Discover More from This Category: Opinions

Vermont physicians thank Governor Phil Scott for mask mandate

July 29, 2020
Dear Editor, The physician and physician assistant members of the Vermont Medical Society applaud Governor Phil Scott’s announcement Friday putting in place a mandatory face mask policy. On Wednesday night, the Medical Society governing council led by president Catherine Schneider, MD, met for an hour to discuss the evidence and policy options regarding the universal…

Environment sacrificed for income

July 29, 2020
Dear Editor, In response to some of the lieutenant governor candidates who responded to a moderator question in last Tuesday’s vpt/vpr debate by expressing support for Donald Trump’s economic policies, I offer these pertinent facts. After three years in office his administration has dismantled most of the major environmental protective policies as the basis for…

Only Sullivan is qualified for state auditor

July 29, 2020
Dear Editor, Now more than ever, Vermonters must ask themselves who they want to audit their tax dollars and critical state programs and in 2020 the answer is Linda Joy Sullivan. She is a two-term state legislator from Dorset but more important to this letter she is a trained and nationally renowned professional certified public…

Subjective suspension: two different rule books?

July 29, 2020
Dear Editor, The field of lost dreams. That is now what the Killington softball field is being called. They built it, but nobody is coming. Every player loves playing here and always say how beautiful the field is. The town now has two fields that are not in use by anyone. I have been the…

Enough is enough. There’s a better path forward for America

July 29, 2020
By John R. Kasich This op-ed was first published in the Boston Globe July 22, 2020. It is republished here with permissions. America, we’ve lost our way. As a nation, and as individuals, we’ve been thrown off course by an endless barrage of shocking words and divisive deeds from the president who is supposed to lead…

In support of Josh Terenzini for Rutland County Senate

July 22, 2020
Dear Editor, In my years serving in municipal and state government, I’ve occasionally come across individuals who have an unparalleled commitment to their communities and dedication to service. Josh Terenzini is one of those individuals. As chair of the Rutland Town Selectboard, Josh Terenzini has  demonstrated his steadfast devotion to his constituents. He has crafted…

“Vermont Trump Victory Team” binds Republican politicians to Trump

July 22, 2020
Dear Editor, In November the Trump campaign and the Vermont Republican Party announced a partnership they labeled the “Vermont Trump Victory Team.” The announcement touted supposed Trump accomplishments—including, oddly, “controlling healthcare costs”—and announced a goal of “electing Republicans across Vermont…to ensure [Trump] can achieve more victories for the American people for many years to come.” The…

Vote Hoffer for auditor

July 22, 2020
Dear Editor, Doug Hoffer gets my vote for state Auditor in the Democratic primary and, I hope, in the general election. He has consistently done a good job for all of us. His efforts to hold our state’s “accountable care organization,” OneCare, accountable are laudable and necessary. But that job is not yet finished. Few Vermonters…

Federal aid helped, more will be needed

July 22, 2020
The federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) pumped $1.19 billion into the Vermont economy in April, May, and June to help employers hang onto nearly 114,000 jobs during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. To put that in perspective, in normal times Vermont has about 315,000 non-farm payroll jobs, and the state’s total output of…

Winning formula: Support local media and businesses

July 22, 2020
The following editorial was first published in the Deerfield Valley News in Wilmington, Vermont. Just in case readers haven’t noticed, it’s an election year. Of course, there is much focus on the presidential election. Understandably so, given all that is at stake with the future of the country and everything. But there are also statewide…

Virtual race garners new participants

July 15, 2020
Dear Editor, The Martin Devlin July 4th 5K Fun Run committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the virtual race this year. While we hoped to be in person, we are so grateful for the continued support of our long term participants, and the new runners that represented Colorado, Florida, Indiana and Maryland. Special thanks…

The purpose of getting tested

July 15, 2020
Dear Editor, Concerning Covid-19 virus testing: I thought that the plan was to get as many people as possible tested throughout our population (symptoms or no symptoms). But it’s not so easy. The reason for doing testing is to identify the ailing and also to get a geographic mapping of all persons infected regionally, statewide…

Peony fundraiser raises nearly $5,000 for BRISC during challenging time

July 15, 2020
Dear Editor, In the face of challenges brought forth by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Black River Independent School Committee has continued to hold fast to their fundraising goals. BRISC hosted a hugely successful peony sale over the course of three weekends from the end of June to early July raising nearly $5,000. The fundraiser was…

Yes, it’s time to change the Rutland mascot

July 15, 2020
By Annabel Bruno I played a lot of sports in high school: soccer in the fall, snowboarding in the winter, and some mix of lacrosse, swimming and pre-season camps in the spring and summer. It will come as no surprise to those who know me that the athlete in my “tri-scholar athlete” status at RHS…

Project VISION has transformed Rutland

July 15, 2020
By Alis Headlam It was a perfect storm. Jim Baker arrived in Rutland to take the helm as chief of police at a time when drugs, housing and crime were devastating the city. This was 2012. A vision was created under his leadership with the help of Joan Gamble and a large group of concerned citizens:…