[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E553-E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            RESULTS OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN BURLINGTON, VT

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                          HON. BERNARD SANDERS

                               of vermont

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 1995
  Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Speaker, at a time when the congressional leadership 
is proposing 
 [[Page E554]] huge tax breaks for the wealthy, an increase in military 
spending and major cutbacks in a wide variety of programs which tens of 
millions of low and moderate Americans desperately need, I am happy to 
tell you about the results of the municipal election yesterday in 
Burlington, VT--the State's largest city.
  Peter Clavelle, a Progressive, won the mayoral election with 5,055 
votes. Peter Brownell, the Republican incumbent, came in second with 
4,815 and Paul Lafayette, the Democrat, came in third with 1,793. 
Further, Progressives and Independents held their seats on the city 
council which will give the Progressives more voting power than they 
have ever had before.
  Mr. Clavelle, in opposing the Republican and Democratic candidates, 
called for property tax reform and a progressive tax system which is 
based on ability to pay. He also called for keeping Burlington's 
waterfront open for all the people--not just the wealthy. He indicated 
that the goal of his administration would be to make government work 
for the average citizen--not just those who have a lot of money. Mr. 
Clavelle had the support of city unions, women's groups, 
environmentalists, and many low income citizens.
  I should also mention to you that Mr. Clavelle and the Progressives 
did their best in the low and moderate income wards of the city. In 
ward 2 he received 65 percent of the vote in the 3-way race, and in 
ward 3 he received 58 percent of the vote. The voter turnout was also 
significantly higher than the 38 percent by which the Republican's won 
their national mandate on November 8, 1994.
  While the results of this municipal election have almost everything 
to do with local issues and local personalities, I do believe that 
national politics played a role. In Burlington, VT, as in other 
communities across America, middle income and working people are 
becoming increasingly concerned about the class warfare which is going 
on in Washington. They want to see government represent all the 
people--not just big money interests. They want to see government 
protect the elderly, the children, women, and the poor--rather than 
just those who make large campaign contributions.


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