‘Not in my backyard’ is hitting Rutland hard, solutions must be statewide By Alis Headlam Editor’s note: Alis Headlam, of Rutland, is a former educator and member of Project VISION. The “not in my backyard” syndrome has put the Rutland area in a very difficult situation. Rutland has become the go-to place for people who…

By Margaret MacLean Editor’s note: Margaret MacLean, of Peacham, is a retired Vermont teacher and award-winning principal. She is the founding executive director of the Vermont Rural Education Collaborative, a past employee of the Rural School and Community Trust, and served on the Vermont State Board of Education.  Roxbury parents can meet most of the…

By Rebecca Holcombe Editor’s note: Rebecca Holcombe is a Vermont Representative from Windsor-Orange 2 who served as the Vermont Secretary of Education from 2014 to 2018. Vermonters suffer from unsustainable increases in the cost of everything from property taxes to healthcare. Too many people are working hard and stretching Social Security checks but still worry…

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…

By Mike Mrowicki Editor’s note: Mike Mrowicki is a state Representative for the Windham 4 District of Putney and Dummerston. For those experiencing sticker shock from viewing their property tax bills this year, you’re not alone. I get it. Or, I got it, as our tax bill soared on a 1,000-square-foot house on 2 acres,…

In a matter of days, the 2024 General Election will be over. Hooray!If you have not already sent in your ballot to your town clerk, you have three options according to the Secretary of State’s Office: Bring your ballot to your town clerk’s office in-person during their open hours. Drop your ballot into an official…

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…