Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Mike Pieciak for Vermont’s next Treasurer.
Mike Pieciak grew up in Vermont, and most recently served as the Commissioner of the state’s Department of Financial Regulation, where he recouped millions of dollars for taxpayers and worked to protect consumers from financial harm. He was also a key leader in the state’s efforts to address the pandemic using a data-informed approach.
Pieciak believes climate change is a fundamental threat to our way of life and economy. He knows that many iconic Vermont industries, such as maple sugaring, tourism, skiing, and agriculture, are at risk. Mike supports recent federal efforts to require all publicly traded companies to disclose their carbon impact, and he supports transitioning Vermont’s assets away from fossil fuels and into more environmentally and economically sustainable investments. He knows that if done strategically, these steps will ensure strong long-term returns on Vermont’s pension assets while benefiting our climate.
“To address the climate crisis, we need to use every tool in the toolbox. Mike Pieciak understands that fossil fuels are a bad long-term investment and bad for our climate, and is committed to seeking ways that the Treasurer’s office can ensure our state assets and investments reflect our values,” said Lauren Hierl, Executive Director of Vermont Conservation Voters. “Mike Pieciak is the right choice for State Treasurer, and we believe he will be a strong ally for a healthy environment for all.”
Mike Pieciak added, “It is an honor to be endorsed by the Vermont Conservation Voters as climate change is an existential threat to our way of life and to many of Vermont’s iconic industries. I am optimistic, however, that we can transition to renewable energy sources and build a sustainable economic future that will benefit all Vermonters. I look forward to working with VCV to protect our environment for generations to come.”
Through its endorsements, VCV aims to educate voters across the state on candidates whose values and actions align with our vision for Vermont to advance and defend policies that protect the environment and promote health, while advancing social, racial, and economic justice, and strengthening our democracy.
For its endorsement process, VCV invites all statewide candidates to participate in an interview process. In addition to holding interviews, staff gathers information about each candidate interested in our endorsement’s environmental voting record and demonstrated leadership if they previously served in office, as well as examples from their career and work they’ve done in their communities that aligns with our mission. The VCV Board of Directors votes on all endorsements. For our list of endorsements, visit https://vermontconservationvoters.com/elections/, which will be continually updated as we roll out our full slate of 2022 endorsements.
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