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Governor Shumlin and Poppy-Alouette Tans

Woodstock 4th grader Poppy-Alouette Tans recently met with Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin asking him questions prepared by Woodstock Elementary School students in Mr. Mumford and Mr. Souter’s class. The visit to the Vermont State House included learning such details as the presence of bulletproof glass in the Governor’s office. The Governor, escorted by an armed guard, joined Poppy and her grandparents for lunch at Montpelier’s “Positive Pie” pizza place.

Herewith the transcript of ReporterTans questions and the Governor Shumlin’s answers:

Q. Why did you become Governor

A. I thought I could make Vermont a better place.

Q.Who do you want to win the presidential race?
A. Barack Obama

Q.What is the best part of being Governor?
A. Making chnage, like health care for all and renewable energy

Q. Do you travel around Vermont?
A. Yes, every day

Q. Do you make decisions for other states?
A. No, except if we pass laws that become an example that other governors may copy.

Q. How did the flood affect the Government?
A. It was disaster because it hurt so many people, farmers, roads and bridges to name a few.

Q. Who is your favorite President?
A. Jack Kennedy

Q. Would you like to be president?
A. No

Q. What would you like to see in Vermont schools?
A. We have great schools but we should teach math and science better.

Governor Shumlin also told Poppy he wasn’t a fan of math when he was younger because he wasn’t very good at it due to a learning disability. However, Shumlin suggested sticking to things that are tough because they are important steps to the future.