The race for governor has formally begun. In case readers haven’t noticed, the Deerfield Valley has become a stopping off point for gubernatorial candidates. Thanks to the efforts of the Tri-town Economic Development Committee, all of the Democratic candidates for governor are making campaign stops in Wilmington as they vie for votes in the August primary. Later we’ll also see the Republican candidate, who is not facing a primary challenge.

We view this as a good sign, even if it is mostly electioneering. Getting candidates from north of Route 11 to take the time to visit southern Vermont can be difficult, if not downright impossible. What is also difficult is making candidates for any statewide office understand the problems we face here in the Deerfield Valley.

Frankly, there are many politicians in the state who don’t see our problems as any big deal. Nothing could be further from the truth, as we know. But gaining traction on critical issues, such as education funding and its long-term debilitating effects on the local economy, is of the utmost priority. Also needing more awareness are the paucity of funding for statewide tourism and marketing initiatives and the state’s economic development policies that focus mostly on Chittenden County and the other population centers of the state.

What we really hope is that the eventual governor, whoever that may be, might actually remember his or her visit to the Deerfield Valley and work to solve some of the issues presented to them. Honestly, many of our problems are not unique to our region. They’re symptomatic of what most rural communities and small towns are facing in this state. Declining school populations, aging infrastructure, stagnant job growth, and for many, millions of dollars funneled out of the community to be redistributed for education.

After all, it’s one thing to show up for the photo opportunities and to answer the standard questions. It’s another thing to actually roll up one’s sleeves and do the work necessary to solve real problems.

We can only hope that the next governor comes away from these visits with a clear understanding of what our local needs are, and the willingness to help us address them.