All Entries in the "Commentary" Category
To the editor: Thanks to all who made veterans event at American Legion a success
This letter is being written to follow up on the Saturday, Sept. 19 Veterans Administration event at the American Legion Post 67. First, I want to recognize and thank the American Legion Post 67 for hosting this event and inviting the team of Veterans Administration representatives from White River Junction. (And the barbecue was fantastic!) […]
To the editor: Murray should address Trump’s foreign policies that harm Vermont’s affordability
Andrea Murray is running her campaign for state Senate for Windsor on affordability in Vermont. Rising prices of gas, diesel and probably heating fuel are affecting Vermonters. They are caused by Trump and Netanyahu’s war on Iran, which has been going on for more than 200 days, and Trump’s policies on Russian President Putin’s criminal […]
To the editor: Charlton committed to improving Vermonters’ lives
Tom Charlton is running for re-election as the state representative for Athens, Chester, Grafton and Windham. Who is Tom Charlton? He is an ordained Baptist minister, an Eagle Scout, a Timber Framer and 8th generation Vermonter. How can he help me? Tom is well-aware of the many issues plaguing Vermonters. He is the neighbor you […]
To the editor: Vote Charlton, vote for affordability
I write in strong support of Tom Charlton for re-election as Vermont House representative for Chester, Grafton, Athens and Windham. Affordability of life in Vermont is a big issue in this November election. Rep. Charlton’s position on affordability is best expressed in his own words: “If you are concerned as to whether you can afford […]
From the editor: Two super events in Chester and a lesson in lemonade-making
By Cynthia Prairie ©2026 Telegraph Publishing LLC It was a beautiful fall Saturday morning. The sun was shining and the American Legion’s Gateway Field, carpeted in green grass, was buzzing with activity as vendors set up their booths at the new home of the Chester Festival. For the past nine months, many of us have […]
To the editor: Ed Secy Saunders fails public schools with latest directive
Vermont needs a secretary of education who understands how the system works here: It’s debatable that Zoie Saunders issuing a directive that school districts looking to hire superintendents only offer contracts for one year falls under her purview. Saunders’ Agency of Education colleague, Toren Ballard, makes a laughable attempt to justify the edict by pointing […]
To the editor: ‘Guy in white truck’ accepts Dock apology
I respectfully accept the apology of Steve Dock (To the editor: ‘Writer apologizes for removing campaign sign in Chester‘) and would like to reiterate the need for free speech whether it be in the form of assembly, the writing of opinions, or in the form of displaying a campaign sign. Only then can “ we […]
To the editor: Writer apologizes for removing campaign sign in Chester
I wish to apologize publicly for removing a “reelect Tom Charlton” sign from the park in front of the Chester Town Hall on Friday afternoon. I am specifically apologizing to the gentleman driving by in a white pickup truck who firmly stated that political signs were allowed on town property other than the Village Green. […]
To the editor: Will Hoser has what it takes to represent Windsor-Windham
I am writing in support of Will Hoser as a candidate for the Vermont legislature, representing the Windsor-Windham District. I have known and worked with Will for over 30 years. In that time,W I have been impressed with his ability to listen, his compassion, and his empathy while providing care to his patients in the […]
To the editor: As state representative, Hoser committed to address affordability crisis
I am proud to support Will Hoser for state representative for the Windsor-Windham District. Hoser has spent much of his professional life providing for the health care of the people in this area through his work as Physician Assistant in Emergency Medicine. He has personal knowledge of the struggles that folks are going through to […]
To the editor: Murray backed by two governors, lieutenant gov for state Senate Windsor seat
Iam honored to have earned the endorsements of Gov. Phil Scott, Lt. Gov. John Rodgers and former Gov. Jim Douglas in my campaign for the Vermont Senate. These three leaders have different backgrounds and perspectives, but their endorsements share an important message: Vermont needs greater political balance, fiscal responsibility and a willingness to put practical […]
Op-ed: Oligarchy, not Socialism, is the danger we face
By Bill Dunkel As the president’s approval ratings have plummeted and some progressive Democrats have won primary elections while supporting Medicare for All, a wealth tax, or other ideas to help struggling Americans, Trump and his advisors are increasingly raising the spectre of the socialist bogeyman. They are trying to scare voters into thinking that […]
To the editor: House candidate Hoser lays out goals
I want to thank all of those who voted for me in the primary election, and if elected as your district representative I pledge to work for Vermonters who are struggling to afford the things that make life livable. I will work to: Make primary medical care available to each person in Vermont. Promote and […]
To the editor: Wilder Library Trustees thank community for support for renovation
The Board of Trustees and staff of the Wilder Memorial Library would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Weston community for making the library’s grand opening such a wonderful and memorable celebration. After years of planning, hard work, generosity and patience, it was a joy to finally open the doors, cut the […]
To the editor: Weston Select Board plays with language of the law
A long-time member of the Weston Select Board resigned on July 14 of this year. On Aug. 11, the remaining members of the Weston Select Board announced that they had decided to warn a special town meeting so an election could be held to fill that vacancy. There are two problems with that decision. First, […]
Op-ed: Solar energy can help heal the planet
By Robert Nied If you are on social media, you are likely encountering multiple posts claiming that solar energy will destroy farmland (often illustrated with fake AI images). It is part of an extensive fossil fuel industry disinformation campaign. Almost every post includes the phrase: “put solar on parking lots and roofs, not on farmland.” […]
Op-ed: A gift from the King
By Madeline Bodin ©2026 Telegraph Publishing LLC A long time ago — you’ll see just how long in a minute — one of my coworkers at the technology magazine was cranky about our job. I was cranky, too, but he was crankier. I asked him what he wanted. “I want to save the world,” he […]
To the editor: Thank you for your support in the Vermont Primary
I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported my campaign for Vermont Senate. Your support came in many forms: doors knocked, phone calls made, lawn signs planted, contributions sent and, maybe most meaningful of all, the countless quiet but heartfelt expressions of encouragement I received along the way. I entered this race in part because […]
From the editor: A farewell to Stacia
After seven years with The Chester Telegraph, our super Events Editor Stacia Spaulding has decided to retire. She’s never said it was because we wore her out, although I have my concerns. She’s wisely focusing on her health. We will miss her wry, dry and wicked humor and the skills she brought to juggling all […]
To the editor: In support of Chase for VT Senate
We are writing to encourage folks in the Windsor County state Senate District to vote for Heather Chase in the upcoming Democratic Primary on Tuesday, Aug. 11. There are many reasons to support Heather for this seat, including her longstanding commitment to our community where she has lived for over 25 years, raised her family, […]