RSSAll Entries in the "Commentary" Category

Democrat Chris Morrow takes the seat vacated by Kelly Pajala Telegraph file photo

To the editor: Rep.-elect Morrow on projected property tax hike

The Vermont Tax Commissioner has released his annual estimate of what our average statewide property tax will be next year, based on expected revenues, expected property values, the budgets school boards are proposing to local voters, and other currently existing costs in the education fund. The letter projects a 5.9% property tax increase. While it […]

To the editor: Chester development would create many problems for full-time residents

To the editor: Chester development would create many problems for full-time residents

My concerns are the zoning law changes to smaller lots in Chester. The new revision of zoning laws for acre reduction to lots for development off Putnam Hill Road in Chester on an 8+ acre lot for new homes has been approved by Chester planning and zoning. Despite objection by surrounding homeowners. My understanding on […]

To the editor: How to merge Proctorsville and Cavendish fire departments

To the editor: How to merge Proctorsville and Cavendish fire departments

Once again, the issue of merging Fire Districts 1 and 2 in Cavendish has been brought up by a few citizens. I have been on the Cavendish Fire Department since 2017 and on the Cavendish Fire District 2 since 2019. I have also been involved in the unsuccessful attempt to merge the fire districts. The […]

To the editor: Correcting misunderstandings about Covid vaccine and climate change

To the editor: Correcting misunderstandings about Covid vaccine and climate change

Mr. Keith Stern, who unsuccessfully ran for the Vermont House in the last election, has made false statements about the Covid vaccine and climate change in several publications. First, Mr. Stern said that the FDA/CDC VAERS website “reported incidences of adverse reactions” to the vaccine. Of course there are reported adverse reactions, as there are […]

To the editor: Senate candidate Murray thanks supporters, says the work continues

To the editor: Senate candidate Murray thanks supporters, says the work continues

Dear Friends, Supporters and Voters of Chester and Windsor District, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each of you who believed in my campaign for state Senate. You shared your stories and campaigned alongside me for a Vermont that works for all. While the result was not what we […]

To the editor: Clarkson, Major, White thank supporters, voters

To the editor: Clarkson, Major, White thank supporters, voters

Thank you to the Windsor District voters for electing us to represent you in the Vermont state Senate. We are honored to serve and appreciate your vote of confidence. We are grateful to our many volunteers who helped make this victory possible. Thank you for hosting our lawn signs, writing letters to the editor, canvassing […]

To the editor: Windsor GOP marks historic wins

To the editor: Windsor GOP marks historic wins

The Windsor County Republican Party is pleased to announce the election of three new Republican state representatives in key districts. Kevin Winter of Ludlow has been elected to represent the Rutland‐Windsor District (Ludlow, Mount Holly and Shrewsbury). Tom Charlton of Chester will serve the Windsor‐Windham District (Athens, Chester, Grafton and Windham). VL Coffin of Cavendish […]

To the editor: Rep. Chase thanks supporters, congratulates Charlton

To the editor: Rep. Chase thanks supporters, congratulates Charlton

Dear Residents of Chester, Grafton, Windham and Athens, The voters have spoken, and while the outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, I want to take a moment to congratulate Tom Charlton on his victory. The people have made their choice, and I respect that decision. Serving as your representative in Montpelier  has been an incredible […]

From the editor: 10 thoughts on elections and voting

From the editor: 10 thoughts on elections and voting

By Cynthia Prairie ©2024 Telegraph Publishing LLC Most of you may have already voted by mail or in early voting, but I wait til Election Day.  Going to the polls is an experience I have cherished since I turned 18. In all the years since, in all the cities I have lived in and for […]

To the editor: Vote for VL Coffin for Windsor-2

To the editor: Vote for VL Coffin for Windsor-2

Weathersfield, Cavendish and Baltimore friends and neighbors, I’m proud to endorse and support fellow veteran, VL Coffin, for Windsor-2 House of Representatives seat. VL has dedicated his life to serve Vermont and our country loyally and honorably. He is a decorated veteran, awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious overseas service. VL has the support […]

To the editor: What Republicans stand for

To the editor: What Republicans stand for

As a Republican, I am for a smaller government close to home. I believe that businesses, not the government, should create jobs. I support free-market capitalism, individual incentive, and achievement. I believe in lower taxes that stimulate the economy by putting more money into wage earners’ pockets. People are better able to decide what to […]

To the editor: Vote for Clarkson, White and Major for state Senate for Windsor

To the editor: Vote for Clarkson, White and Major for state Senate for Windsor

I am writing in support of the Democratic ticket for the Windsor County Senate district: Sen. Alison Clarkson, Sen. Becca White and Joe Major. Alison and Becca are seeking re-election, while Joe hopes to bring his extensive town governance, housing and racial justice experience to Montpelier as a new senator for our district. As a […]

To the editor: Chase has gone above and beyond for the Athens community

To the editor: Chase has gone above and beyond for the Athens community

My name is Tina White and I’m a life long resident of Athens. I’m writing to share of state Rep. Heather Chase’s commitment to Athens and other small rural towns. As a small town, it often feels like Athens gets forgotten about. Before Heather Chase was elected, I recall our representative only coming to town […]

To the editor: Charlton would provide 'workable balance' in State House

To the editor: Charlton would provide ‘workable balance’ in State House

I am a Vermonter born in Barre,  a long-term Chester Select Board member and retired captain of the Vermont State Police. I also coached softball at Green Mountain High School, where I retired from the school system after working with our students for about 15 years. I love Chester and our surrounding towns and know […]

To the editor: Vote Murray to restore balance in Montpelier

To the editor: Vote Murray to restore balance in Montpelier

Hello Friends & Neighbors I’m Andrea Murray and running for state Senate in Windsor District because we must make Vermont more affordable. I’m a farmer in Weathersfield, businesswoman and mom who’s struggling too – with a soaring cost of living, high property taxes and feeling we’re not being heard by career politicians. It’s now time […]

To the editor: Support Charlton to help break supermajority

To the editor: Support Charlton to help break supermajority

I write in support of Tom Charlton for state representative for Athens, Chester, Grafton, and Windham. Why? Well, in part because the supermajority Democrat members of the Vermont legislature rammed through seven new laws despite the vetoes of Gov. Phil Scott. We have learned from a brave Democrat representative that fewer than 10 Democrat legislators […]

To the editor: Vote for Republicans in General Election

To the editor: Vote for Republicans in General Election

I am a delivery driver and a service technician for a home heating company. The only candidates on the ballot that will not destroy the home heat industry, which my coworkers and I rely upon to support our families in Vermont, are Republicans. The only candidates on the ballot that will not increase our home […]

Op-ed: Free, fair, accessible and secure elections

Op-ed: Free, fair, accessible and secure elections

By Sarah Copeland Hanzas The General Election is less than two weeks away. As the rhetoric and “noise” intensifies, it’s worth a reminder that Vermont’s elections are not only among the most accessible in the country, they are also incredibly secure.  Election policy is always a balance of accessibility and security. I feel very strongly […]

To the editor: North Star to move Rockingham Health to Springfield, Charlestown locales

To the editor: North Star to move Rockingham Health to Springfield, Charlestown locales

As highlighted by the Green Mountain Care Board’s recent guidance under Act 167, Vermont’s healthcare system is at a crossroads. While their report focused mainly on area hospitals, most healthcare entities in our state are struggling. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, North Star Health will consolidate our Rockingham Health Center with our Springfield and Charlestown, N.H., […]

To the editor: Vote your climate conscience at the ballot box

To the editor: Vote your climate conscience at the ballot box

As the election draws closer, we cannot ignore the growing impact of climate change on our communities. Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton, along with dozens of wildfires this past summer — they’re all clear warning signs of a very real climate crisis. This issue deserves more attention than it’s received so far this election […]