Former State Senator Matt Dunne of Hartland announced Tuesday that he will be a Democratic candidate for Governor of Vermont. He is emphasizing his business credentials in what promises to be a heavily contested primary. Already, former lieutenant governor and current state Senator Doug Racine (Chittenden County), Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, state Senator Susan Bartlett and, likely, Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin (Windham) have announced their intentions to run for the seat being vacated by Governor Douglas. On the Republican side, Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie has said he will run, which will leave other GOP politicians looking for other electoral opportunities.
"One year from today, Vermont will enter a new era. From Guilford to Swanton, and from Pownal to Canaan, Vermonters have made it clear that they are hungry for change and ready to move our state into the future," said Dunne, who last month created www.VermontFuture.org, to collect ideas and share resources on issues confronting Vermonters. "We must work together to develop the best ideas for creating jobs and we must craft innovative solutions for transforming government."
Dunne served in the Vermont legislature for 11 years, was formerly head of the national Americorps VISTA program and is currently the nationwide Community Affairs Manager for Google, Inc. He was the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2006.
Dunne made his announcement today from the Tip Top Media and Arts Building in historic White River Junction. "White River Junction is an example of Vermont ingenuity at work," said Dunne. "Vermonters have started businesses here that are thriving during uncertain economic times. The strengths found here can be found in communities across our state. Entrepreneurs focusing on innovation, renewable energy and the creative community are waiting to be unleashed to compete in the global economy."
Dunne's career has focused on economic development and job creation. In the private sector, he was an executive at Vermont-grown Logic Associates, helping to build the global company to $18 million in sales. For the last two-and-a-half years, he has led the national community affairs department for Google, Inc. Over his 11 years in the legislature, he helped create a standing committee on economic development, the Vermont Film Commission, brownfields redevelopment legislation and the broadband grant program, among other initiatives.
At Americorps VISTA, where Dunne led 6,000 people in the fight against poverty, he emphasized the creation of opportunities for low-income people to start businesses through micro-enterprise strategies.
"I look forward to meeting with many Vermonters over the coming months and hearing their ideas for the future of our state," said Dunne, adding that volunteers have already begun scheduling get-togethers in every county to do just that.
Dunne will be holding a formal campaign kick-off event in the spring.
Source: Dunne campaign. 11.4.2009
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Matt Dunne announces for governor
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