All Entries in the "Commentary" Category
Editorial: Vote ‘yes’ on the GM budget, then demand better
The $14 million Green Mountain Unified School District budget, which will go before the voters on Tuesday March 3, isn’t perfect. One glaring error is that the school board failed to fight harder to include the long promised foreign language program for the district’s elementary schools, but still managed to be 9 percent over last […]
Rep. Bock: Of two important bills, Scott vetoes one, takes no action yet on the other
By Rep. Tom Bock On the very first day of the 2020 session, Democratic leaders renewed their pledge to continue their work to strengthen the economy and make Vermont more affordable for working families. We are feeling the pinch of a shrinking workforce and an aging population. Currently in the state, there are about 55,000 […]
Sen. Clarkson: Census matters to Vermonters
By Sen. Alison Clarkson The Census matters. Two legislative committees were reminded last week of how important the data gleaned from it is for every state. Each decade since 1790 the U.S. Census Bureau has conducted an every household survey collecting data about our country’s people and the places they live. It is the leading […]
To the editor: A Valentine to Ruthie Douglas
On Feb. 14, 2016, a beloved family friend, Ruthie Douglas (Chester resident and Chester Chatter columnist), married Jim and I. Our marriage has been so blessed and we are fortunate to have such amazing people in our lives like Ruthie! Seven months later, Ruthie married my father-in-law, James Perry Sr., to his wife Paula Perry […]
To the editor: Vermont Timber Works rebuilding, but state makes it more expensive
Vermont Timber Works is excited to announce that just 3½ months after a fire devastated the business, the walls and roof are going up on its new facility, located on the existing property at 16 Fairbanks Road in North Springfield. A team of building professionals including Artisan Engineering, Bonin Architects, Record Concrete, LaValley’s Building Supply, […]
Telegraph Poll: On changes to Vermont’s recreational cannabis laws
The select boards of Chester, Londonderry and Weston have been discussing Vermont state legislation that would create a marketplace for recreational cannabis, weighing whether it is a good idea and what role they and their communities would play if it comes to pass. As a matter of fact, Londonderry residents will have the opportunity to […]
Rep. Pajala: Revamped Paid Family Leave flawed
By Rep. Kelly Pajala Two weeks in and the legislative session’s fever pitch is rising. With campaigning for re-election on everyone’s mind, political optics are fueling the fires as the Paid Family Leave and Minimum Wage bills are heading back to the Vermont State House floor. Although Week 1 was filled with speeches calling for […]
Sen. Clarkson: Housing a crucial need in Vermont
By Sen. Alison Clarkson It is wonderful to get back to work at the State House. The energy around the building is positive and productive. One of the pleasures of being a legislator in Vermont is serving in a legislature where we can work together. Over 90 percent of our votes are by consensus and […]
To the editor: Main St. enhancements among Derry residents’ improvement ideas
The Londonderry Planning Commission would like to thank everyone who contributed to Project Londonderry. The bright orange posters around town were filled with ideas and suggestions on what residents would like for their life in Londonderry. The four overriding themes expressed by residents were: Main Street enhancements; expanded basic life services; year-round recreation and entertainment; […]
Sharpe on Act 46: Were we hoodwinked? Former legislator looks at promises, realities of consolidation
By David Sharpe I am distressed by the proposals for school closings in Addison County. The legislature’s education committees took many weeks of testimony over a six-year period regarding how we move forward as a state in providing quality education for Vermont children in a way that taxpayers could afford. As the chairman of the […]
To the editor: Thank you, Chester Fire and mutual aid departments
We would like to thank the Chester Fire Department and ALL the mutual aid departments that came to our fire on Dec. 26. Thank you for your dedication and willingness to help in our time of need. Thank you for being such an important part of our community. We are so blessed to live in […]
To the editor: Family Center thanks Andover Snow Riders
Every year, the Andover Snow Riders holds a pancake breakfast to raise funds and collect food for the Chester-Andover Family Center. This event is always well-attended thanks to Nick Baker and his team of snow-rider chefs. This year’s breakfast was delicious and plentiful, raising $480 and collecting 110 pounds of food. The Chester-Andover Family Center […]
Opinion: Put education legislation in timeout
By Shawn Cunningham ©2019 Telegraph Publishing LLC On Thursday, Agency of Education Secretary Dan French announced a new statewide initiative to improve reading and math skills. According to a press release, the agency will “partnering with MetaMetrics to roll out (its) … Frameworks for reading and math cost-free to all Vermont school districts.” To put […]
Editorial: The GM school board is leading
By Cynthia Prairie ©2019 Telegraph Publishing LLC When a public body should be criticized, at times the loudest voice you’ll hear comes from me. Today, that will be true for one that deserves praise: The Green Mountain Unified School District Board of Directors and its Finance Committee. Over the past several months, these elected members […]
To the editor: Thank you for a great Cookie Tour
The 3rd Annual Chester Holiday Cookie Tour, held Sunday, Dec. 8 in the Stone Village, was a resounding success as more than 100 people toured historic homes, chatted with the hosts and other visitors and tasted homemade cookies. Visitors came from as far away as Texas and Connecticut although most were Springfield and Chester residents […]
To the editor: State updates action on Lowell Lake
Master Planning work is progressing at Lowell Lake State Park in Londonderry with 2019 field work wrapped up, public input survey on design alternatives complete and further analysis under way. The Lowell Lake Master Plan concept design alternatives were presented at an open house in South Londonderry on July 25. A public feedback survey was […]
To the editor: Holiday Housewarming raises funds fuel assistance
The Chester and Andover Democrats will hold its annual Holiday Housewarming Fuel & Food Fundraiser at Baba a Louis Bakery, 92 Vt. Route 11 west in Chester on Monday, Dec. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. As always, there will be plenty to eat and drink at this event, which is open to the entire […]
To the editor: Chester brochure needs your help!
In January, the Chester Economic Development Committee will begin putting together the 2020 Chester brochure, advertising local businesses, the 2020 Calendar of Events and the many activities that make Chester a great place to live and work. To do this requires help with selling ads, taking photos, layout, proofing and distribution. We’re asking for volunteers […]
To the editor: Chester a very special community
It has been 40 years since our car accident. On Nov. 29, 1979, my older sister Lisa. 13, and my younger sister Kathy Jo, 8, and I, 11, were waiting for the school bus across the street from our house. A car came around the curve, slid on black ice, landed on my two sisters […]
Bill Schubart: Incent strangers or invest in Vermonters and newcomers?
By Bill Schubart The Vermont State Auditor’s recent report titled Structural Weaknesses and Questionable Gains by Vermont’s Remote Worker Grant Program not only raises questions about the design and efficacy of the executive and legislative effort to attract telecommuting employees to Vermont but suggests the execution was slapdash. The $500,000 legislative commitment was designed to […]
