Dear Editor, As Vermont’s population ages and in many places declines, we’re seeing the impact in all aspects of our daily lives — whether it’s housing, education or health care. What’s the core problem in Vermont’s health care system? At its most simple, the number of people paying for care through commercial insurance is going…

Dear Editor, In its first six months legalized sports betting brought $3.5 million dollars in tax revenue to the state of Vermont. Except that Vermonters and visitors bet more than $100 million in that time period and the casinos paid out less than 90%. So $10 million left our economy and we got a $3.5 million return,…

Dear Editor, What was at first a peaceful and unassuming summer has now jolted Vermonters with another wave of midyear inundations. Many communities just beginning to get back on their feet from last year’s flooding have been forced back to square one. In the wake of these unfortunate circumstances, we are reminded that Vermont’s forests…

Dear Editor, Labor Day often brings to mind long weekends, barbecues, and the close of summer. But it’s also an opportunity to make compassionate choices. Each day, over 23 million land animals and 150 million sea animals are killed in the U.S. for food.  The worldwide numbers are even more staggering. Choosing to eat animals,…

Dear Editor, I am delighted to share some wonderful news with the Rutland community. The Winter Farmers’ Market is officially returning to Farmers’ Hall at the Vermont Farmers’ Food Center, starting Nov. 2!  Once the Summer Farmers’ Market at Depot Park wraps up at the end of October, we are excited to invite everyone to…

Dear Editor, Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech showed she is capable of being firm in her convictions when it comes to ensuring “safety, dignity, and justice” for rising American generations. However, she came off as much less firm about ensuring “hope,” “joy,” and “love” for Muslim women and children living in Gaza. She said, “I will…

Dear Editor, In response to the guest editorial titled “Vt. Republicans face a choice,” the author implies being a Republican is amusing. He goes on about previous Republicans and the past. Reality check: it’s a new world. People talk about the “far right,” you know those that don’t think it’s OK for children to be…

Dear Editor, As Vermont recovers from yet another round of flooding and braces for what’s left of Tropical Storm Debby, it may come as no surprise that Vermont is ranked seventh in the nation for the most federal disaster declarations due to extreme weather since 2011. And some parts are harder hit than others: Washington County is…

Remembering Dan Kelly Dear Edtior, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Dan Kelly. He was truly a “Great Waiter” and most importantly a great person. He was an unique character, not short on personality. Many customers asked to be seated in his section and would wait until tables became available. He…

Dear Editor, On May 11, 2022, Governor Scott signed into law Bill H.411, which prohibits killing wildlife without intention to use or dispose of it properly—known as wanton waste. A 2017 survey by the University of Vermont’s Center for Rural Studies showed that 70.5% of Vermonters oppose wanton waste. The passing of H.411 ignited a glimmer of…

Dear Editor, A third party always challenges the dual-mode of the scales, up and down. The dual-mode (“two party system”) has dominated America since John Adams was president. Picture a fist fight. Dramatic, sure. Useful? To vested interests, very. You get the drama. Vested interests pocket the dharma: the money and influence. The power.  The…

By Allen Gilbert Editor’s note: Allen Gilbert of Worcester, a former journalist, teacher and ACLU-VT executive director. He chaired his school board in Worcester when it joined the education funding lawsuit that resulted in the Brigham v. State decision by the Vermont Supreme Court. Don Keelan’s commentary printed in this publication July 31 — “The ‘welcome to Vermont’…

Dear Editor, In response to Susan Weiksner’s letter in the last edition of the Mountain Times about being offended by political cartoons: I, in turn, was offended by your racism. You stated you are a retired teacher from Georgia. I hope your retirement offers you the time and motivation to seek knowledge, as any student…

Dear Editor, For the second consecutive year – exactly one year to the day – Vermont was struck by catastrophic flooding, wreaking havoc across our beautiful state. Kingsbury Companies, alongside many others, has been on the frontlines of cleanup and recovery efforts these past few weeks, and we are still supporting Vermonters in the aftermath…

Dear Editor, There are many acute problems crying for attention in the upcoming legislative session.  Affordability is a leading one that affects most Vermonters in one way or another. Families and individuals who would like to live in our communities are priced out due the lack of affordable housing. Businesses cannot fill open positions; hospitals, medical…