Dear Editor, Today in Rutland we are facing challenges similar to those in almost every town and city across the country. This doesn't make it any less of our responsibility to address these issues, but it does give us the opportunity to consider solutions that have worked in other communities around the country. From drug…

Dear Editor, This Sunday, Feb. 19, my wife and I noticed some smoke coming from a tree on our neighbor's electricity right of way. A closer look showed a White Pine had snapped in half with the electric line caught in the hinge holding the two halves together. We called the Killington Fire Department when…

By Gov. Phil Scott Editor’s Note: At his weekly press conference Tuesday, Governor Phil Scott addressed concerning incidents seen at youth sporting events over the past several months, and the need for everyone to work to be better role models. A transcript of Scott’s remarks follows. Good afternoon. I want to start today by addressing…

Dear Editor, I am writing to encourage all residents of Killington to vote 'yes' on March 7, for Killington forward, Article 5, on the town ballot. Whether you are a senior citizen, as I am, or a new young family recently settled in our town, Killington Forward will have a profound effect on us and…

Dear Editor, The WCUUSD School Board thanks everyone who joined our Feb. 6 meeting. We heard your concerns, stories, and desire for better communication and transparency regarding student safety.  Board members also continue to receive emails and to have conversations with parents and community members. It is truly encouraging to see so many people dedicated…

Dear Editor, The Vermont State House of Representatives closed the week by approving one of the most important bills I believe will come before us this year.  Vermonters overwhelmingly went to the polls in November and showed they want reproductive freedom and access to abortion protected in our state. Every single community in Vermont approved…

By James Lyall Editor’s note: James Lyall is the executive director of  ACLU of Vermont. The Vermont affiliates of the NAACP and ACLU this month invited to Montpelier five family members whose loved ones were lost to police violence, and who are a part of the Love Not Blood Campaign. Their stories are a powerful…

By Richard Hopkins Editor’s note: Richard Hopkins is a retired public health official who has devoted himself to volunteer activities to try to reduce climate change. He is a member of the board of the Climate Economy Action Center of Addison County, and of the town of Middlebury Energy Committee. Do you remember when Al…

Dear Editor, In the Jan 25 edition of The Mountain Times, environmental activist Bill McKibben opined about health and environmental risks of household gas stoves. He tries to make the case that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emitted by stoves is a leading cause of asthma and he cites statistical studies to back that up. It strikes…

Dear Editor, There are few times in our lives when we have the opportunity to have the impact that we, Killington voters, have this March on Town Meeting Day. The last time someone or something had an impact this great on Killington, Pres Smith was hiking to the base of Killington mountain to start planning…

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.  It’s hard to ignore Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Republican firebrand and likely presidential candidate leading the nation’s third most populous state. His keen sense of timing when championing cultural issues…

By Mary E. Mendoza Editor’s note: Mary E. Mendoza is an assistant professor of history and Latino/a Studies at Penn State University. She lives in Weybridge. Because I teach about the history of race in America, I often ponder the differences between equity and equality. In addition, the start of my current semester teaching Latino…

Dear Editor, Let me begin by saying thank you for your support and encouragement over the years. I am truly honored and humbled to be your mayor.  I want you to know I am totally healthy and cancer free, working every day, and am as motivated and excited about the next two years as I…

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. A bill introduced last week to reform the way Vermont sheriffs operate is a step in the right direction, and sorely needed. Currently Vermont sheriffs have an unseemly way of earning…

By Ruth Farmer Editor’s note: Ruth Farmer is a published essayist and poet. She is sole owner of Farmer Writing and Editing ruthfarmer.com. A few weeks ago, I was in the midst of a busy fall semester — too many student papers, meetings and emails — when a friend sent me a link to the…