Dear Editor,  There is no simple solution to the challenges that Vermonters face. There needs to be a delicate balance between what, on the surface, seems like appealing short-term solutions to the cost of living for all Vermonters versus the vision for long-term planning that creates financial stability and growth into the future.  Do not…

Dear Editor, In an October 23 letter to the Mountain Times, Steve Berry wrote, “John Kerry stated at a World Economic Forum panel, ‘Our First Amendment stands as a major block (to getting things done).’”  You may wonder why Mr. Berry uses such odd syntax, placing part of the quote in parentheses. Maybe it’s because…

Dear Editor, I’m Andrea Murray, and I am running for State Senate in Windsor District because we must make Vermont more affordable. I’m a farmer in Weathersfield, a businesswoman, and a mom struggling too - with a soaring cost of living, high property taxes, and feeling career politicians are not hearing us. It’s now time…

Dear Editor, There’s a reason you see lots of signs for Alison Clarkson, Becca White, and Joe Major now: They are the cream of the crop running for the Vermont State Senate, and Windsor County voters recognize these stellar candidates. These 3 share a deep understanding of our communities’ needs and have records as public servants showing…

Dear Editor, As we enter the last weeks of this election cycle, it is important to recognize the characteristics that are most critical in a candidate — integrity, honesty, transparency, and a genuine desire to be sensitive to and to understand the needs of the people of Vermont. There can be no ulterior or self-serving…

Dear Editor, Don’t we all need to answer Trump’s … “So What!” Last week, unsealed evidence in one of Trump’s legal cases regarding efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election showed that in the hours after his Jan. 6 rally turned to violence and learning Vice President Mike Pence was moved to safety,…

Dear Editor, There are sharp distinctions between the Progressive Democrat Lt. Governor David Zuckerman and his challenger, a former longtime legislator, Republican John Rodgers. Rodgers left the Democratic Party this year and joined the Republican Party, because of runaway tax and spending passed by the Progressive Democratic super majority of legislators and their disregard for…

Dear Editor, Vermonters should vote for John Rodgers for Lieutenant Governor. For many of us, the Lieutenant Governor race is the only place our vote will make a difference this fall. Unfortunately, it is our only seriously contested statewide race; we know who is going to get Vermont’s three presidential electoral votes; and, in too…

Dear Editor, In early spring this year a small group of longtime school board members — most former, one current — got together to talk about pushing back against the steady attacks on our public schools, which are also longtime. We decided to start a grassroots effort, calling ourselves “Friends of Vermont Public Education.”  Our mission is…

Dear Editor, People in positions of power and authority have been speaking out against the First Amendment. Recently, John Kerry, the former secretary of state and Democratic nominee for president, stated at a World Economic Forum panel, “Our First Amendment stands as a major block (to getting things done).” For Kerry, democracy and freedom of…

Dear Editor, I am writing to express my support for John Rodgers as the next Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. Having previously served as Commissioner of Vermont’s Dept. of Forests, Parks, and Recreation for 12 years, appointed by two different governors with a significant legislative portfolio over six legislative biennia, I worked over an extended period…

Dear Editor, I urge my friends and neighbors to elect Joe Major and to re-elect Alison Clarkson and Becca White to the Vermont Senate. Major offers intelligence and extensive management experience. He listens with an open heart and an open mind. Clarkson and White have risen to the challenges of governing in a time of…

Dear Editor,  Unchecked trapping poses a serious and largely unnoticed threat to Vermont’s imperiled fisher population. It shouldn’t have to come to this. Why does it take Protect Our Wildlife (POW), an all-volunteer Vermont nonprofit, to petition Vermont Fish & Wildlife to get them to protect Vermont’s imperiled wildlife? Fish & Wildlife is well aware…

Dear Editor, Governor Phil Scott can solve the homeless crisis with two phone calls. Search “Unrestricted land sales” in Vermont. There is 150 acres for sale for $875,000 [in Alburgh] of which most of this land is fields and can accommodate 10 trailer campers per acre, for 1,500 homes for Vermont homeless adults and children. …

Dear Editor, I am writing in support of the Democratic ticket for the Windsor County Senate district: Sen. Alison Clarkson, Sen. Becca White, and Joe Major. Clarkson and White are seeking re-election, while Major hopes to bring his extensive town governance, housing, and racial justice experience to Montpelier as a new senator for our district.…