By Jim Condos Editor’s note: Jim Condos is Vermont secretary of state. He is stepping down from his position in November. As we watch new information emerge from the Jan. 6 Congressional hearings, one truth has been made crystal clear. Whether it’s insurrection at the Capitol or violent threats against election officials, these acts are…

Dear Editor, In researching the candidates running for sheriff, facts came to light that are cause for concern. Earlier, on Ryan Palmer’s website, he had posted a photo of himself holding an AR 15 semi-automatic, rapid-fire, assault rifle, an advocate of a weapon whose capability of mass destruction is a given, as used most recently…

Dear Editor, One way you can judge a person is by those they adore. Here are four women I adore and why. Camille Paglia is an American feminist who is unafraid to write what she believes and could care less what her critics say. She might be described as a supremely courageous example of an…

Dear Editor, The No. 1 issue facing Vermonters is the state of our economy. As Bill Clinton once said, “It’s the economy, stupid.” I fault the Democratic leadership and legislators who voted' yes' on the annual budget. Yes, there are items in the budget that are needed, but the overspending is out of pace with…

By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the editor and publisher of the Addison County Independent, a sister publication to the Mountain Times. In the Democratic primary battle of Vermont’s lone congressional seat, Democrats — and all others who intend to vote in this important primary — must take a step back from their…

By Jay Diaz Editor’s note: Jay Diaz is a general counsel for ACLU of Vermont. With Vermont’s primary election approaching on Aug. 9, it’s time for many voters to decide which candidates are best aligned with their values — and that includes candidates for county prosecutor. Vermont’s elected prosecutors, known as state’s attorneys, have tremendous…

Dear Editor, Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society would like to thank all the people that volunteered at our annual July 4 festivities in Woodstock. Thanks to friends and volunteers who were able to pull it off for another year! If any nonprofit organization would like to take over this event, we can assure…

By Jonathan Dowds Editor’s note: Jonathan Dowds is the deputy director of Renewable Energy Vermont. New Hampshire households are about to get hit hard, really hard, by rate hikes that will increase electricity bills by more than $70 a month. These unprecedented rate hikes reflect surging natural gas prices and New Hampshire’s ill-fated decision to…

By Angelo Lynn/Addison County Independent Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the editor and publisher of the Addison County Independent, a sister publication to the Mountain Times. The esteemed Atlantic Monthly ran a commentary by Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, titled “America is in Denial.” Shortly after, The Washington Post editorial board penned an editorial in which…

Dear Editor, The recent proposal by Vermont Huts Association (VHA) and Moosalamoo Association (MA) to construct a hut next to Silver Lake in the Moosalamoo National Recreation and Education Area in Leicester (Addison County) reveals numerous problems with the USDA/forest service’s management of the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF). Pitched as connecting trails and establishing…

Dear Editor, As a resident of Vermont and a student intern with the Vermont Public Health Association, it was distressing to learn that some Vermonters believe that because our state is small, our efforts to combat climate change are futile. If smaller communities use their size as an excuse to remain stagnant surrounding climate issues,…

By Linda Bowden Editor’s note: Linda Bowden is AARP Vermont’s volunteer state president. We are paying more for nearly everything today – from groceries to gas to housing. As inflation reaches its highest in 40 years – rising 7% last year alone – Vermonters are asking what Congress can do to help them pay for…

Dear Editor, This is in response to George De Luna’s letter of July 12. In it, he repeatedly refers to “God-given” rights. Passing over his total lack of evidence for the existence of any supernatural being, let’s look to see how many times this term occurs in the Constitution. Hmmm, well no “God-given,” but maybe…

By Roxanne Vought Editor’s note: Roxanne Vought is the executive director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. She lives in Weybridge. For those of us who envision — and strive each day toward — a just, thriving, and transformative economy that works for all people and the planet, the final week of June 2022 was…

By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the editor and publisher of the Addison County Independent, a sister publication to the Mountain Times. As fallout of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade in the Dobbs decision takes hold, what’s clear is that the issue will continue to resonate deeply in…