Candidates split on new taxes; second-home levies and audits draw sharp lines

The forum's revenue and taxation segment revealed clear differences. Ray Garofano argued Vermont can raise revenue from second homes, saying the state has an "outsized population number of 2nd homes" and that there is "room to raise revenue in that area." Eric Post also supported additional taxes on non-primary residences and suggested targeted tolling for heavy commercial traffic to protect roads.

Pearl Lucero Beckage urged caution before enacting new taxes, advocating for eliminating duplication and administrative costs first and focusing on growing the economy to broaden the tax base. Lynn Smith opposed new taxes on second homes and high earners and suggested auditing bodies such as the Green Mountain Care Board to check efficiency and purpose.

Positions on home-rule authority and ranked-choice voting were mixed during a later lightning round; no candidate advanced a binding tax plan during the forum.