Author Archive for The Chester Telegraph
To the editor: I’m running to help Chester return to prosperity
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. […]
To the editor: Roper seeks your vote on March 3
I am seeking my third one-year term on the Chester Select Board because I care deeply about this town. That motivates me to think carefully about how the actions of today’s town government will impact the quality of life in the days and the decades to come. I’m not always vocal when sitting behind the […]
To the editor: Benelli for school board
Alan and I grew up in Chester and our families have been Vermont residents for generations. We have observed all the changes in Chester and been involved with many of them. I have been a teacher in this town for over 30 years. Our children and grandchildren attended our schools. We have what you would […]
Q&A: Ucci challenging incumbent Jonynas for three-year Select Board seat
The Chester Select Board is made up of five members voted at large — three are three-year terms, which are elected on a staggered, and two are one-year terms, which are, of course, voted on every year. This year, incumbent Arne Jonynas, who holds a three-year term, is being challenged by Jerry Ucci. You’ll find […]
Q&A: Spaulding, Roper, Mancuso and Fierman compete for two Select Board seats
The Chester Select Board is made up of five members voted at large — three are three-year terms, which are elected on a staggered, and two are one-year terms, which are, of course, voted on every year. Those two one-year seats are currently held by Tim Roper, who is seeking reelection and Ariana Knapp, who […]
To the editor: Supporting teachers among reasons why I’m running for GMUSD board
Let me get straight to the point. I’m running for a spot on the Green Mountain Unified School District school board for a number of reasons, chief among them these: 1. Education shouldn’t be politicized. Yet, all around the country, school boards have become puppets to political ideologies. We need directors devoid of any interest in […]
To the editor: Vote for Bailey for GMUSD board
Dear Chester Voters, I’m writing to support Jesse Bailey for the one-year unexpired term on the Green Mountain Union School District board. I’ve known Jesse for several years, and have always admired his clear thinking and his willingness to express his beliefs clearly and openly. He understands both the importance of keeping politics out of […]
Q&A: Miles & Bailey face off for an unexpired term on the Green Mountain district board
From left, Randy Miles and Jesse Bailey The Green Mountain Unified School District Board has 11 members; six of whom represent Chester, the largest town by population within the school district. In addition to Chester, there are three representatives from Cavendish and one each from Baltimore and Andover. Two Chester residents are vying for one […]
Q&A: Ucci, Hance & Benelli vie for two three-year seats on the GMUSD board
The Green Mountain Unified School District Board has 11 members; six of whom represent Chester, the largest town by population within the school district. In addition to Chester, there are three representatives from Cavendish and one each from Baltimore and Andover. Three Chester residents are vying for two three-year terms. Those candidates are Patricia “Penny” […]
To the editor: Some candidates have already proved their commitment to Chester
Good politics starts at home, at the local level. If you are unable to run a campaign in a town of 3,000 souls without besmirching your neighbors, you don’t deserve to run, to take oxygen from those who truly want to serve the community. Your time would be better spent issuing apologies to all those […]
To the editor: No truth in the rumor
Neighbors, I want to take a moment to clear up something that has come to my attention. There’s a rumor going around that if I’m reelected to the Select Board, I will be part of a plan to fire our Town Manager, Julie Hance. That is, quite simply, a lie. There have never been any […]
Magic Mountain Outing Club to hold Chili Cookoff March 7
The Magic Mountain Outing Club is hosting its second annual Chili Cook-Off at Magic Mountain’s Black Line Tavern on Saturday, March 7. MMOC is inviting local restaurants and individuals to submit their best chili recipe by emailing MMOC@gmail.com. The Chili Cook-Off will run from 3-5 pm. Tickets will be on sale at the event and […]
To the editor: Fierman has proved she will be capable member of Chester Select Board
Lauren Fierman would be an exceptional asset to the Chester Select Board. I have had the privilege of observing her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to our town since she came to Chester about eight years ago. She served as principal for Green Mountain Union High and, after a short period of time, proved her leadership […]
To the editor: Sens. White and Clarkson say no to Voter ID, yes to out-of-state criminals voting in Vt.
I am extremely disappointed in the two Windsor County senators, Becca White and Alison Clarkson, who sit on the Government Operations Committee. After admitting they received “a lot” of emails from constituents asking them to add a voter ID requirement to an elections bill, S.298, both flatly rejected their constituents’ requests, and refused to even […]
To the editor: Why I am running for the GMUSD and Chester Select boards
Friends and neighbors, I’m running to continue on the Green Mountain Unified School District Board and for a three-year term as Chester Select Board member because Chester is my home. My wife and I are both alumni of Green Mountain Union High School. We own a home and a business here, and now we’re raising […]
To the editor: Education reform must start where costs are growing
As Vermont debates education reform under Act 73, communities face tough questions about school size, consolidation and sustainability. These are conversations that demand honesty, transparency and a clear understanding of what drives costs. In the Two Rivers Supervisory Union, recent budget data across multiple fiscal years tells a consistent story: School-level budgets have remained relatively […]
To the editor: When the Pledge of Allegiance alienates Americans
At meetings of the Cavendish Select Board in January and February, we commented on its decision to say the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of its meetings. As a U.S. citizen, Vietnam era veteran and taxpayer, I have no problem with most of the Pledge, although reciting it can be a very cheap form […]
To the editor: Charlton focused on what is good for Vermont
I’ve read four letters to the editor in The Chester Telegraph about Rep. Tom Charlton’s constituents conversation Friday, Feb. 6, which I attended. I will add that I am not a constituent but like to learn what is going on in Montpelier. Rep. Charlton spoke for close to two hours. The first 30 minutes focused […]
To the editor: Jonynas brings years of valuable service to Chester Select Board
We are writing to express our strong support for Arne Jonynas as he seeks re-election to the Chester Select Board. During his time in office, Arne has demonstrated integrity, steady leadership, sound judgment and a deep commitment to the residents of Chester. Serving on a select board requires careful attention to budgets, infrastructure, public safety […]
Op-ed: The education governance debate is about more than maps
By Jack Hoffman Vermont’s current education debate seems stuck on what to do first: Overhaul the governance structure and then reform the funding system, or do something about spending and then re-draw school district maps? Governance should be the priority, but it’s not about the maps. The first question is whether Montpelier is going to […]