Legislators address Current Use, other issues at Crown Point BR breakfast

The Crown Point Board of Realtors’ legislative breakfast, held on Monday, March 16, at the Fullerton Inn in Chester, drew a crowd of 35 attendees. The breakfast, sponsored by Victoria Blodgett of Prime Lending, offered an open discussion on topics that have a direct impact on property owners and the real estate market in general.

State Sen. Alice Nitka stands to address the audience during a recent legislative breakfast. She is with state Reps. Mark Huntley, Robert Forguites, Dennis Devereux and Leigh Dakin. Photo provided.

Legislators attending the event were Sen. Alice Nitka of Ludlow, Windsor District; and state Reps. Dennis Devereux of Belmont, Rutland-Windsor-2; Mark Huntley of Cavendish, Windsor-2; Leigh Dakin of Chester, Windsor 3-1; and Robert Forguites of North Springfield, Windsor 3-2.

Preceding the panel, the CPBR held a general membership meeting where board business was discussed. On the agenda was the CPBR annual tag sale on Memorial Day weekend. The tag sale will benefit a chosen local family in need. This year’s recipient has yet to be determined. The group also held an auction to benefit the Sammy Pierce Scholarship Fund. Now in its 15th year, the scholarship is awarded to two deserving area high school seniors who exemplify volunteerism and who apply through CPBR.

Following the board meeting, the legislators covered a wide range of issues, fielding questions from the audience. Topics included the burden that homeowners are facing with rising property taxes in the state and what avenues can be taken to correct or alleviate some of the burden. Income tax reform and education reform were among the ideas discussed. Other discussion topics included economic development, bringing jobs to Vermont, health care, energy and changes in the Current Use laws.