Mark Yuengling

Mark Yuengling was born in Port Jervis, New York. He graduated from Port Jervis High School. He attended the State University of New York, Fredonia. His career experience includes working as an artist and in union-management negotiations.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Montpelier doesn’t need a change of party labels, it needs a change of heart. We need a return to the limited scope and effective measures that used to empower our state, not enrich others. Aiding working and retired Vermonters in their fight to keep Vermont as their home has to be our top priority in substituting actual income taxation for property tax reliance. The only lobby that should hold sway over a Representative is the residents of that district. There is not just a need but an obligation for Vermonters to lead through Montpelier for the protection of our way of life and self determination.I’m seeking election to the Vermont House of Representatives in an attempt to return Montpelier to the functionality I observed nearly two decades ago before misinformation, cynicism, and the partisanship of D.C. became commonplace in our state. Anti government and out of state Super PACs have misled Vermonters into dismissing the actions of our predecessors as unnecessary overreach instead of honoring their service. It’s time to stop blaming parties and get it together Vermont.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Lower our reliance on property taxes. Modest homes and land are not income. shift reliance on property taxes over to actual income freeing up capital for local commerce and development for working and retired Vermonters.Policy before party. The gridlock from partisan decrees, vetoes, and party politics has hindered Montpelier in the primary mission of making life better for Vermonters. Representatives are in office to represent their constituents, not the parties. Good policy is good for all Vermonters, no matter who writes it.Local and in state control must be returned to our towns and Montpelier. Our investments in education, energy generation, self governance, environment, and our future should not be endangered by a change in administration in D.C. or out of state big money influence campaigns. Our farmers, farmland, retirees and children are counting on us to withstand the wave of datacenter and surveillance state development. Through thick and thin Vermonters have always taken care of our own and even thrived. Let's get back to that.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, universal primary care, housing, transportation.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

VT-NEA, VCV, VPIRG, VSLC, AFL-CIO, VSEA, AFT VT

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A five term school director vice chair and S.U. board member is seeking higher office after the chaos of the 2024 budget season. I'm a 17 year resident and taxpayer in Weathersfield, having raised two children in our public schools and local arts organizations. As a custom fine hardwood furniture craftsman, designer, and salesman, I am consistently aware of how the details matter. Prior to moving my young family to Perkinsville. I was working in the metro N.Y.C. area in management of scenery production shops focusing on television, theatre, film, opera, and corporate events. I feel dealing with all the associated egos of my previous career has equipped me to cope with those of Montpelier. This passion has not died as I find myself continually drawn into productions for schools, dance and community groups from Woodstock to Putney. It is time to get this Vermont show on the road and on budget.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Civic engagement is crucial to good governance. Very few representatives have lived the same experiences as those in their districts. All our citizens have different strengths, expertise, and struggles. Baltimore, Cavendish, and Weathersfield are no exception. A educated Representative is essential.

Visiting "Educate to Legislate" @ myvtrep.com will bring voters to a survey that helps educate this candidate as to the impacts of specific legislation on their niche here in Windsor 2. As a first time candidate, I need voters to tell me specifically what has worked, and not worked for them in terms of regulation. Please help me do my job better.We have to make simple changes to the tax codes that make already existing considerations for income shortfalls more accessible,

The Vermont legislature has already implemented several considerations that lower the tax burden on lower incomes that are underutilized,Engage. Research. Consider. Vote. Vote. Vote. Vote.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Housing, Vermont based energy jobs, education funding, community planning assistance, economical justice reform, ecology, and higher education for healthcare professionals, all broadly effect how we live here in Vermont.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My father. World peace starts with a second cup of tea, a slice of pie, and a break from the world's problems just long enough to catch up on the goings on of MLB. Wash your cup and get back to it.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Aldous Huxley, Brave New World has terrifying similarities to where a few select wrong turns could see us. I always try to temper progress with consciousness.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Objectivity, honesty, adaptability, compassion, and respect for the scope of the office to which one has been elected to, are all crucial to my consideration for my role as a Representative.

I view the the role of the House as limited to doing only that which the local districts cannot do best for themselves. If it is beyond the capabilities of both the individual and the locality, then it is the purview of the House.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Working collaboratively with stakeholders to mount major productions involving multiple unions, divisions, visions, and egos has always been a part of my life in theatre when working under hard deadlines. Dividing up the work in line with the available willing's strengths has always been the key for me.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The title is the job description. Earnest representation of the whole of the residents of Windsor 2 without favor to party, town, lobbying, or affiliation of any sort, is the job of the Representative.

I'm seeking election, education on the population, and the honor of representing all of my neighbors. As a taxpayer; what's justifiable for my neighbors is justifiable for me.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A society and world functional enough that my grandchildren would consider it ethical to have children.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Jonestown. 5

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Carpenters helper. Through college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Giving Tree. Simple objectivity.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Gandalf the Grey

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Whoops- Blues Traveler

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

The exponential acceleration and relentlessly predatory nature of digital technologies warping our appreciation for what we have been given by those before us.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

See two above.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

I believe we have a crisis of objectivity in this nation. The frequently idyllic life that many of us have here in Vermont is not as profitable as the apocalypse many outside sources need us to believe we are really living.

We are not an island and not immune to the effects of national politics. I've experienced tectonic shifts in what was precedence in school funding, the role of government, and erosion of the notions of precedence itself. That said, adherence to our own Vermont constitution, honestly and fairly dealing with all of our citizens, and sensibly acknowledging our own successes and failures may serve our brave little state well.

Fair taxation, and allowing the state to act in an advisory and facilitator function where the localities cannot is essential to growth, Unfortunately, equitable taxation requires some dovetailing with essentially fluid federal taxation.

State assistance with planning, permitting, certifying, and funding sustainable community development projects will pay dividends if properly managed. A balance between development and conservation is indeed possible. Accountability and growth should never be mutually exclusive.

Housing development, infrastructure, human services, transportation and business development can all be aided by state expertise and assistance to generate growth and revenues. It takes an accountable village to raise our future.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, but it is of secondary importance to intent or objectivity.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

100 percent. The primary function my position is Representation. Representation without collaboration and agreed purpose for the functions of the state, leads us nowhere, The relationships with other legislators will prove more beneficial than allegiance to any party.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not at this time.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I considered myself involved in my community, then I saw the obituary of Rodney Spaulding. That gentleman had well over 55 years in the fire department and inspired countless others to serve tirelessly, including family .

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

When absolutely necessary and not already provided for in existing systems.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A bill mandating electronic state tax filing software to be required to link eligible filers directly to income sensitivity and real estate tax rebate forms before submission is needed. Many tax software marketers are taking advantage of the market created by the state of Vermont and not maximizing eligible refunds that the legislature has accommodated.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

John Arrison

What committees interest you?

Corrections, Judiciary, Education, Natural resources, Agriculture, Transportation, General Housing, Energy

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Reasonable campaign finance reform and honest, accurate budget crafting transparency from all stake holders can't come fast enough. There needs to be a more transparent timeline, and cast list, documented in the budgeting process.

The lieutenant Governor should be in the Governor's Cabinet and a member of the Governor's staff should be represented in budget negotiations.

The majority of the people of Vermont are more interested in a timely, well crafted, sustainable budget than finger Partisan finger pointing and blame gaming. We all need this to budget for ourselves, localities and businesses.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Generally positive.