Greg Decker has been a regular and valued contributor to Vermont Tiger almost from the beginning. He scooped the state’s media by covering the Progressive Party’s convention at which Anthony Pollina announced his intention to run for governor. In addition to his serious reporting on Vermont politics, he has written whimsical material for this site, including a fantasy about Vermonters and their cars.
Decker was raised in Vermont, graduated from high school here and then, like so many of our young people, left the state to be educated and to start a career. When he was established as business consultant, he returned to the state with his wife. Their two children were born here. Decker and his family live in Mount Holly. In addition to pursuing his career, Decker also attended the Vermont Law School, graduating in 2006.
Yesterday, Decker filed as a candidate for the State Senate from Rutland County. He is running as a Republican but those of us who know him understand that this is a label. The package is pure Decker. Which is to say, fiercely free market, free enterprise, and pro-growth.
Decker has traveled widely in his work and has wondered, like many of his generation (he is 39) why this should be necessary. Why isn’t there work in Vermont? Why should we settle for “affordability” when so many other states and nations have embraced policies that resulted in prosperity? Why is Vermont strangling its own economy – and pushing its young people out of the state – with burdensome regulation and excessive taxation?
Decker has, characteristically, vowed to run an issues campaign and to develop policy papers dealing with:
• Taxation and economic growth
• Energy
• Permitting & regulation
Those of us who have had the pleasure of dealing with Decker and experiencing the way his mind works on these and other matters look forward to reading these position papers and listening to him elaborate on them. Those voters in Rutland Country – and, indeed, statewide – who are not familiar with Greg Decker will find the political discussion very much enriched by his participation.
Good luck Greg. Good to see you throw your hat in the ring.
Posted by: Cairn Cross | July 22, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Free Market meet the Political World of Vermont. This is great and Mr. Decker will bring a clear choice to the people of Rutland County. I suspect Decker will be a very good campaigner. Plus Rutland County is a place of diverse opinions; thus watching the Senate election there will be both interesting and fun.
Posted by: G. Cross | July 22, 2008 at 08:40 AM
George and Cairn, thanks for the words of encouragement. The spirited debates we've had together here on the Tiger have been fun. I can only hope the campaign trail proves to be as engaging.
Regards
Greg
Posted by: Greg Decker | July 22, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Run Greg run...
Posted by: GreggB | July 23, 2008 at 07:18 AM
This is great news! Greg Decker has been a great contributor to the Vermont Tiger and his comments are always right -on. After having had a couple of conversations with him I was impressed with his insight. I always look forward to his byline when the Tiger come in.
Greg will make a great senator for Rutland county and for Vermont.
Good Luck Greg!
Posted by: Kevin Blakeman | July 23, 2008 at 08:12 AM
All political wonks will want to watch Rutland County closely. Some of the most interesting races will be there. While the county is not clearly a microcosm of the whole state, it is close enough to offer a bit of an idea as to where Vermont is headed. It will be fun to watch!
Posted by: G. Cross | July 23, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Between you and some of the GMD crowd also running, we've got a real blogger-fest on the campaign trail this year.
Wish you the best of luck!
Posted by: SPS | July 23, 2008 at 03:55 PM
As the republican candidate for attorney general, I look forward to campaigning and working with Mr. Decker.
Posted by: Karen Kerin | July 23, 2008 at 09:24 PM