On October 14, 2020

Give Shank a chance

Dear Editor,

To be fair, one can’t really write a letter about the upcoming election without referencing the current Covid crisis.  That said, this global pandemic has done more than jeopardize our personal health and well-being.  Covid has also done an efficient job of shining the spotlight on some long-standing economic problems in our region.  With small business suffering and institutions like Thomas Dairy shutting its doors, the financial implications of this public health crisis are speeding the demise of economic systems that have been creeping downward for a generation.

Population decline and limited work-skills training opportunities are two huge contributing factors to the economic crisis in Rutland.

So how do we keep younger people in the area and attract more people to our towns?  We start with the foundation of any community: the people, us, our neighbors; we start with the foundation of any economy: the workers.

Various workforce training and business initiatives already exist, both regionally and at the state level. But leadership is needed.  We have to imagine: could Rutland become a networked community of highly skilled workers engaged and motivated in their craft?

If we are able to hold that vision for a moment, we would see people thriving, earning dignified wages while working at dynamic and innovative businesses rooted in the needs and priorities of our local neighborhoods.

We would see business ventures eyeing the Rutland County workforce as an ideal community in which to invest their efforts and capital.  But again, it takes leadership to collaborate and coordinate these endeavors.

Lucky for us, we have a candidate that has the experience and track record of doing just that.  Michael Shank has spent his life in the work of community sustainability and resilience.  Through his town and regional planning involvement, his advocacy for mentorship and the arts, and his local, state, and national leadership and teaching in the areas of climate and conflict resolution, Shank is uniquely qualified to help transition Rutland County into the vision we all share: a vibrant hub of sustainable economic creativity and cultural depth.

Join me in voting for Michael Shank for Vermont Senate.

Jed Pauls,

Brandon

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Gov. Phil Scott, we’ve never needed you more, where are you?

July 2, 2025
Dear Editor, I was scheduled to be the final speaker at the “No Kings” rally in Burlington last week. Unfortunately, the event ran longer than anticipated, and I was not able to address the crowd. Here’s what I had planned to say:  Good afternoon. My name is Larry Satcowitz. I’m a state representative from Randolph.…

H.454 passed but not a done deal

July 2, 2025
By Rep. Peter Conlon Editor’s note: Rep. Peter Conlon, D-Cornwall, is chair of the House Education Committee. The passage of the education bill, H. 454, in the General Assembly, and presumably gaining the governor’s signature into law, marks the start of efforts to transform Vermont’s education system into one that recognizes the incredible demographic changes…

The worst bill in modern U.S. history

July 2, 2025
By U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders Editor’s note: Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) gave the following remarks Sunday, June 29, on the floor of the U.S. Senate opposing President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Mr. President: President Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” now on the floor of the Senate, is the most dangerous piece of legislation in the modern history…

Protecting SNAP protects farmers

July 2, 2025
Dear Editor, As the director of the Burlington Farmers Market I am deeply concerned about what’s happening in Congress right now and the potential to gut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, two of the most essential programs that help people put food on the table and get the healthcare they need. At our…