Elections 2020 Initiative: John Klar
Attorney, farmer, and writer, John Klar of Brookfield, VT, will be running in the Republican primaries for Governor of Vermont this August 11, 2020.
2020 Elections Initiative
The VCWA, an independent, non-partisan, and apolitical non-profit, is working to raise awareness, education, and voter participation in the upcoming primaries through our 2020 Elections Initiative. The views and opinions expressed are those of the candidate and do not necessarily reflect the VCWA’s position, nor is this initiative an endorsement for any candidate
As an organization we want to encourage citizens of all ages and backgrounds to make their voices heard by voting in the August 11th primaries. As a result, we asked Governor and Lieutenant Governor candidates four interview questions relating to leadership style, platform, and their vision for Vermont. Our objective is to help future voters feel confident and secure in the votes they cast. The questions we selected will provide voters with a well rounded understanding of each candidate.
Attorney John Klar
Running For Governor
John Klar
Republican
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure”?
I'm a farmer. Farmers say "the biggest mistakes are the lessons best remembered." My "favorite failure," though, was a family court hearing I lost about 30 years ago. It was unwinnable, but I was completely blindsided. It equipped me for future matters because I learned from what my opponent did.
What strategies have you used to respond to diversity and equity challenges in the past? How will you apply these strategies to engage with the Black Lives Matter movement in Vermont?
Strategies? I've fought against racism all my life. I was a public defender for years, pro bono. I have worked and gone to school with hundreds of black classmates and workers. For five years I have overseen a charity that funnels money directly to a 100% black community (and school) in Uganda. The list is long. Black Lives Matter in Vermont is an organization I oppose, as do many black voices. It has jumbled numerous ill-defined goals into its undefined policy list, has advocated violence, and has no clearly defined leadership. I am a big fan of Martin Luther King, Frederick Douglass, and others -- they too would oppose this agitation. I agree with the goal of reducing police abuse and all other racism. But labeling all white people systemically racist is counterproductive, deviates from our established principles, and inflames black resentment against whites. I support the US Constitution and its core principles. By combining issues of race, gender, economic disparity, transgenderism, abortion, and a myriad of others, BLM has created a sort of "Occupy Wall Street" melee that is unclear, divisive, and destructive. I will strive for the MLK standard and affirmation of equality for all. I'm a Frederick Douglass
In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life? How will you apply this to strengthen your vision as the Lieutenant Governor or Governor of Vermont?
I must confess, in the last five years I have finally made sleep habits a priority, and I counsel all young people to do so. This has much improved my health.
VCWA’s motto is, "Bringing Vermont to the world and the world to Vermont". What do you believe Vermont’s primary role is in engaging in an interconnected world? What can Vermont contribute to the world that other states or countries cannot?
Vermont has retained its unique culture more than most American regions -- it's lack of economic development is a plus in that regard. People visit here because Vermont is more like a past agrarian New England society, fast disappearing forever. We also can export more local organic food than most states. I defend Vermont's culture as frugal, self-reliant, and tolerant. I have tired of hearing our state denigrated by those who seek to conquer us like backwoodsInuits. If diversity is a value, then Vermont's unique culture should be valued as one of many diverse cultures, not destroyed in a homogenizing globalization. (Wendell Berry called globalization the greatest WMD in history, for this reason).
