Dear Editor, The Legislature allocated a large sum of money—I believe a million dollars—for a consultant to assess the state of Vermont’s healthcare and identify potential solutions. After many months and miles and meetings, the consultant, Dr. Bruce Hamory, released a lengthy report that identified numerous problems.  The vast majority of these he could have…

Dear Editor, What happened yesterday in Vermont to people experiencing homelessness is nowhere close to a humane treatment of our neighbors. I saw babies and school children being sent to live in the woods and on our streets. I saw people on oxygen and in wheelchairs completely disregarded by our state. I saw people who…

Dear Editor, The people in Windsor District are so fortunate to have Alison Clarkson representing us in the Vermont Senate where she is currently the Senate Majority Leader. She is one of our three state senators from the Windsor District and is seeking re-election for her fifth term in the senate. In her 20 years representing our…

By Rep. Brian Cina Editor’s note: Brian Cina is a state Representative for Chittenden 15 (Old North End | East District, Burlington). Cina is also on the House Health Care Committee and House Ethics Panel. This commentary was originally addressed to the members of the Vermont General Assembly, Governor Scott and Administration, Lieutenant Governor Zuckerman,…

Dear Editor, Editor’s note: The following was submitted to the Mountain Times as an open letter to Governor Scott. To quote Yogi Berra, “It’s deja vu all over again.” Once again, there are members of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board whose terms have expired, this time as of last February, yet they are still…

Dear Editor, I’m writing to support of Steve Radonis’s bid for Windsor’s 5th district state rep. And as a 74-year-old Connecticut resident and life-long (so far!) registered Democrat, that’s pretty much all I can do because out-of-state homeowners in Vermont cannot vote in local elections, one of a few issues on which Radonis and I…

Dear Editor, In his Aug. 28, 2024, Mountain Times letter “Response to Republican choice,” Mr. George de Luna states rather oddly that “Most of his [Trump’s] ‘lies’ are exaggerations but are in the same direction of the truth.”  Actual journalists disagree.  In their Jan. 24, 2021, Washington Post article “Trump’s false or misleading claims total…

Dear Editor, Thank you to so many who celebrated the life of Erica Hurd last month on the Pittsfield Green.  Like her, it was beautiful in so many ways. She brought us together again to share our love, stories, food, music, tears and laughter. And lots of purple. The support of so many — family,…

By Gov. Phil Scott Editor’s note: At a press conference Thursday, Sept. 12, Governor Phil Scott discussed the costs and barriers to implementing the Legislature’s Clean Heat Standard, and the impacts it will have on affordability. This is the transcript of that speech. Last year, I vetoed S.5, the so called ‘Affordable Heat Act’ which…

Dear Editor, While living in Wolcott, I had the pleasure of having John Rogers, who is now running for lieutenant governor, serve as my state senator. During this time, I corresponded with him on numerous occasions regarding legislation. Although we may not have always seen eye-to-eye on every issue, John Rodgers always made the time,…

Dear Editor, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Mike Pieciak for state treasurer of Vermont, Sept. 5. During his tenure as state treasurer, Pieciak has been an effective leader on issues aligned with Vermont Conservation Voters’ mission, championing policies that safeguard our environment and support our communities. Through its endorsements, VCV aims to…

Dear Editor, Animals suffer from pain, just like people do, and it can come in many forms: surgical pain, arthritis, cancer, and dental pain are just a few. Acute pain is obvious — for instance your dog got hit by a car or your horse has a bruised foot and is limping — and it…

Dear Editor, In David Moats’ opinion piece “True generational change in view” published in the Sept. 4-10 edition, he completely misses an important part of the equation: Generation Jones (born 1954-1965, between Boom & X). Gen Jones has become a widely-embraced concept/term as this, among many websites, clearly show: GenJones.net.  There have been articles about Gen…

By Ann Manwaring Editor’s note: Ann Manwaring of Wilmington, a former Democratic state representative who served from 2007-2017. For six of the 10 years I was in the Legislature, representing the towns of Wilmington, Whitingham and Halifax, I was on the Appropriations Committee. We spent a good deal of our time in that committee listening…

By Ivy Enoch Editor’s note: Ivy Enoch is SNAP policy and training lead for Hunger Free Vermont. As we mark the 60th anniversary of the Food Stamps Act, now known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) nationally and 3SquaresVT here in Vermont, it is crucial to recognize the profound impact this landmark legislation has had…