Beth Gray
North Springfield Vt.
To the editor,
I was born in Springfield, raised in North Springfield, and graduated from Springfield High School in 1988. I attended CCV and graduated from Johnson State in 2009.
I believe in Springfield and North Springfield, we can make this area prosperous again. While high paying jobs are ideal, let’s get jobs in that may not be high paying but offer benefits that are 100 percent paid for by the employee. Businesses can get better deals on these benefits packages than an individual can.
I left the area in 2008 and returned home in 2015. I came home to towns I barely recognized. Empty, abandoned homes and for sale signs wherever I looked. I know we can make our community strong and great again.
I am well versed in immigration, Act 250, and Act 46. I am more than willing to hear what you; the voices of our towns have to say. I want to be your voice.
I am not afraid to rock the boat and work with constituents to make things better.
We need to boost our economy, which will lead to lessening the opioid situation. Lessening the opioid situation will further boost the economy.
The opioid crisis and healthcare issue need to be addressed. Opioid addicts need a structured treatment. I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on substance abuse and violence. I worked at an in-patient treatment center that was long-term. When the client had proven to the counselors there was positive change in their behaviors, the client then moved upstairs to transitional housing. The client had to earn the right to go out and get a job, go to AA (even though there were in house AA meetings), etc. It was a highly successful program I was proud to take part in.
Nobody should be penalized for not having insurance. If you have a pre-existing condition it is still a challenge to get healthcare coverage, and it is more expensive and you can still be dropped. Things have to change.
I have a lot more to say but I would like you to ask me questions.
I will not accept defeat. I want to make our towns successful again.
Thank you for your time and know i am true to what I say.
Beth Gray
North Springfield Vt.
Editor’s note: The writer is a candidate for Vermont state representative.
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