(Intro) Javen Sears: “This man deserves no introduction—this is the former governor we're talking about here, the 80th governor of Vermont, Jim Douglas.”

They say that the importance of the speaker is inversely proportional to the length of the introduction, so thank you very much. You know, I'm really thrilled to be here because so often these days I go to events around the state and almost everybody is my age. But what a great group of young people we have! And that's one reason I'm really excited to be here to support Javen, because although wisdom comes with age, Javen and his contemporaries have a lot more at stake in the future of Vermont than I do. He's going to be around a whole lot longer. He's going to have to live under the laws that are passed and the regulations that are adopted. And that's why it's so important to have a voice like his making our laws and determining the future policy of our state. So it's really critical that we get a younger voice down in Montpelier.

Secondly, Javen is right on all the issues. I hope you all read the website as I have; he understands what has to be done, as do many of the legislators who are here tonight. We need to make Vermont a more affordable place to live. We need to have opportunities for people to buy a home that they can afford, or live in an apartment that is within their budget. We need to have an educational system that doesn't look like the one we have now, where we pay more and more—almost the most in the country on a per capita basis—while the test scores are getting worse and we have fewer and fewer kids to educate. That's not a formula for success or for the future. Javen understands that, and he'll do something about it. We have to provide more job opportunities so that people can afford to live here, to prosper here, to raise their families here, and to enrich our communities. So he's right on all the issues, and he's the right age. That's why I think it's so critically important that he be a part of the conversation under the dome.

Now, we're here tonight to kick off a campaign, and that's, of course, the first step. But we need to remember it's not an end in itself. It's not just about a political victory; it's about doing the right thing for the future of Vermont. It's about improving the lives of the people who live here. Javen has that commitment, he has that goal, and he has that dedication. It's not just about winning an election—it's about doing good for the state he loves and calls home. So I'm really excited to see him step up to the plate. It's going to be a long summer and fall; I think he knows that already. But we've heard from all of his friends and his coach that he's up to the task. I hope we'll all be there with him to offer whatever support we can to make sure that when the votes are counted in November, he's on top. Let's work hard, and good luck to Javen!

Governor Jim Douglas

Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 | Javen Sears’ Campaign Launch Party