By U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders I do not often find myself in the habit of thanking Elon Musk, but he has done an exceptional job of demonstrating a point that we have made for years — and that is the fact we live in an oligarchic society in which billionaires dominate, not only our politics…

By Kevin Chu Editor’s note: Kevin Chu is the executive director of the Vermont Futures Project, an independent non-partisan organization pursuing answers to their mission question: How can we use data to support the evolution of Vermont’s economy towards a thriving future full of opportunity for all? Personal growth is universally celebrated. We encourage people…

By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the publisher of the Addison Independent, a sister paper of the Mountain Times. As the nation’s increasingly discredited president continues to sow chaos at every level — domestic and international — it helps to understand what we can of his tactics. A recent piece by Jess Bidgood,…

By James Duff Lyall Editor’s note: This commentary is by James Duff Lyall, executive director of the ACLU of Vermont. The ACLU of Vermont has been defending the civil liberties of everyone who calls this state home for almost 60 years. Right now, many in our communities are understandably worried and afraid of the threat…

By  Lindsay Kurrie Editor’s note: Lindsay Kurrie is the secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. This is a pivotal moment in the history of Vermont that will determine our future. It’s imperative we all realize that housing is the foundation of how we will meet this moment to create the momentum…

By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the publisher of the Addison Independent, as sister paper of the Mountain Times.  Early statewide conversations on school funding and housing offer some hope that progress on these two crucial issues will finally occur. In his inaugural speech, Gov. Phil Scott hinted his administration will actually put…

By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the editor and publisher of the Addison Independent, a sister paper of the Mountain Times.  In a written statement released the opening day of the 2025 legislative session and a day ahead of his fifth inaugural address, Gov. Phil Scott encouraged Vermont residents to watchdog the Legislature…

By Amy Spear and Megan Sullivan Editor’s note: Amy Spear, Killington, is the president of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Megan Sullivan, Chittenden, is the vice president of government affairs for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce outlines its legislative priorities with one focus in mind: creating the conditions…

By Sen. Bernie Sanders Yes. In the wealthiest country on Earth, let us Make America Healthy Again. Let us go forward together to lead the world in terms of life expectancy, quality of life, and human happiness. But let’s be clear. To accomplish those goals, slogans and rhetoric will not be enough. We need concrete…

By Ben Kinsley Editor’s note: Ben Kinsley has over a decade of Vermont public policy experience working for non-profit organizations. He currently serves as the interim executive director for Campaign for Vermont, a non-partisan advocacy group seeking to grow the state’s middle class. As a property taxpayer, I was relieved to see that the Dec. 1 …

By John Freitag Editor’s note: This commentary is by John Freitag. He was facilities manager for the Strafford School District for 34 years and in 1994 was named “outstanding support staff” in Vermont. He served three years as PTA president at the Newton School and has closely watched and covered school and school funding issues…

By Dan Smith Editor’s note: Dan Smith is the president and CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation. People are tired of politics. Fear, mistrust and polarization have that effect. Trust is the connective tissue of civic structures, and the trend at every level is to trust leaders and each other less and less. As elections…

By Peter G. de Krassel Editor’s note: Peter G. de Krassel is the founder of Breaking Housing Matters and the author of the newly released book “Custom Maid Housing for New World Disorder.” He will host a book signing and presentation regarding innovative housing solutions at the Rutland Free Library on Thursday, Dec. 5 at…

By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the editor and publisher of the Addison Independent, a sister publication to the Mountain Times.  An important concept in building new housing was recently articulated by Devon Neary, executive director of the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. “Housing,” he said, “doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere. I…

Dear Editor, Like many others, I am disappointed, though not surprised, that Governor Scott will not call a special legislative session to evaluate and respond, as needed, to incoming President Donald Trump’s destructive policies. After all, Scott’s wait-and-see attitude is similar to how he engages in the legislative process: waiting until time is running out…