All Entries in the "Commentary" Category
To the editor: On Nov. 3, vote for new blood in Montpelier
As we enter another general election season, I encourage my fellow Vermonters to take a hard look at the local and statewide issues that affect our daily lives. In 2015, the education bill called Act 46 was passed with grand promises of efficiency, opportunity and importantly, a decrease in our property taxes. But just the […]
To the editor: Local Climate Action 350VT, other groups to rally in Chester for justice issues
Climate Justice, Racial Justice, Migrant Justice, LGBTQ+ Justice, VOTE! Economy, Society and Environment are the pillars of sustainability. To achieve sustainability, economic and social inequalities that exist within our country and globally must be addressed. A peaceful demonstration is planned to bring attention to the inequities and encourage people to vote in the upcoming election. […]
To the editor: Global Warming bill extreme, harmful to Vermont
Vermont produces .1 percent of the country’s emissions If you don’t know about the Global Warming Solutions bill, it is the most extreme and harmful bill ever passed in Vermont. The goal of the bill is to reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent while requiring 90 percent of Vermont’s energy to be from renewables. To […]
To the editor: Whalen drops race for state rep
It has become clear to me that I can’t be elected to serve as representative for our district of Cavendish and Weathersfield. I wish I could take my name off the ballot, but want to urge folks not to vote for me. This election means a lot to us, doesn’t it? We want every vote […]
To the editor: Candidates must commit to full health, economic recovery from Covid-19
Since March 2020, more than 200,000 people in the United States have died from the Covid-19 pandemic, millions have become unemployed, climate-fueled disasters have destroyed lives and racial injustice has continued to compound the impacts of these crises on Black, Indigenous, communities of color, the elderly, and working people. Our government has failed to respond […]
To the editor: Family Center generates $7,000 with successful virtual raffle
We did it! Our first ever virtual raffle was a success. We raised over $7,000 for our “generator” fund. The Chester-Andover Family Center is grateful to Linda and Tom Diak and DyakCraft for their generous donation of the $700 knitting tools prize. We thank them for donating this special prize, their on-going support for the […]
To the editor: Balanced budget can’t make up for lost federal aid
Dithering in Washington has left a lot of states scrambling to figure out how to pay for the support and services their citizens desperately need. In Vermont, Washington’s paralysis means the legislature will have just over a month to determine whether the $7.1 billion budget Gov. Phil Scott proposed for the current fiscal year will […]
To the editor: As school year starts, Weathersfield school board chair grateful to all
For all the struggles that went into reopening schools this summer, Nature did smile on Vermont’s teachers and learners this week as our kids returned to school: conditions have been perfect for outdoor activity. Going in circles around my hay fields, I had a lot of time to think and feel a surge of thankfulness […]
To the editor: Senate candidate Stern chides holding legislative session
This year has been destructive to Vermont and the country. In particular Vermont’s budget suffered a $400 million shortfall. Businesses as well as individuals are still harmed financially. The Vermont legislature came back in session at the reported cost of $2 million. Now if I were in the legislature I would say to my colleagues, […]
To the editor: Sen. McCormack supporting Zuckerman for governor
I’ve worked well with both Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman and Gov. Phil Scott for years. I’m proud to have been a part of Vermont’s tri-partisan response to Covid. I like and respect both leaders. It is in this context that I’ll be voting for Dave Zuckerman for governor of Vermont. Dave supports family leave, and […]
Op-ed: One Drop Passing as white, denying your identity
By James Michael Brodie ©2020 Telegraph Publishing LLC “You see, unfortunately, I am not black. There are lots of different kinds of blood in our family. But here in the United States, the word ‘Negro’ is used to mean anyone who has any Negro blood at all in his veins. In Africa, the word is […]
To the editor: Pamala Smith running for Secretary of State
Hello. My name is Pamala Smith and I am running as an Independent candidate for Secretary of State. If I am elected, I will do my best. I will work toward increasing voter confidence, leading to greater participation and more significant results. I will work to make the voting process not one in which all […]
To the editor: Chester’s Hugging Bear Inn closing
After almost four decades, the Hugging Bear Inn & Shoppe on Main Street in Chester is closing. Located next to the historic Academy Building and across from the Fullerton Inn, the Hugging Bear has been one of the foundational businesses of the Chester Village Green for as long as most of us can remember. Founded […]
To the editor: Food Shelf accepting donations, Thrift Shop open
August continues to be a busy time at the Chester-Andover Family Center. Our Food Shelf, Thrift Shop and Financial Assistance Programs are up and running to meet the needs of the community. We have safety measures firmly in place to conduct business while keeping our volunteers, shoppers and recipients safe. We thank everyone for their […]
To the editor: Sean Whalen running to represent Cavendish, Weathersfield
My name is Sean Whalen. I live and farm in Weathersfield with my young family; and my name will be on the ballot this November as an Independent candidate to represent Cavendish and Weathersfield in the Vermont House. There were times when I was a kid, that all my Mom could afford to give my […]
To the editor: Global Warming Act fails in flexibility
Well, Isaias is upon us here in Vermont, and the forecast for this afternoon is for wind gusts as high as 50 miles per hour. We’re told there may be isolated power outages. That’s a frequent occurrence in our rural communities — thunderstorms in the summer, and snow and ice storms in the winter. Just […]
To the editor: Windham Delegation condemns racist incidents
Dear Windham County residents, The last few months of global pandemic, economic upheaval and civil unrest have many feeling uncertain and fearful of the future. The Windham County Delegation to the Vermont legislature is keenly aware of this, and we want to play a meaningful part in shaping a more just, fair and prosperous Vermont. […]
Op-ed: Individual actions save local businesses
By Tim Roper I’ve heard and read quite a bit recently about how the town of Chester is killing small business through onerous regulation and thought this might be a good place to share some thoughts from my perspective in that regard. I’m writing here as a citizen of Chester and a small business owner, […]
Op-ed: Why are you mad?
By James Michael Brodie ©2020 Telegraph Publishing LLC A few days ago, a white gentleman responded to one of my posts with a series of profanity laden insults. When another poster pointed out his bigotry, he responded by declaring himself a “proud racist,” before adding in a few more expletives. A quick look at postings […]
To the editor: Rep. Bock announces bid for re-election
I would like to announce my candidacy for re-election, seeking a third term to serve as state Representative for the Windsor 3-1 District, representing Andover, Baltimore, Chester and a portion of North Springfield. My past years of service on the Chester Select Board and Chester Planning Commission and as current chair of the Southern Windsor […]
