RSSAll Entries in the "Commentary" Category

To the editor: Morrow seeks support in race for state rep for Windham-Windsor-Bennington

To the editor: Morrow seeks support in race for state rep for Windham-Windsor-Bennington

Vermont is at a pivotal time. We are at the mercy of global and national forces such as inflation, climate change, a broken health care system and housing shortages. Simultaneously, we have statewide dynamics to address – primarily our outdated and expensive education funding system, but also hospital finances/health care and housing. How do we […]

To the editor: Weston group hosts Windsor senators 2 to 3 times a year

To the editor: Weston group hosts Windsor senators 2 to 3 times a year

I am responding to the comment made in Cynthia Prairie’s recent article titled POLITICAL NOTEBOOK on July 17, 2024:  It was actually good to see candidates from this southern part of the county — and to see them out and about. They have a vested interest in our communities.  I’m not sure if most of […]

To the editor: Childcare payroll tax making a positive impact

To the editor: Childcare payroll tax making a positive impact

Dear Residents of Athens, Chester, Grafton and Windham, As I am out and about in the community, talking with constituents, many have asked about the new payroll tax,  Act 76. In the 2023 legislative session the legislature passed Act 76.  This Act is already helping to ease the Child Care Crisis that Vermont is facing.  I […]

To the editor: Murray announces run for state Senate for Windsor

To the editor: Murray announces run for state Senate for Windsor

I’m a local farmer in Weathersfield, proud wife of a combat veteran and mother of a middle-schooler, and I have officially launched my campaign for the Vermont state Senate representing Windsor County. I  believe that Vermont is at a crossroads and that voters want an alternative to far-left activist agendas. Gov. Scott is supported by […]

To the editor: Twitchell announces run for Derry Select Board

To the editor: Twitchell announces run for Derry Select Board

I am a lifelong resident of Londonderry and have been asked by many to seek the nomination for the open seat on the Londonderry  Select Board. I served in the U.S. Navy from 1983-1993, I worked in various roles in the automobile industry and in the machine trade. I have worked for the town of […]

To the editor: Ameden seeks to make a difference filling vacant Derry Select Board seat

To the editor: Ameden seeks to make a difference filling vacant Derry Select Board seat

Dear Londonderry Community, Being raised in a small town gives you a different perspective on life. Neighbors come together to help each other, while strangers can become family. Opportunities are endless for the younger generation to learn as they make their mark upon the community. I have had the privilege of growing up in such […]

To the editor: Nurse Project thanks community for support

To the editor: Nurse Project thanks community for support

My Community Nurse Project, a non-profit agency working with the residents of Londonderry, South Londonderry, Landgrove, Peru, Weston and Andover is celebrating five years of service in the mountain towns. MCNP provides nursing care, support and exceptional health care advocacy to the residents of these towns. Without the expense of office space and with just […]

Op-ed: The arrogance of Gov. Phil Scott

Op-ed: The arrogance of Gov. Phil Scott

By Ken Fredette There has been no shortage of notable quotes from Montpelier recently, and not many of them charitable. Reading that our governor referred to lawmakers as “a bit arrogant” in overriding his vetoes at a press conference Tuesday brings to mind several historical quotes and saws. What immediately came to mind were “Let […]

To the editor: Why state lawmakers overturned Gov. Scott's vetoes

To the editor: Why state lawmakers overturned Gov. Scott’s vetoes

Dear residents of Athens, Chester, Grafton and Windham, As your state representative, I am proud to have participated in the democratic process of legislating last week. On Monday, June 17, the state legislature reconvened at the State House to vote to override Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of six bills of importance to Vermont residents, taxpayers […]

To the editor: Andover Republican runs for VT House

To the editor: Andover Republican runs for VT House

I am running for the House seat in the district of Windham-Windsor-Bennington. This includes the towns of Andover, Weston, Londonderry and Winhall. Earlier this spring, I was active in organizing the GOP in Andover and, to everyone’s surprise, the turnout was great. People are looking for change in our legislature. Families that have lived here […]

To the editor: League of Women Voters honors its male membership

To the editor: League of Women Voters honors its male membership

At the League of Women Voters, we are often asked, “can men be members of the league?” And our answer is, “of course, yes!” However, this was not always the case. When the league was founded 104 years ago, it was an organization for women, providing support for suffrage and encouraging their participation in the […]

To the editor: What's happened to Londonderry?

To the editor: What’s happened to Londonderry?

I have owned a home in Londonderry since 2002, and have lived here full time since 2008. I met my husband here in 1998 — our first date was at The Mill Tavern — and we always knew this would be our forever home. Back then there were locals, second homeowners and new faces to […]

To the editor: Vote for Jan Payne for State House

To the editor: Vote for Jan Payne for State House

I am writing this letter in support of the candidacy of Jan Payne of Andover for the office of state legislator representing the State House Windham-Windsor-Bennington District made up of Andover, Londonderry, Weston and Winhall. I have known Jan for nearly a decade and found her to be intelligent, articulate and most importantly honest. Seeing […]

To the editor: Chase to hold constituent meeting in Chester on Saturday

To the editor: Chase to hold constituent meeting in Chester on Saturday

Dear residents of the towns of Chester, Grafton, Windham and Athens: I am delighted that the legislative session in Montpelier ended with successes, compromises and opportunities to try again in the mix of bills that we sent to the governor for signature. Copies of my end of session report will be available at the Whiting […]

To the editor: Pajala announces she will not seek re-election to Vermont House

To the editor: Pajala announces she will not seek re-election to Vermont House

I would like to thank the residents of the Windham-Windsor-Bennington House of Representatives District for supporting my service in Montpelier over the last seven years. It has truly been an honor and an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. During those seven years, our community and the whole state of Vermont […]

Editorial: Transparency, lots of public input make for a good zoning plan

Editorial: Transparency, lots of public input make for a good zoning plan

By Cynthia Prairie ©2024 Telegraph Publishing LLC Planning commissions in rural Vermont have tough jobs. They must balance the needs of residents with the state’s goals and regulations as well as current town plans, growth potential and visions for the future. And then they must endure the barbs of angry landowners — many of them […]

To the editor: Vote 'yes' on GM school budget

To the editor: Vote ‘yes’ on GM school budget

The Chester Telegraph article, What’s at stake in June 4 GM school budget vote? explains the complicated educational funding situation. It’s a lot to figure out, yet the bottom line is still the same: Our students, our families, our schools need your support. A very clear message has been sent to our elected officials in […]

To the editor: GM students ready to embark on trip to France, England

To the editor: GM students ready to embark on trip to France, England

On Tuesday, May 28, as part of the Year End Studies Program at Green Mountain Union High School, 24 students in grades 9-12 are heading to France and England for eight days of immersive, experiential learning. Under the supervision of four faculty and staff members, students will spend three days in Paris, where, among other […]

Op-ed: Big salaries for such a small state

Op-ed: Big salaries for such a small state

By John Walters ©2024 Vermont Political Observer For all of Gov. Phil Scott’s tough talk about the budget and how tight we’ve got to be with our money, you might not guess that he and his top officials are due to get some very healthy raises in the new fiscal year. The Pay Act, H.889, […]

Op-ed: The power of connectedness protects older Vermonters from loneliness

Op-ed: The power of connectedness protects older Vermonters from loneliness

By Mark Boutwell Senior Solutions In late February, case manager Pam Halme visited one of her clients, Marjorie (not her real name), who was turning 99 soon. Marjorie has polio and is unable to move herself in any way but has been able to stay in her own home now for many years. Halme provides […]