To the editor: I’m running to help Chester return to prosperity
The Chester Telegraph | Feb 26, 2026 | Comments 5
My name is Steve Mancuso. I’m a semi-retired local tradesman living on a farm I built on the Springfield side of Chester. I have a long history serving my community in emergency services and now would like to serve you in another capacity. I am running for a one-year seat on the Chester Select Board.
I’m also the fellow who started the Chester Business Coalition in an attempt to form a relationship between the municipality and the business community, as we have been losing businesses. Chester’s businesses constitute the lion’s share of the grand list as well as our local economy.
Recent times reveal the only substantial growth in Chester as the municipality itself, while our grand list, population, and local economy are in decline. Chester is now experiencing a fiscal deficit with services possibly in jeopardy. The municipality is now looking to create new taxes and revenues to take up the slack.
Meanwhile, more businesses are closing, or becoming private residences. Gassetts, for example, is looking like a ghost town. It’s become apparent that Chester needs to grow its way out of this, possibly with less state or federal help.
If the above is of concern to you, then let’s make it a common goal to benefit the community. Let’s take Chester back, and by that I mean to prosperity for anyone living or wanting to live here. If you’d like to discuss this further, the Concerned Citizens of Chester will be presenting its candidates from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Fullerton Inn, 40 The Common.
Steve Mancuso
Candidate for the Chester Select Board
Filed Under: Commentary • Letters to the Editor
To Angela> I have forwarded lists to the town many times on businesses closing in Chester, if you want the backstory on it all i’d be glad to meet with you
To Scott> Totally forgot CERTs , it was something a has-been could easily step into, but no prerequisite…. anyone who wants to lend a hand to the community can apply….that said, I would recommend anyone interested talk to the chief ~S~
Angela many business have left Eastern Magnesia Talc Co.: Moved to an abandoned plant in Gassetts following a fire in 1955.
Hatties City Service: Identified as one of the gas stations in Gassetts.
Austins General Store: A known general store in the area.
Spauldings Gas station: Listed as one of the three main gas stations/stores in Gassetts.
Julian Quarries: Active, though often cited for violations in recent years, located in the Gassetts area.
Gassetts Group: A design/build firm, although listed in a Cavendish directory, noted for work in the area.
The Chester Telegraph
The Chester Telegraph
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Other Nearby/Historical Mentions
Smokeshire Design: Located in a “restored historic Gassetts building,” this business specializes in custom furniture and local artisan creations.
Vermont Talc & Soapstone Co.: Located just south of the depot, north of VT Rt. 11, related to the broader industrial history of the area.
vermontjournal.com
vermontjournal.com
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The area was historically a small industrial and railroad-focused hamlet within the town of Chester.
vermontjournal.com
vermontjournal.com
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Chester railroad history – The Vermont Journal & The Shopper
Dec 1, 2022 — “As the 20th century got underway, the soapstone business began to decline, but, the talc business, (a mineral closely related to soapstone) began to flourish. …
vermontjournal.com
Julians admit violations, will cease hammering, other activities
Apr 3, 2024 — Related Articles * Julians appeal Chester’s notice of violation. By Shawn Cunningham © 2024 Telegraph Publishing LLC riday brought the latest twist in the ongoi…
The Chester Telegraph
Okemo Chamber honors Smokeshire Design as Member of …
May 10, 2025 — A Hub of Handmade Creations Smokeshire Design is more than just a shop—it’s a celebration of artistry and a testament to the talent of local artisans. From hand…
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State board orders Julian quarries to cease operations until …
Jun 25, 2025 — Related Articles * Julians apply for Chester permit for quarry changes. By Shawn Cunningham © 2023 Telegraph Publishing LLC s foreshadowed in town attorney Jim …
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History of Gassetts in Chester, Vermont
Jan 9, 2024 — How many gas stations or stores had gas pump in front of them? There were at least 9 in the village limits and 3 in Gassetts. (1) Erskines Grain store Flying A?
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Cavendish Business Directory | Cavendish, Vermont
AUTO REPAIR AND RESTORATION. 802 Autobody | 96 VT-103| 226-7177. Cavendish Autoworks | 17 Turco Dr.| 802-554-0156. Certified Automative Repair |4865 Twenty Mile…
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Historical Research of Chester, Vermont, Trebo, Gassetts, and Rt. 10 …
Mar 2, 2024 — This relic of an old inn sat on the east side of North Street in Chester Depot until a few years ago. The 1869 Beers Atlas identified it as the site of the John…
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I am curious what business has been lost? It seems in life there would be an ebb and flow. I see a lot of new businesses opening in Chester, in fact have been looking for a feasible location for my own business and nothing is available because of the existence of other businesses. The Telegraph has recently run several pieces on a number of great businesses that have or are in the process of opening (retail, food service, daycare, professional services) I do think we need more business in town, but would need to reimagine the where.
As a lifelong resident, I don’t recall a time that Gassets was anything, but a ghost town, that comment seems odd to me.
This is GREAT Steve!!! I wish I could VOTE FOR YOU!!! You will be a great Select Board Member!!!
Thank you for offering to step up, Steve. You have always been thoughtful, respectful and genuine at the many and various Select Board and Planning Commision meetings you have attended as a citizen. Many may not realize how much you’ve done to serve people in Chester through the years. Between being an EMT, a health officer, and an electrician who has done a lot of work for our town, and now serves our town as a member of CERT (certified emergency response team) I would feel good having you on our Select Board, to represent the important balance needed, that also reflects our diverse community.