All Entries in the "Commentary" Category
To the editor: Conservation Voters sets 2015 agenda
Vermont Conservation Voters today released its 2015 Vermont Environmental Common Agenda. “This agenda highlights the most pressing environmental legislative priorities for 2015 – priorities shared by leading environmental organizations in Vermont,” said Lauren Hierl, political director of Vermont Conservation Voters. Hierl noted that the groups consulted in assembling the Common Agenda are advocates for Vermont’s […]
From the editor: No surprises in complaint rejection, but hope for transparency lives on
By Cynthia Prairie ©2015-Telegraph Publishing LLC Two weeks ago, the Chester Select Board unanimously adopted a motion from a letter by town attorney Jim Carroll as a reply to The Chester Telegraph’s complaint that it had held an illegal executive session back in November. The Chester Telegraph claimed that the Nov. 19 executive session was […]
To the editor: Enthusiastic endorsement of Heather Chase
With proud enthusiasm, I recommend Heather Chase for the three-year seat on the Chester Board of Selectmen. I have known Heather for many years and I respect her as a small business owner, nurse, mother and friend. Heather excels in senior management and supervision of many different projects and people. She will provide the responsible […]
To the editor: Rep. Dakin outlines education, other pocketbook issues on agenda in Montpelier
You, the voters, have sent us to Montpelier with a clear message to address issues of high importance both to our pocketbooks and to the fundamental manner of how services are delivered to the residents of the state of Vermont. The unending increase in the cost of educating our children in our public schools has […]
To the editor: Londonderry Parks Board thanks Thrifty Attic Board for bleachers donation
As the Londonderry Parks Board continues to work on Phase Two of the Pingree Park Revitalization Project, we would like to thank the Thrifty Attic Board for its generous contribution of a set of new aluminum bleachers at the ballfields. This donation will also be used as matching funds as the Parks Board applies for […]
From the editor: On the recent downs and ups of the Chester Telegraph
Around 11:20 a.m. last Tuesday morning, as we were editing and writing articles for The Chester Telegraph, the company that hosted our website began experiencing instability on its servers. As you probably noticed, attempts to access the paper were met with 502 errors, 504 errors and other messages that indicated we and other websites hosted […]
To the editor: During VT Yankee closing, Entergy proved to be a fine company
On Monday, Jan. 19, at approximately 9:30 a.m., 35-plus-year career at Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station in Vernon ended. Although I am disappointed that the plant is being closed, I want to publicly thank Entergy Nuclear Operations for the professional manner in which it closed Vermont Yankee. Entergy provided nearly a year and a half […]
To the editor: Heather Chase for Chester Select Board
Dear Chester residents: As a mother of four children, as a nurse and as a small business owner, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the three-year seat on Chester’s Board of Selectmen. I have always been interested in town government but I am especially moved to run for office now because I believe […]
To the editor: Environmental Court needs to keep court manager post funded
During a meeting of the Environmental Court bench and the Vermont Bar Association on Wednesday Jan. 14, 2015, the bar learned that the Supreme Court has decided not to refill the Environmental Court manager position when the incumbent retires in February. The judiciary is making this staffing decision as part of its contribution toward cutting […]
Commentary: Do it in public — a call for transparency and accountability
By Cynthia Prairie ©2015 The Chester Telegraph The Chester Telegraph has sent a formal letter of complaint alleging that on Nov. 19 of last year the Chester Select Board held an illegal executive session. You can read a copy of that complaint here. That seems like a pretty serious step. But the fact is that […]
The Telegraph Poll: Eliminate voting at Town Meeting?
The Chester Select Board is preparing warnings to ask voters if they wish to eliminate voting on specific budgetary issues at the Monday Town Meeting, in effect making the Town Meeting strictly informational prior to the Tuesday vote.
To the editor: Thanks to the many who helped with BRGNS’ annual holiday food drive
On Thursday, Dec. 18 some 30 volunteers gathered at Fletcher Farm for the annual Black River Good Neighbor Services’ holiday food distribution. They filled boxes with the ingredients for an all-inclusive holiday dinner, complete with turkey or chicken, stuffing, vegetables, bread, milk and more than a dozen other food items. The boxes were destined for […]
To the editor: Friends of Rockingham Library gives thanks for community support
The Friends of the Rockingham Free Public Library wishes to thank the Rockingham community for its participation in the Holiday Celebration at the RFPL on Saturday, Dec. 6. We thank the many area businesses and artists who contributed merchandise and gift certificates for the raffle. The fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Library help […]
Commentary: Signs for our times
By Cynthia Prairie ©Telegraph Publishing LLC-2014 The Chester Planning Commission has begun considering making further changes to the sign regulations within the Unified Development Bylaws after tweaking them in the last go-round. (You can read them at right.) It had amended the Home Occupation and Home Business standards by cutting in half the allowable signage […]
To the editor: Civil discourse makes for a brighter future for Chester
The night prior to the vote on an amendment to Chester’s Unified Development Bylaws, a public meeting was held at Town Hall for voicing views and asking questions on the matter. For me, it was a valuable experience. It became clear that there were many on both sides who had Chester’s – not outside corporate […]
To the editor: Heartfelt thanks to all who supported Lindsey, family
Our family has so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. It seems like the perfect time to express our gratitude to all who have helped us along our journey. We have many people and organizations to thank for their support over the last nine months of Lindsey’s bone marrow operation and recovery. The Chester […]
To the editor: Rep. Dakin outlines priorities, asks for voter input
Thank you very much, voters, for re-electing me to the Vermont state legislature from Windsor District 3-1. I am honored to represent the citizens of Andover, Baltimore, Chester and North Springfield, particularly in this period of economic challenge for all of us. As I return to the State House in January 2015, my focus will […]
To the editor: Go before Planning Commission to seek bylaw changes
Chester has a Development Review Board charged with the task of reviewing each application for Conditional Use on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the project meets the requirements of the Unified Development Bylaws. Those bylaws include general, specific and performance standards that must be met before a project is permitted. In the interest of […]
To the editor: Reasons to vote Yes
Vote “YES” on Nov. 18, to remove the proposed addition of auto/sales/service/fuel on Main Street in Chester. This is why: In response to M.J. Miles’ letter to The Chester Telegraph challenging perceived and actual claims by those opposing the addition of used car lots, fueling stations, and other auto service outlets along Chester’s Main Street, […]
To the editor: Keep Chester’s new zoning regulation
On Nov. 18 there will be a vote to remove Automobile Fuel/Sales/Service from the Residential-Commercial District (R-C). The R-C zoning district layout is similar to that of the town of Woodstock. The village center is separated from the automotive uses that are located on the east side of the village. (The Chester Zoning district map […]
