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…

Dear Editor, First I want to say I appreciate your free weekly newspaper. We caretake a home here in Pico for the last 6 years and it’s very informative as to upcoming events. I am truly upset about the voice of your political cartoons. I realize everyone has a right to their beliefs, but not…

Dear Editor, I’m writing in support of my State Senate colleagues, Alison Clarkson and Becca White, who are seeking Democratic nominations for re-election to represent the Windsor County District. We’ve worked together to make life better for Vermonters with economic development, a higher minimum wage, childcare, family leave, and school meals. We’ve worked for Diversity,…

Dear Editor, I want to sincerely thank the Killington Rescue Team and the fifth floor “Red Team” emergency crew from Rutland Regional for saving my life on July 25. EMT Kristina, Colin McCreight, MD, Andrew DeNicco, MD, Julie Foster, MD and Taylor Stugart (owner of the Clear). I’m sincerely for help and kindness. Everyone did…

Dear Editor, A new peer reviewed paper, “Best Management Practices for Furbearer Trapping Derived from Poor and Misleading Science,” was recently published and debunks Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s  attempt to convince the public that “Best Management Practices” for trapping result in more humane trapping practices. They don’t. In 2022 there was a bill to ban leghold traps—a straight-forward bill that…

Dear Editor, I don’t know where the idea of open primaries came from or the history of how they began in Vermont. I was originally from Connecticut and when you registered to vote you had to declare your party affiliation. Only if you were registered in a political party, could you take part in that…

Dear Editor, Many cruel and unethical practices occur in Vermont’s fields and forests during hunting and trapping seasons, but you’ll never hear about them from Vermont Fish & Wildlife. Thankfully, watchdog groups like Protect Our Wildlife shed light on the most egregious, cruel and wanton acts of violence against wild animals in Vermont. One such act…

Dear Editor, There has been no shortage of notable quotes from Montpelier recently, and not many of them charitable. Reading that our governor referred to lawmakers as “a bit arrogant” in overriding his vetoes at a press conference brings to mind several historical quotes and sayings. What immediately came to mind were “Let he who…

Dear Editor, Many people underestimate the impact that mental illness can have on an individual or family. It can be difficult to admit that you have a mental health problem in your life. Secondly, it can be just as difficult in getting the people you know to understand your situation without making any kinds of…

Dear Editor, The Vermont Legislature has passed a 13.8% increase in Vermonters’ property tax to fund our public education system. Now that we are paying more, what educational outcomes are we getting for our money? According to Forbes Magazine, Feb. 7, 2024: “Which states have the highest standardized test scores,” Vermont ranks 10th in the nation…

Dear Editor, Editor’s note: This letter is authored by 15 child care program directors and owners from across the state. They are listed at the end of the letter. Last year, we came together as child care program owners and early childhood educators from around Vermont to sound the alarm on the dire state of Vermont’s…

Dear Editor, Back in late February, I had to stand up at Town Meeting and tell my community that I anticipated our taxes would increase by double digits. It wasn’t fun. We’re looking at a 15% increase and I’m not at all happy about it. I have to pay it, too. My town elected me…