Michael D. Malone, an entrepreneur who runs Jupiter Lane Productions, his own video editing business & serves on the Fairfield School Board as well as the Franklin Central Supervisory Union Board, is running as an independent candidate for Franklin District State Senate. The candidate made the announcement on his campaign blog.
“I am running as an independent for the Vermont Senate. I believe the funding system that provides for our education system is flawed. I am interested in converting the unfair property tax based system to one of income and sales. Ultimately, I’d like to see an end to all property tax on Vermonters. A system based on income and sales would be more equitable as it would continue to allow everyone eligible to vote on school and town budgets, but everyone earning an income would contribute. Not just the property owners. Impact from town and school budgets would effect a taxpayer’s State tax return, not their property. Senior citizens should not be taxed out of their homes while living on fixed incomes. Nor should folks who fall on hard times. Eliminating property tax would alleviate this. Vermont based companies would benefit and our State would be attractive to businesses looking to relocate. It’s the legislature’s duty to seriously examine this approach. If elected, I will pursue this effort to end property tax. People should be able to keep their homes, fix them up without penalty, and be able to truly own their homes.”
In a separate post, Malone positioned himself as a dark horse candidate. “I’m clearly the outside candidate in this race. I believe we should end property tax in Vermont. I don’t have a war chest to mount an extensive campaign. If you are looking for status quo in Montpelier, then I’m not your candidate. But if you believe property tax is morally incorrect or logically inconsistent with funding our towns and schools, then consider voting for me.”
Our readers may also be interested to learn that Mr. Malone has a personal connection with the owner of Independent Political Report, Warren Redlich. “Mike and I grew up a few houses apart. He and his brother are among my best friends in the world,” said Redlich, “And I had absolutely no idea he was running for office.”
Mr. Malone will face Democratic & Republican opponents, to be determined in the August 24th primary. The incumbent, Democrat Donald Collins, is not seeking re-election.