than the $100,000-plus he amassed for a 2006 primary challenge he faced in his run for lieutenant governor.
-- Nancy Remsen
Labels: Democratic gubernatorial candidates, gubernatorial race
Vermont grocers get a chance to hear the five Democratic gubernatorial candidates Thursday at the Capital Plaza in Montpelier – assuming all five are free for lunch.
On Feb. 24, the Democratic quintet — Sen. Peter Shumlin, Sen. Doug Racine, Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, former Sen. Matt Dunne and Sen. Susan Bartlett — have confirmed participation in a Vermont League of Cities and Towns’ “lightening round” forum.
Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie, the only announced Republican gubernatorial candidate, was also invited, but he is declining to appear in these early candidate forums.
The Orleans Progressive Party has invited the Democratic candidates for a forum in Newport on Feb. 27, but this event doesn’t offer as much visibility as the Burlington Mardi Gras parade. Some candidates show the parade, not the forum on their schedules.
— Nancy Remsen
Labels: candidate forums, Democratic gubernatorial candidates
