All Entries in the "Commentary" Category
Op-ed: Honor Sunshine Week by requiring hybrid government meetings
By Justin Silverman During the early months of Covid-19, governors in New England states issued executive orders allowing municipalities to meet online so long as the public could attend remotely. The democratic benefits of this arrangement quickly became evident. According to a public official quoted in a 2020 study, the changes “made it a lot […]
Commentary: Trapping is cruel and unnecessary
By Carol Scafuro As a Vermont resident, do you enjoy the opportunity to observe a majestic bobcat or a playful river otter in the wild? Have you ever had the chance to watch a beaver family, led by a mother and father who mate for life, busily build their family’s lodge? Did you know that […]
To the editor: Windham senators asked to vote ‘no’ on Affordable Heat Act
An open letter to Sen. Wendy Harrison and Nader Hashim, Democrats representing the Windham District: You will shortly be voting on the so-called “Affordable Heat Act,” (S.5) formerly the “Clean Heat Act.” The intent of the legislation is to accomplish a statewide switch from heating systems that run on fossil fuels such as oil, natural […]
Op-ed: Ranked choice voting, sheriff qualifications on agenda in Montpelier
By Sen. Alison Clarkson So much is happening at the Statehouse. Bills are beginning to be passed out of committees at a rapid pace, a new set of pages have arrived, the Budget Adjustment Act is poised for a final vote in the Senate and will probably go to a Conference Committee, and the building […]
Commentary: What will make the shooting stop?
By Nicholas Boke Let’s see where the action is this morning. Ah. A shopping mall in El Paso. Again. Just across the street from the Walmart where 23 people were murdered in 2019. The earlier shooting was racist. There’s no clear motive for this one yet. Better check in on that Michigan State University shooting […]
To the editor: Vote for Martha Dale for Londonderry Select Board
I would like to endorse Martha Dale, resident of Londonderry, as a candidate for the Londonderry Select Board. I have known Martha for many years as a neighbor, friend and professional colleague and have seen her succeed in many leadership roles. She brings to the table many skills that include listening, discerning and identifying common […]
To the editor: Vermonters prove their kindness to couple in frightful accident
It was Dec. 26, 2022, the day after a wonderful Christmas in Vermont, surrounded by all of our beloved family. We had flown back east to share a snowy holiday with our two sons, Luca and Nico, ages 6 and 7. This had become somewhat a tradition since they had learned to walk. It has […]
Op-ed: Senate housing bill targets rehabs, affordable new builds, accessory dwellings
By Sen. Alison Clarkson The Vermont legislature is now deep into the work of our 2023 session. To date, 230 bills have been introduced, committees are taking testimony on various issues, and the priorities we identified before session began are beginning to take shape in legislation. The discussion about the Senate’s 107-page child care bill, […]
To the editor: Winter safety tips from the Londonderry Rescue Squad
We at the Londonderry Volunteer Rescue Squad get quite a few calls every winter involving subjects who have slipped and fallen on ice or suffered from exposure because they were unprepared for the conditions or they have been outside for too long. Here are a few cold weather safety precautions: Dress warmly, preferably with layers, […]
Rep. Chase: Small business experience to serve well on House commerce committee
By Rep. Heather Chase The energy in the Statehouse on the opening day of the legislative session on Jan. 4 was palpable. Children, grandchildren, friends and family joined legislators in the House Chamber as we were sworn in. One of my daughters joined me for the big day. I felt honored to be representing the […]
Op-ed: GM founding principal says time is right to change the Chieftain
By Graham Nye ©2023 Telegraph Publishing LLC When the Green Mountain High School was created in 1971, Chester High School teams were known as the Sentinels. As we transitioned from Chester High School to Green Mountain — a task that I played a role as principal of the newly built school — it was determined […]
Sen. Clarkson: Housing a priority as new legislative session in Montpelier begins
By Sen. Alison Clarkson Our 2023 legislative session in Montpelier is off to a fast start. Only two and a half weeks into the session, we’ve already passed our first bill (H.42 which extends remote options for Town Meetings and the Open Meeting law). Committees are meeting and being brought up to speed on the […]
Op-ed: Vermont needs more housing; support necessary changes to state law
By Nicholas Boke All that state Rep. Seth Bongartz (D-Manchester) and his colleagues are doing is facing the fact that lovely Vermont just isn’t what it thinks it is anymore. The bill they’re proposing to enable housing development by banning single-family zoning and allowing duplexes and even three- and four-unit homes in some municipalities just […]
To the editor: With adoption of Declaration of Inclusion, time for GM to jettison Chieftain logo
It was wonderful to hear the Chester Select Board consider and adopt a Declaration of Inclusion on Wednesday evening. I was so encouraged to hear the supportive dialogue from most select board members. Having been involved in the Springfield DOI committee several months ago myself, I can appreciate the amount of work and collaboration that […]
Opinion: A federal act to save local journalism instead harms it
Editor’s Note: The following letter went out this week to leaders in both U.S. House and Senate. It was written by three public information organizations promoting internet access and its responsible use: Public Knowledge; Fight for the Future and Local Independent Online News (LION) Publishers. The Chester Telegraph, a long-time member of LION, has communicated […]
To the editor: Last date for Planning Commission Citizens’ Poll
The Chester Planning Commission Citizens’ Poll will be closing out on Dec. 31. The town will benefit from having as many citizens as possible complete this poll before that time and we are asking any Chester residents, property owners, renters or business managers who haven’t had a chance to complete the poll to please do […]
To the editor: Heritage Deli opens Tuesday, Wednesday for pre-made deli, bakery items
To our loyal customers: We at the Heritage Deli, 642 VT Route 103 S in Chester, would like our customers to know that we have stopped taking pre-orders for desserts for Thanksgiving. However, the bakery will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22 and Wednesday, Nov. 23 offering pre-made deli […]
To the editor: Windsor senators, senator-elect thank voters, urge continued communication
We, the newly elected Windsor District senators, write to thank the people for the trust you’ve expressed with your votes. We’re grateful for the many forms of support we received from Democratic volunteers. We’re proud that our contest with our opponents was civil and mutually respectful. To be trusted to write the law and to […]
To the editor: Modern-day slavery must be eliminated worldwide
On July 2, 1777, Vermont was the first colony to abolish slavery in its constitution as well as provide for full voting rights for African American males. In 1777, Vermonters owned 25 slaves. In December of 1865, the U.S. Congress ratified the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery in the entire nation. On Nov. 8, 2022 Vermonters, […]
To the editor: Chase thanks voters for their support, urges community input
To the communities of Athens, Chester, Grafton and Windham, Thank you for your vote on Election Day. I am grateful for your confidence in and support of me. As your newly elected state representative, I pledge to do my best and to work hard to represent the interests of our communities in Montpelier. Whether we […]
