LETTER: Demonstration surpressed others’ First Amendment rights
I was tremendously disappointed when I read of the suppression of the First Amendment right of free speech in the State House recently.
LETTER: Climate initiatives are investments in Vt. farmers, future
When extreme weather wipes away farmers’ harvests, when climate change fuels extreme storms, small-scale farmers—especially small growers working in harmony with the land—face devastating losses.
DPS Commissioner: Public safety requires rebalancing priorities
Last fall, Vermonters delivered a clear message: They want meaningful change on the issues impacting their daily lives: property taxes, education, housing, and affordability. One common concern unites all these challenges: the need to ensure the safety of our communities, downtowns, neighborhoods, and personal property.
Secretary of State responds to executive order on ‘Integrity of American Elections’
On March 25, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order on “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.” The order proposes significant changes to elections across the country that Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas has called “an unprecedented overreach of federal authority.” Here is the secretary of state’s statement in full regarding this executive order.
Op-Ed: ‘It’s the education fund that’s broken, not the K-12 education system’
Voter anger over property taxes has led to angst this winter in the Statehouse. A legislative leader recently urged fellow legislators and all Vermonters to discard “preconceived notions” about the issue. There seems to be a public consensus that our current education finance system is fundamentally flawed. Irretrievably broken. That something brand new is needed.
LETTER: Warren school staff urges district to keep nurses, cut elsewhere
The staff at the Warren School is extremely concerned about the proposed cuts to services and positions and the negative impact they will have on student learning and safety. In particular, reducing our nursing position from full-time to part-time coverage directly risks student health and is highly concerning to our staff and families.
COLUMN: Vermont Church at Prison leader authors memoir: ‘Don’t Burn My House Down’
Most people will never visit a prison. They never wonder what it’s like because they’ve already been told: it’s where society puts the bad folks.
OPINION: Why not show love to local energy?
I think about energy a lot. I grew up in a drafty house with cold bedrooms, whereas my best friend lived in a modern, passive solar house that was always comfortable. That contrast put the role energy consumption and efficiency play into clear focus at a young age.
COMMENTARY: Sunshine Week highlights importance of access to government records, information
As the days are getting longer and snow is melting it is fitting that this is Sunshine Week (March 16-22) – an annual celebration of government records and information as the cornerstone of government accountability and transparency.
Op-Ed: Vermonters prove they can live alongside coyotes
This week (March 17-23) is Coyote Awareness Week. Coyotes are sometimes maligned and misunderstood. Yet, many Vermonters coexist with coyotes in our rural state where many backyards are in forest habitat for coyotes and other wildlife.
LETTER: Vt. Congressional delegation gets top scores on conservation
For nearly 60 years, the League of Conservation Voters has published a National Environmental Scorecard to determine which members of Congress are working to protect our air and water, to build a clean energy future, and to ensure our democracy. Here in Vermont, we are fortunate that our Congressional delegation has once again earned top marks.
LETTER: Remember Vermont’s Medal of Honor recipients on March 25
As a veteran, when I hear the words “Medal of Honor,” I think of those military men and women who have gone far beyond their expectations of duty, many giving their lives to save their fellow comrades or shipmates.
LETTER: Writer looks to i.d. man in photo, circa 1939
A reader in North Carolina asks for help with a historic photo.
LETTER: Work continues on exploring school facility options
A rumor is circulating in our towns that the school district is creating a plan to close the Fayston and Moretown schools. As members of the board who have been involved in the Building Visioning Subcommittee, we would like to set the record straight and provide additional context.
Rep. Stevens: Bills crossing over, assessing a veto, & eyeing federal cuts
There is no guarantee that every bill will pass, and there is no guarantee that every need will be met by our work.
LETTER: Activists share praise and criticisms in postcard campaign
Over 30 members of Indivisible Mad River Valley gathered for the “IdesofTrump” mail-in effort, a national, grassroots action to make it clear to President Trump that we stand up against the cruel, illegal and harmful actions of his administration.
Town Meeting Report from Reps. Torre & White
State Reps. Dara Torre and Candice White share their Town Meeting Day report with constituents highlighting work at the State House so far this session.
LETTER: Budget support thanks from Harwood board leaders
We want to thank all our voters for voting on Town Meeting Day, and for supporting the budget.
Editorial: Mitigate or pay
An early occurrence of spring flooding took place last week at Crossett Brook Middle School in Duxbury. It was attributed to circumstances unusual, even in a state that’s seen plenty of flooding situations in the past several years.
Secretary of State: Celebrate Civic Learning Week, March 10-14
This week is Civic Learning Week! This annual celebration of the importance of civics is an opportunity to sustain and strengthen democracy in the United States.