As we have a topic going about Walmart expanding in Hinsdale I thought I would offer this story.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07095/775243-28.stm
I believe the reason alot of middle class Vermonters are shopping at Walmart and places like it is due to the tax burden in Vermont. Whether you agree or not it will continue to happen until Vermont decides to compete with it's neighbor and compete agressively.
Brattleboro needs to attract the chains that aren't here already.
This state has a gustapo-like tax department that chases people down for buying larger ticket items in N.H. It forces people, through an increasing tax burden, to shop in N.H. so they can afford the item they need and then punishes them for doing so. It used to be acceptible to Vermont to by everyday staples in N.H. Then a couple years ago they decided to come up with a formula for people to claim these items when filing their state income tax. Another way to bleed more money from the taxpayer. What the legislature needs to remember is the rumblings of "Repeal and Revolt" are just the tip of the iceburg. Eventually we may see revolts like that of the colonists. I just wonder how far people are going to be pushed before they act.
Some have already acted,they've left the state. Many others are part of the underground economy. The remaining can hopefully cause a change for the better. We can't expect to have young people stay here if they can't afford this burden. In talking to someone just tonight. They stated they believed the main reason there isn't any affordable housing is the tax burden.