It is at once distressing and puzzling to learn that a vast and stunning section of recreational forest in Chittenden may be transferred by the town of Proctor to a private buyer who recently purchased an adjoining parcel of 577 acres and promptly posted it.
Having been absent from these pages for some years now for many reasons, but mainly due to my heavy involvement as president of Kiwanis of Rutland and my club’s efforts to serve the children of this community, it took a severe concern for my community of Rutland Town to bring this endorsemen…
Recently, there have been letters supporting the opposition party’s discretions which most of us on the other side consider to be out of place and downright disrespectful. I do not argue that anyone should be denied the right, as that is basic in freedom of speech concepts, but discretion, o…
As Senate Majority Leader, I have worked hard with my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass a modest minimum-wage increase for Vermonters. It was disappointing and frustrating that the governor vetoed it. While we in the Senate voted overwhelmingly last week to override the governor’s v…
On Thursday, Feb. 6, James Hall had a letter in the Rutland Herald discussing Nancy Pelosi’s childish, provocative comments about Trump’s Tuesday-night campaign speech. Hall further indicates the Democratic Party, under her, is withering away. Hall further states her “disrespectful arrogance…
This letter was sent to all legislative chairmen of education committees and legislative leaders, along with the directors of Vermont's education professional organizations.
On Thursday, Feb. 6, James Hall had a letter in the Rutland Herald discussing Nancy Pelosi’s childish, provocative comments about Trump’s Tuesday-night campaign speech. Hall further indicates the Democratic Party, under her, is withering away. Hall further states her “disrespectful arrogance…
As Senate Majority Leader, I have worked hard with my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass a modest minimum-wage increase for Vermonters. It was disappointing and frustrating that the governor vetoed it. While we in the Senate voted overwhelmingly last week to override the governor’s v…
Please consider voting “no” on Bond Article 1. Mayor Allaire’s cogent argument to vote “yes” for Bond Article 1 is extremely enticing and finally sounds like relief, for sure. Would construction begin this spring? Please read on and hear a tiny bit of background and let your mind weigh which…
Town Meeting Day is March 3. Here in the towns of Mendon and Chittenden, citizens will vote on the Barstow Unified Union School District (preK-12) budget.
Matt Whitcomb says what he means, and he does what he says. As I watch Democrats and Republicans continue to reach new heights of dysfunction at all levels of politics, this sort of candor and dependability seems like a rare commodity in a public servant these days. They are qualities that a…
This week, I heard these words, “I brought you the softest towel I could find.” It is only in the context of these words that they have power. I have spent the past four days at my mother’s bedside, at Bromley Manor in Manchester, while she received Hospice care. I asked the young woman who …
How in the world did we get here? When did it happen? When and where did we go so wrong? Was it my generation, the next, the next or today’s? Or are we all to blame? We have moved forward as a country in so many positives ways, the list is long. Yet here we sit today in the midst of fear, ha…
I’m not writing about our Vermont Republican Party. They seem to be doing a good job in Montpelier.
“I had my doubts when you invited us, but that was incredible,” a friend from Burlington said minutes after watching Rutland’s “Newly”wed Game, which benefited the Rutland Community Cupboard, BROC’s Community Food Shelf and the Salvation Army.
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 was created 27 years ago by the federal government to provide 12 weeks of unpaid family and medical leave. Since the creation of this Act, activists and many states have worked to turn this into a paid benefit for employees.
I would like to take a minute of your time and ask that you consider voting ‘yes’ on Bond Article 1 on the Rutland City ballot on March 3. Bond Article 1 requests permission to bond for $5 million of infrastructure work on our roads and sidewalks.
To the residents of Rutland Town:
Following the results-reporting debacle during the Iowa Democratic Caucus, my office has been asked numerous times about Vermont’s Presidential Primary process, and if the problems that occurred in Iowa could happen here.
On Jan. 22, at a Pittsford Select Board meeting, Brian Wood of Florence presented a resolution endorsed by an organization known as Gun Owners of Vermont. The resolution declares “all federal and state laws and regulations attempting to restrict these (gun owners’) rights to be infringements…
Dear Senators Warren and Sanders:
Congress is locked in a championship battle over who is the more corrupt party. Our state legislators are debating which emojis should be allowed on license plates. People are bursting down the State House doors to protest climate change. Yet, there are thousands of every-day people, losing …
Why does Governor Scott’s voluntary paid family leave plan favor Chittenden County at the expense of rural Vermont?
The question before us is incredibly serious, but it is also more than a little absurd. We are sitting as a court, exercising the sole power to try impeachments, entrusted to us by the framers. The president of the United States has been charged with high crimes — a constitutional charge of …
When Governor Scott vetoed a bill last spring that would have required a 24-hour waiting period for handgun sales, he stated that he needed to see evidence proving a waiting period would slow Vermont’s high rate of suicide and save lives. So, let’s take a look.
In his State of the State, Gov. Scott spoke about the demographic crisis creating a divide between the urbanized and rural areas of our state. At the Vermont Land Trust (VLT), it’s a divide we see every day, with opportunities to work in the woods or on the farm becoming less profitable or d…
The state of Vermont has a budget issue on their hands. The need for services is increasing in health care, mental health, social services and a breakdown of infrastructure, which includes roads and buildings. People are leaving the state in higher numbers than they are coming into the state…
The “What’s the big idea?” recent editorial listed a number of ways state government can “improve the lives of Vermonters.” On the list are child care, mental health care, affordable housing, suicide prevention, infrastructure, small town revitalization, clean energy and job creation. All ar…
That we’re facing a climate crisis — a climate emergency — is undeniable.
For 26 years, I’ve called this glorious little town home — I was born and raised here, stayed in the area throughout college, and bought my first home right in the village where I reside today. For 26 years, I’ve loved this town, but this past week, I fell in love with it all over again.
I rather enjoyed reading Julie Moore’s article, “The Work of Clean Water.” It paints a picture that recognizes some of Vermont’s most significant engineering accomplishments, as well as setting the stage for what must be done to clean up our waterways.
In 2017, almost 50,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses. It’s a sad reality that New England, as a whole, has been particularly hard hit by opioids. In fact, per capita, of the 12 states across the country with the most opioid overdose fatalities, all six of our states make the list. Muc…
In 2017, almost 50,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses. It’s a sad reality that New England, as a whole, has been particularly hard hit by opioids. In fact, per capita, of the 12 states across the country with the most opioid overdose fatalities, all six of our states make the list. Muc…
Vermont’s rural communities are intricately tied to our economy, identity and way of life. At the same time, all of Vermont suffers when our farm and forestry sectors falter.
During a recent trip to the northern end of the state, which began in the Rutland area, it was noted along U.S. Route 7, two bank offices recently closed (both in Rutland County), a restaurant closed, a major car dealership certainly appearing to be at or near closure, property for sale (hom…
Democrats have long been the champions of working families, women and children. We believe in a Vermont where our families and communities can thrive and where the Vermont dream is accessible to everyone — not just a select few. When we rewrite the rules so that families can care for and sup…
Remember when the garbage can had a bad reputation, solely being associated with dirty, unwanted refuse? Over time, our attitude towards this rubbish repository has evolved to the point where today, the garbage can has become the hottest receptacle in town.
As readers may know, legislators recently finalized a mandatory Paid Family and Medical Leave bill (financed by a new payroll tax) that has been a year in the making. This effort has not been without contention; in fact, last May, legislative leaders were unable to come to terms on what the …
I am a civil engineer, a matter of considerable personal pride. And when I think about some of the significant challenges Vermonters have met and overcome, many of the most impressive that come to mind (or at least the mind of a civil engineer) are feats in which engineering had a central ro…
On Thursday morning, hours before senators were sworn in to serve on President Trump’s impeachment trial, an independent, nonpartisan government watchdog confirmed what I have long suspected: When Trump froze congressionally appropriated military aid to Ukraine as part of an effort to compel…
Starr light, Starr bright,
Dear fellow Montpelier residents and Capitol Plaza customers,
As Vermont’s primary land development law turns 50 years old, it is time for a major modernization of how it works. To improve both Act 250’s effectiveness and efficiency, the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) has agreed on a package of reforms with Governor Scott’s administration. No…
Despite a strong economy at the national level, many Vermonters feel left behind. Across our state, thousands struggle to pay their bills and make ends meet. From burdensome taxes to sky-high insurance premiums, many individuals, families and small businesses are stuck in a persistent econom…
Small businesses face a critical list of legislative proposals this session that would raise costs and impose burdensome mandates that hinder their ability to operate. Vermont’s demographics have continued to erode over the past decade, aging population, declining enrollment, stagnant revenu…
Against the back wall of my UVM office sits an antique wooden desk. Its surface is bare of books and paper because it serves no mere utilitarian purpose. As the desk that once belonged to Vermont Sen. Justin Morrill, author of the Morrill Act of 1862 establishing the country’s first land gra…
Health care is again moving to center stage in this election year. A year ago, the Trump administration released a respectable report (“Reforming America’s Healthcare System Through Choice and Competition”) but neither Democrats nor Republicans have shown much interest in it since no major l…
Many letters have been written to support or oppose the impeachment of President Trump. None have been written on some issues that have arisen as a result of the impeachment hearings that should unite all Americans of all political parties. This letter does that.
There are few issues people care more about than transportation. How easily we may move about in the world — from home to job to school to the grocery store — has a significant impact on our well-being and on our family budgets. This is true whether you live in an urban area, a small town or…
This was the question I and a fellow Veteran For Peace asked folks as they entered and exited the Montpelier post office Saturday morning; we tallied up the results on a flip chart covered with plastic to keep off the melting snow. The whole point of our being out there was to respond to the…
