Pearce for Treasurer

Who am I?

Beth grew up in a working class family. Her father was a determined worker who made his lot as a railroad electrician. It was he who first introduced Beth to public service as a member of the local school committee and later as Chair of the Town Select Board. Beth fondly recalls how her father was a strong Democrat. Even so, he never shunned his Republicans friends. They disagreed on the issues but found common ground to work together for the good of the community. It was this brand of get it done politics that inspired Beth to go into public service.

Today, Beth serves as Vermonts State Treasurer. She brings 35 years of experience in state and municipal finance to the job. She started as a Labor Market Economist before climbing the ladder to Deputy Treasurer of Vermont in 2003. After 7 years of service as Vermonts Deputy Treasurer, Beth was appointed by Governor Shumlin to fill the vacant State Treasurers seat in January, 2011.

Amongst other accolades, Beths work to reform Vermonts pension funds has set the state on a sustainable path toward long-term fiscal stability. Her reforms have saved Vermont taxpayers over $20 million per year. As a result of her dedication to the art of accounting, Beths financial reports have received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

In addition to a lifelong love of bird watching, Beth has a passion for Euclidian geometry. She is the mother of two children, and has three grandchildren. She resides in Barre, Vermont.

Why am I running?

My work as Vermonts State Treasurer is in accord with my upbringing. Upon leaving home for my undergraduate studies, the middle class values I learned as a child were soon complimented by a rich education in progressivism. It is these core beliefs that inform each and every decision I make as Vermonts Treasurer.

My key priorities are to protect taxpayer dollars while strengthening our financial future. I believe this can be done in partnership. As an example, while serving as Deputy Treasurer in 2009, I reached out to members of the legislature and organized labor to restructure Vermonts teacher pension system. Rather than work unilaterally, we worked collaboratively to forge an agreement that led to an equitable solution.

With nearly 35 years of experience in state and municipal finance, I understand the value of long-term planning and smart investments. Beyond the realm of dollars and cents, however, I work tirelessly to ensure transparency and government accountability. I believe in the betterment brought by hard work. To me, this is not a 9 to 5 job its a 24/7 commitment to Vermonts financial future. As State Treasurer, I will always work to make Vermonters money go further to ensure the vibrancy of our communities.

My Goals

Vermont has exemplary bond ratings. We have worked hard to build and maintain them as a bulwark to sustain progressive programs across our state. These bond ratings arent just good for the states bottom line; they are good for every individual who calls Vermont home. I am committed to preserving and protecting Vermonts bond ratings to ensure we have the financial means to grow the vibrancy of our cities and towns.

Additionally, as State Treasurer I will continue to pursue programs that enable renewable energy investment. These technologies are good for the Vermont economy, and good for Vermont as a whole. My office has worked hard to institute programs like PACE, a financing program designed to help qualifying homeowners invest in specified energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. We need to continue to explore and implement more ways of promoting efficiency and renewable energy production that create jobs and prosperity.

My DFA Values

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My Campaign is People Powered!

Although I currently hold a statewide office, I have never before been a political candidate. Upon launching my bid for the Office of State Treasurer, I committed all of my energy to building a strong grassroots organization.

In the finest of traditions I am campaigning door-to-door, talking with Vermonters about the issues facing our state. This campaign is predicated on discussion; not heated rhetoric, distortions or lies.

Our effort to forge a people-powered effort has been rewarded with a broad base of support. I have received hundreds of contributions from individuals who have given $100 or less. That network continues to grow each day. I am confident that our commitment to grassroots politics will bring us success on Election Day.

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