By Deb Markowitz, Secretary, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources When I was first elected to public office at the age of 37, I was lucky enough to have a mentor, Tom Lehner, who had spent most of his career in public administration. I first met him when I was a young law clerk to Supreme…

Dear Editor, Accuracy and truth matter. I read with a certain amount of both disdain and amusement Mr. Haff’s letter, who is running for Killington selectman. First he insinuates that I do not pay attention to the nuts and bolts because I am more interested in economic development. Nothing is further from the truth. Both…

Dear Editor, At the annual meeting of the town of Ludlow, Vt., Article 4 will be presented for consideration. The article deals with the renewal of tax-exempt status of the property located at 22 Buttermilk Falls Road, owned by the Ludlow Masonic Building Association a.k.a. Black River-Lafayette Lodge #85 F & AM. The Brethren of…

Editor’s note: This commentary is by Joe Fusco, who is a vice president of Casella Waste Systems Inc. He served as a member of the Vermont Climate Change Economy Council. He is also co-chair of the Advisory Board for the University of Vermont’s MBA program in sustainable entrepreneurship. Over the past year, as the Vermont…

The epidemic of drug addiction and overdoses gripping Vermont, and our country at large, cries out for reform. We must change the perception that jail is an effective treatment for the disease of drug addiction, and give mental health issues the attention and funding they deserve, an opinion I know many Vermonters share. But the…

How to tell if Congress is working again By Lee H. Hamilton There have been encouraging signs that the Republican leadership on Capitol Hill wants to make Congress function again. They’ve talked about a series of changes to make the process more open for rank-and-file members, and insist they want to restore a healthy legislative…

Dear editor, Jim Haff made some interesting points in his last letter to the editor last week. As a selectboard member I agree that it is our job to set the budget and take care of existing infrastructure, etc. It is also our job to set policy for the town concerning its present and its…

Dear Editor, The letter by Leo Khmelniker (The Mountain Times, Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2016) brings to mind several facts not known by the general public. Information furnished by the Rutland Region Planning Commission shows Killington Road to have the highest accident rate in Rutland County. These accidents occur at no specific location. They may involve…

Dear Editor, A few weeks ago I submitted my thoughts and concerns about the 50 mph speed limit over the Sherburne Pass, after that horrific accident that took three lives. The feedback I received was extremely positive. All who I spoke with agreed that the speed limit should be reduced; most people suggested a 40…

Dear editor, What is Haff time? Select Board Chair Patty McGrath explained it well when she says the main difference between us is that I focus on the nuts and bolts of running a municipality while she looks at the bigger picture, which she defines as the economy. She is quoted in the Rutland Herald…

Shap Smith By House Speaker Shap Smith The first major hurdle of the 2016 legislative session was resolved this past Saturday when lawmakers approved a tweak to the cost containment threshold in Act 46, last year’s education governance reform bill. The debate echoed many familiar conversations about our school system. There were speeches about declining…

By Steve Costello I’ve long believed that one of Rutland’s greatest problems is a tendency toward overly negative self criticism, so when I heard about McNeil and Reedy’s contest celebrating its 60th anniversary, I was thrilled. The contest is simple: List 60 things you love about Rutland. Thanks to McNeil and Reedy for the idea,…

Dear Editor, As we approach election time just weeks from now, please know that when you vote for a select person you’re actually voting for somebody whose main job it is to set a budget for our town that takes care of existing infrastructure, roads, public safety (fire/police), schools and recreation. It is not the…

Dear Editor, In a recent letter to friends, family and neighbors I addressed a question many have asked: where do I stand on the legalization of marijuana? I’ve spoken to many of you about this topic. I’ve heard your thoughts and concerns and I am convinced now, more than ever, that should a bill that…

Dear Editor, On Jan. 26 the VCRD hosted “Killington 2020: Setting Priorities for the Future” a follow up to the 2008 VCRD Community Visit, in which we as a community came together to set our priorities to achieve economic development and make our town a better place for everyone. Our latest meeting served to reflect on…