Former Transportation Secretary Sue Minter formally kicked off her gubernatorial campaign in Waterbury late yesterday afternoon.
Audio from this story will be posted at approximately 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
In making her candidacy official, Minter acknowledged she may not be the best-known of the candidates running for the office.
"I've been told that not many Vermonters know who I am. So allow me to introduce myself — I am Sue Minter and I am running for governor to make Vermont work," she said from the platform of the historic train station in downtown Waterbury.
Minter told a crowd of several hundred supporters that her top priority is to strengthen the state economy for all Vermonters.
Minter has a background in government. She represented Waterbury in the Vermont House, she was appointed to head the statewide recovery effort in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene. She recently stepped down from her position as Transportation Secretary.
Minter told supporters that the overarching issue in her campaign is the Vermont economy. She says it's critical to take steps to strengthen the state economy because too many Vermonters face an uncertain financial future.
"Vermonters are worried about their jobs, they're worried about stagnant salaries, child care, rising taxes and their kids’ education. I want you to know that I hear you," she said.
Minter says she learned as Transportation Secretary the enormous benefit that local infrastructure projects can have on the economies of many communities. It's something she wants to expand if she's elected.
"As governor I will expand strategic investments and public private partnerships to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure in ways that renew our communities and help grow our economy,” Minter said.
She also highlighted Vermont's renewable energy industry as a key component of the state's economic future.
"If we're going to grow our economy we are also going to need to combat global climate change ... As governor I will focus on strengthening our resilience and investing in efficiency and clean energy," she told the crowd.
One of Minter's biggest supporters is former governor Madeleine Kunin. In the mid 1980s, Kunin served three terms as Vermont's only woman governor. Kunin says the time has come for another.
"I am really proud to be here today to pass this torch to the next woman governor. The most qualified governor regardless of gender who is ready to do the job," Kunin said.
"I am really proud to be here today to pass this torch to the next woman governor. The most qualified governor regardless of gender who is ready to do the job." Madeleine Kunin, former governor
There are three declared candidates in the Democratic gubernatorial race — Minter, House Speaker Shap Smith and former Windsor County senator Matt Dunne. The Democratic primary will be held next August.
