All Entries in the "Letters to the Editor" Category
To the editor: It’s time to transform or trash the Democratic Party
Despite its imperfections and frustrations, the two-party system has worked in the United States for more than 150 years. It worked because the two major parties were constrained by laws, ethics, precedents and protocols. But no more. The party currently in control of the White House is lawless and deeply corrupt. And the opposition party, […]
To the editor: Vermont’s citizen legislature, a place where most citizens cannot afford to serve
To the relief of many, the Vermont Legislature has adjourned. Once again, school reform consumed the session and ran into overtime. Redistricting, tax bills patched with one-time money, the reach of Act 250 – these are the same fights carried over from last year. For all the effort, the result remains unclear. Will this year’s […]
To the editor: We must make Vermont survivable for our youth, families
I am a proud mom of four — and all of my children have left Vermont to pursue careers and opportunities that aren’t available here at home. My kids are doing exactly what they should be doing — exploring the world and finding what works for them. But my kids are hardly alone — this […]
To the editor: Brickner says he’ll fight for housing affordability, a reformed Act 181
I am running for Vermont Senate in the Windsor District. When my wife and I put down roots in Windsor County, we were looking for something that has become hard to find: a place to raise a family and belong to a real community. We found it here. For seven years I’ve served my neighbors, […]
To the editor: GM schools face a disturbing trend of non-acceptance
The GMUSD superintendent suggests that the school board consider a “flag policy” and further suggests that the policy includes limiting classroom materials that do not relate directly to school curricula. At the most recent school board meeting a Chester resident suggested that classrooms should be inspected to see if they include LGBTQ+ or Black Lives […]
To the editor: At GMUSD board meeting, students inspire in defense of their educators
I am writing this letter as an individual, as a parent, and as a member of this community — not in my capacity as a member of the Green Mountain Unified School District board. The views expressed here are my own. On Monday evening, the board of the Green Mountain Unified School District held a […]
To the editor: Rural Caucus members urge repeal of Tier 3, Road Rule in Act 181
Due to the widespread concern about the potential impacts of Act 181 (the reform of Act 250) I will be holding a discussion/Q&A at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 at the New American Grill, 5700 Vermont Rte 100, in Londonderry. Please join us. What is Act 181? And what are people concerned about? Act […]
To the editor: Act 181 road rule disincentivizes sound planning
As someone who has taught Environmental Economics over the course of 27 years at three colleges, and as a past administrator of a regional planning commission, I must strenuously oppose Act 181 in its current form. While I embrace the need for environmental stewardship and proper planning, I also have serious concerns about the “road […]
To the editor: Chase promises grit, clear-eyed vision as she seeks Windsor Senate seat
In case you haven’t already heard, I am officially running for the Vermont Senate to represent Windsor County. I launched my campaign on the Chester Green in mid-March, surrounded by supporters and loved ones. I’ve spent my life serving others: as a nurse, a successful business owner, a member of the Chester Select Board and […]
To the editor: The reluctant activists
Watching the evening news with my mom in the 1960s, we saw the daily body count from Vietnam — mostly young, working-class men, drafted and placed in harm’s way to fight a war without clear objectives; too young to legally buy a beer, but old enough to die in the jungle half a world away. […]
To the editor: Thanks to Weston firefighters for dousing a real dumpster fire
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Weston Volunteer Fire Department who jumped to action the night of March 18 to put out a fire in a dumpster at the Wilder Memorial Library construction site in Weston. Thanks to their swift and professional action, we are happy to share that all is […]
To the editor: Senior Solutions’ Foxy Fund helps seniors to keep caring for their pets at home
As the Nutrition and Wellness Coordinator at Senior Solutions, which provides services throughout Windsor and Windham counties, I regularly see how deeply pets are woven into the daily lives of the older adults we serve. For many, a pet offers companionship, routine, comfort, and a sense of purpose — supports that often grow more important […]
To the editor: The Telegraph is doing just fine
I heard that there was talk at a recent Chester Select Board meeting about problems the board was having with The Chester Telegraph, which is one of two news outlets of record for the town. Then I heard the same criticism at the beginning of Thursday’s school board meeting. A few people seem to think […]
To the editor: Gleason announces candidacy for Vermont Senate for Windsor
Hello Chester! I appreciate your time and attention to our political process. For too long we have watched our community buckle under the rising costs of living and the annual battle for a fair and balanced budget to educate our children. We deserve better. I’m Jonathan Gleason and I’m proud to announce my candidacy for […]
To the editor: The humanitarian costs of war
In his 1796 Farewell Address, President George Washington counseled Americans to pursue peace and commerce while limiting political entanglements – especially “permanent alliances” with foreign nations. Until 1917, our elected representatives attempted to abide by this advice. President Woodrow Wilson broke with the long-held restraint Washington urged by committing our nation to World War I, […]
To the editor: Clarkson on education reform bills’ progress; announces retirement after 22 years
Our Town Meeting break is almost over. The Vermont legislature returns to work today, Tuesday, March 10. It will be an intense week as every policy committee needs to vote out any bills by the end of the week for them to have a prayer of making it to the finish line. It is ‘cross […]
To the editor: Seeking school board seat to support strong, equitable, accessible education
On March 5, I officially applied by email to serve on the Green Mountain Union School District Board seat left vacant by Casey Leahy’s resignation. I am seeking this opportunity because I believe that supporting a strong, equitable, and accessible public education system is one of the most important responsibilities a community holds. School boards […]
To the editor: Chester school board hopefuls claim to be nonpolitical; don’t believe them
When I vote in Cavendish tomorrow, I’ll have several things in mind regarding the school budget and the school board. I cannot cast a vote for Chester’s representatives to the GMUSD school board, yet Chester votes have an outsized impact on the schools and towns in our district. In turn, your decisions impact the social […]
To the editor: Understanding coercive behavior, abusive tactics and the misuse of personal images
Recent “politics” in our small town have revealed how easily a person’s photos can be used as tools of humiliation and control when someone chooses to weaponize them. From a psychological and ethical perspective, this is not “politics” or “drama.” It mirrors a pattern that are well-known in the study of family violence, coercive control, […]
To the editor: Chester Dems do not comment on private conduct of candidates
Information regarding personal conduct of Jesse Bailey, candidate for the Green Mountain Unified School District Board has come to the attention of the Chester Town Democratic Committee. The position of the CTDC is not to engage in public comment regarding the personal, private behavior of candidates. This is now in the hands of the Chester voters. […]