Online Chat
Ludlow Elementary School
February 15, 2001
Senator Leahy: Hi - just stepped out of Judiciary Committee meeting and glad to
be with you. Please excuse any typos - I do my onw typing.
Ludlow Elem: What have you done to help farmers in
Vermont?
Senator Leahy: I was the leader in the Agriculture and Judiciary committee to
get the Dairy Compact renewed and worked closely with Sen Jeffords and Cong
Sanders on that. My Farms for the Future and other farm programs I have written
have brought millions of dollars for farmers in Vermont.
Ludlow Elem: Is the presidency a possibility in
the future?
Senator Leahy: Thank you for asking but I enjoy the opportunity to represent my
native state in the Senate. I enjoy the Senate and the chance to live both in
Vermont and Washington.
Ludlow Elem: During your 25 years of service with
both Democratic and Republican administrations, what memories do you have of the
different presidents that you can share with us?
Senator Leahy: I have enjoyed my time with each of
the Presidents. I have become a good friend with Presidents Ford and Carter and
still spend time with both of them. President Ford has told me interesting
skiing stories - including the fact that he fist skied in
Vermont!
Ludlow Elem: List 3 adjectives that best describe
your years of service.
Senator
Leahy: President Reagan told me one of his favorite inaugaral photos was
one taken by me and President Bush and President Clinton and I worked closely
together on a lot of legislation
Senator
Leahy: The most important thing I have tried to do in serving Vermont is
to do it in a way that Vermonters, when I leave this office, can feel we were
all well served and Vermont can be proud.
Ludlow
Elem: What is congress doing to prevent
youth smokers?
Senator Leahy: Senator McCain is thinking of legislation to require the FDA to
regulate tobacco and we are spending millions of dollars at the federal level to
reduce drug use including alcohol and tobacco use. I would hope all young people
would realize that if they start smoking they will get addicted to
tobacco.
Ludlow
Elem: Are you in favor of Bush's tax cut?
Will this hurt or help Vermonters?
Senator
Leahy: President Bush has not sent all the details of his tax cut to the
Congress yet but in his early proposals Vermont would lose $330 million in state
income over the next ten years. I favor a tax cut but not one that gives the
biggest benefit to the wealthiest of Americans and does not protect Social
Security and Medicare.
Ludlow
Elem: Do you think Congress will be able to
work together under Bush's administrationl?
Senator Leahy: Congress needs to do a better job of working together no matter
who is President. It has become too partisan and nothing gets done unless
Democrats and Republicans work together. I have talked with President Bush about
this and i know he agrees.
Ludlow
Elem: What is your legacy? What have you
done to improve the quality of life for Vermonters?
Senator Leahy: I have helped get money that has
cleaned up Lake Champlain, protected many of our farms, improved rural health
and expanded our national forest. I have been a leader in the United States and
around the world in banning landmines and I think before i leave the Senate we
will have a worldwide ban on landmines for the first time in a 150
years.
Ludlow Elem: Congratulations! We are proud of your
accomplishments.
Ludlow Elem: What are some of your biggest
concerns for Vermonters?
Senator
Leahy: Thank you - I could not have done it without the support and
encourgement of my fellow Vermonters
Senator Leahy: I am concerned that Vermont continues to have enough jobs for its
citizens especially as our young people finish school. We are a very beautiful
and special state but it still costs a lot to live in Vermont and we have to
continue to expand our job market so we can live in Vermont.
Ludlow Elem: What is your opinion about Act
60?
Senator
Leahy: Act 60 is a state law and I do not get to vote on it. I assume it
will be changed somewhat but we have to find a way to make sure ALL Vermonters
have a chance to get a quality education. If we don't do that our state will not
be able to compete with the rest of the country for jobs. You are fortunate that
you have great teachers and parents who care about you but that is not the case
everywhere.
Ludlow Elem: How do you juggle your political and
personal life?
Senator Leahy: Great question on political and personal life - I do try to keep
them separate. Fortunatel I have a wonderful family and the best times are when
we can be at our home in Vermont. I turn down most purely political events to
spend time with family and friends and that helps a lot. I also realize that I
am no different than any other Vermonter and the Senate is not
forever.
Ludlow
Elem: What have you learned about yourself
while being a senator?
Senator
Leahy: Just realized you are all doing a better job typing than I
am!
Senator
Leahy: I have learned that I can make mistakes just like anyone else, I
have learned how important it is to surround yourself with very bright people
like the men and women in my office. I have also learned that most people are
basically very good even though we may disagree on some issues. And i have
learned that i'd rather be the Senator for Vermont than for any other
state!
Ludlow
Elem: We're glad that you're our Senator
and feel this way about Vermont.
Ludlow
Elem: Are you in favor of raising the
cigarette tax in Vermont to deter young smokers?
Senator
Leahy: Have any of you visited
Vermont?
Ludlow
Elem: Are you kidding? We're from Ludlow,
the home of Okemo.
Senator Leahy: I am in favor of anything that stops kids from
smoking.
Ludlow
Elem: Where do you live in Vermont, and how
often do you get home?
Senator
Leahy: I love Ludlow - I think it is a beautiful place at any time of
the year. I have brought a number of other Senators there just to see how lovely
it is - I once brought John Glenn and his wife Annie there.
Senator
Leahy: I am a Burlington resident but almost
always stay at my tree farm in Middlesex just outside of Montpelier. I will be
in Vermont all next week and was there last week. I get back quite often -
otherwise I get homesick!
Ludlow
Elem: Should the government make
educational mandates that they do not fund?
Senator Leahy: No - if government makes mandates
they should be funded.
Ludlow Elem: Do you ski or
snowboard?
Senator Leahy: I am going to have to go back to Committee but have really
enjoyed being with you - it shows that your are very bright students and must
have great teachers. Incidentally I snowshoe at my tree farm and love it. Hope
to see you in Ludlow some day. Thanks for chatting.
Ludlow Elem: Thank you very much for takinf time
from your busy schedule to chat with us! come visit us the next time your in
ludlow!
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