As a small business owner in Vermont, I’ve witnessed first-hand many of our state’s challenges. Finding qualified workers, navigating a complex permitting system, and remaining competitive with a neighboring state -- that doesn’t even have a sales tax -- are a fact of life for me. But I have…
I have known Sam Costello since he was a student in a few of my classes back at MSJ. He was a leader in high school and I've been happy to see him go on to serve his community, particularly as the Rutland city attorney. He distinguished himself in that capacity and was generally thought high…
We, as Vermonters, deserve the very best leaders. In today’s culture, the word, “leader,” is overly used and easily taken for granted. We are quick to award the title of leader to far too many people who aren’t necessarily the most qualified for the job. We also, from time to time, have a ha…
Why am I urging the residents of Pawlet, Rupert, Wells, Tinmouth and Middletown Springs to re-elect Robin Chesnut-Tangerman for a third term as our representative?
Sound bites grab attention and sometimes win elections but they are not an indication of a person’s ability to do the job. Informed voters want to understand the logic and sentiment behind the sound bite.
Two things I took away from watching, and later discussing, Mr. Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing:
Rep. Peter J. Fagan, House, Ward 5-1, deserves your vote on Nov. 6. Rep. Fagan seeks input from constituents on matters that are important to them. He listens. He has the patience and desire to understand issues at the local level and takes the appropriate legislative steps to ensure our con…
I read in an AARP bulletin that President Donald Trump wanted those pesky Braille labels removed from the elevators in the Trump Tower when it was under construction. Why? He reportedly said no blind people would be living in Trump Tower. Even if that was true, how would he know unless he wa…
Andrew Costello’s campaign to be Rutland County probate judge deserves your support.
Several years ago, I served on the Rutland City board of aldermen. At that time, I needed someone knowledgeable whom I could trust as a guide and sounding board. William Notte was that someone. He spent hours explaining Rutland's deep historical context, ideological divides and board practic…
On Nov. 6, I will vote for Scott Garren for senator in Rutland County. I met Scott in 2012 while working on a volunteer committee focused on improving our health care system. Scott is a thoughtful and responsible individual. Scott has the right temperament in a time when we need more civil d…
The candidates have spoken, and it speaks volumes.
Once again, school security dollars come to the front page -- millions for “school security,“ all at taxpayer expense.
To the city of Rutland:
This fall, a friend of mine, Ed Cleveland, is running for state representative in Pawlet. Ed is a Republican. That is not why I am wholeheartedly endorsing him. I am sure we agree on many issues and I have no doubt that we also disagree on some issues. My endorsement of Ed has nothing to do …
Thank you to all the Ed Cleveland for Representative supporters. Being part of the large group with Ed Cleveland yard signs is meaningful and encouraging. Ed Cleveland supporters are showing courage and caring for our neighbors and country. Thank you for your strength.
We are writing this letter in support of the candidacy of Karl Anderson to be the next probate judge for Rutland County.
Vote Republican if you want to restrict women’s reproductive rights including birth control.
I watched the gubernatorial debate sponsored by VTDigger on Wednesday, Oct. 10, and Christine Hallquist once again proved that she has the leadership qualities Vermont needs.
I am writing in support of Andrew “Sam” Costello’s campaign for Rutland County Probate Judge. I have had the privilege of knowing Andrew most of my life. He is passionate about our courts treating everyone fairly. He is a man of integrity and he will always try to do the right thing. The Cos…
The recent confirmation process of Justice Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court has left many people feeling bereft in the face of a democracy that seems to be slipping away. At the federal level, the systems created to ensure that justice is served and that our three branches of government are ch…
I support William Notte for state representative, Rutland City Ward 4. I have served on the Board of Aldermen in Rutland City with Will for the past six years. He is currently in his 11th year, two of which he served as Board president. During this time, I have come to look up to him as a le…
I have had the opportunity to get to know Jim Harrison, first as a leader in the state’s retail and grocery community, and now as a member of the Vermont House of Representatives. He is exactly the type of legislator we need in Montpelier and I encourage voters of Bridgewater, Chittenden, Ki…
I am writing to urge your support for Stephanie Jerome for state representative for Brandon, Pittsford and Sudbury. Stephanie is smart, she is practical and she listens.
When I started working with Will Notte in 2015 at Phoenix Books, it took me a while to discover he was an alderman. He is never pretentious about it. Serving his community is just another aspect of who he is as a person. This is how he approaches life — with humility and a great sense of hum…
I attended, with great interest, the debate at the Paramount Wednesday night between Mr. Scott and Ms. Hallquist. We are so fortunate to have the Paramount Theatre that plays so many essential roles for our community.
This is great that GE is doing so good. But what the Rutland region needs is more manufacturing jobs that pay better wages than retail, fast food and convenience stores.
I am writing in support of Brian Keefe’s campaign to continue serving as state representative for Arlington, Manchester, Sunderland and Sandgate.
Scott Garren has all the qualities that we need to successfully represent Rutland County in the Senate. Scott is intelligent, passionate, hard working and visionary. Scott is a champion of the working men and women. He is a champion of the middle class and the less fortunate.
Greg Cox is a farmer in West Rutland. He has worked his farm for 40 years. He understands the challenges and needs of those in the agriculture and dairy business and he knows how those Vermonters can do better. In fact, that's what Greg has been doing for years. Greg founded and organized a …
Voters from Tinmouth, Middletown Springs, Pawlet, Rupert and Wells can cast a vote for community by re-electing Robin Chesnut-Tangerman.
I recently saw a homemade sign on a neighbor’s front lawn disparaging our state representative with a call to vote criminals out of Montpelier.
Thank you, Rutland County.
I turned 65 today. Whew. Sometimes I think time sneaks up on you and wow, another decade has gone by.
Regarding the Kavanaugh vote, I am sure the American Bar Association would like to be heard on their request for an investigation of Kavanaugh, that is, a real attempt to find the truth about all the allegations against him, not just a joke that just happened. This needs to be highlighted an…
Twenty years ago, we heard the expression, angry white male. Now, we have angry white male rage. This white male rage has been exacerbated by eight years of a black man running this country and doing a damn fine job. When Hillary thought it was her turn, the white rage reared its ugly head a…
In her commentary "Building a Cradle to Career,” Vermont Deputy Secretary of Education Heather Bouchey's first sentence wrongly informs people of two things. She states, "recent trends show that Vermont’s economy is strong and our schools are consistently ranked as some of the strongest in t…
The Nov. 6 election approaches fast. Vermonters have an important decision to make when they vote for lieutenant governor. History tells us how easy it is to vote for the incumbent or to vote the “party line” -- I want to urge you to vote for the best man for the job at this critical time in…
#MeToo and national issues revolving around the Supreme Court nomination and the current president cast a much-needed spotlight upon sexual abuse.
A vote for Stephanie Jerome is a vote for strong communities. On Nov. 6, I’ll be voting for Stephanie Jerome to represent Brandon, Pittsford and Sudbury. I met Stephanie Jerome at a campaign kick-off event and I was struck immediately by how approachable, hard-working and energetic she is. S…
Does anyone seriously believe that Mark Judge is going to have a sudden moment of conscience and admit his guilt to the FBI when they come calling?
ARC Rutland Area would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended our Diamond Anniversary Celebration on Sept. 30.
We want our state senator to be a worker. Greg Cox is a farmer, so, enough said.
Voting matters. Your vote matters. Voting at the local, state and national level is one of the basic rights and responsibilities of conscientious citizenship. There are multiple opportunities to meet the candidates to become informed. Informed voters make "we the people" a pillar of democrac…
On Oct. 20, I will be walking as part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Community Walks in Rutland to draw attention to the importance of suicide prevention. And I won’t be walking alone; I will be joined by many who share my dedication. Last year, over …
What follows should not be construed as a criticism of the incumbent state representatives or senators. Rather, it is a severe criticism, rising to severe chastisement, of the management team of the state Democratic Party.
Living in Vermont, we are lucky to be able to meet, hear and speak to our candidates.
Greg Cox spoke at The Gables recently as part of his campaigning for a seat in the Vermont Senate.
On Thursday, Sept. 27, and Friday, Sept. 28, I took the time to watch the Senate Judiciary Committee receive testimony from Dr. Christine Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh. I did so because I was very concerned about the way the whole nomination process was being conducted.
Fate is unknown and unpredictable. I was given medical news which required a serious medical operation, which could go either way. If I chose not to proceed with the medical operation, my alternative was not good -- living day by day with knowledge that if an artery, which was swelling, swel…
