Dear Editor, The Vermont State Auditor’s report, which tells us that the cost to taxpayers for supporting the Vermont dairy industry during the period 2010-2019 has been very high but stops short of saying largely ineffective, has already stimulated the predictable responses from the industry’s apologists: that “agriculture isn’t an optional industry, but rather a…

Dear Editor, Many people don’t realize that global weather patterns can actually have a bearing on their health. I consider it part of my responsibility as a medical professional to explain these challenges to my patients, especially as the weather starts to get unseasonably warm. During physicals, I remind patients of all ages to check…

Dear Editor, You’ve probably heard a lot about the personal actions we can all take to help mitigate the effects of the climate crisis. Bike to work more. Stop eating meat. Turn off your lights. Sound familiar?  I may be jaded, but in my experience, individual actions alone, however gratifying, will be insufficient to get…

By Lisa Loomis The Vermont Press Association wishes to thank Gov. Phil Scott for his veto of S.107 and siding with greater transparency for all Vermonters while also allowing for more time on this important issue. His veto letter is very clear and thoughtful as to why the bill as passed needs more consideration. The governor makes…

By Lee H. Hamilton The phrase “the common good” and its importance in our history has always impressed me. I’ve been wondering about the history of the idea: where it comes from, what it means and the impact it has. The concept goes back a long way. Aristotle wrote about forming governments to achieve security,…

By Will Stevens Editor’s Note: Will Stevens is a first-generation farmer and co-owner of Golden Russet Farm in Shoreham. He served in the Vermont Legislature from 2007-2014 and was ranking member of the House agriculture and forest products committee for four years. He’s been president of Vermont Organic Farmers and served on several town and non-profit…

Dear Editor, Two Mondays ago, on my way to work I stopped at the end of Spellman Terrace to take my turn onto South Main Street when a terrifying scene unfolded in front of me. A young man, in obvious distress, slumped against a white van parked on South Main Street. Even though he was…

Dear Editor, We read that Bridge to Rutland (B2R), a well-meaning grass-roots project, is laying plans to bring asylum seekers to Rutland. I am bucking the current here, but has anyone given any thought to how and where any numbers of asylum seekers will actually live here in Rutland? I have spent the last nine…

Dear Editor, The Rich Earth Institute applauds Secretary Moore’s April 28 editorial focused on wastewater infrastructure and the pending ARPA funding from Congress, and offers this response. Based in Brattleboro, our organization has been developing innovations in the wastewater sector since 2012, guided by the clear need for effective and affordable wastewater technologies to meet…

By David Kelley, board member of the Vermont Wildlife Coalition  When I was young everyone in my family hunted and fished. In fact, when I was young, it seemed like everyone in Vermont hunted and fished. At Otter Valley, where I went to high school, absenteeism shot up during deer season. Going to deer camp…

Dear Clarendon Residents, On May 18, there will be a special election for a seat on the Mill River School Board.  My experience demonstrates that I will be able to contribute the leadership needed to help the school district move forward. My background in Communication supports an understanding of the barriers that occur between people…

By Bill Schubart Editor’s Note: Bill Schubart is the author of nine books of fiction, a former VPR radio commentator, and a regular columnist for VTDigger. He has served on many non-profit boards and several legislative commissions. He grew up in Morrisville and lives in Hinesburg. This commentary is part eight in a 10-part series in…

Dear Editor, When some school board members state that the Rutland City School Board should have been doing other things, maybe they didn’t notice we were because they were so stuck in retaining the Raider mascot. Over this last year the School Board has operated schools in person during a pandemic, hired a new superintendent,…

By Madeleine May Kunin Editor’s note: Madeleine May Kunin, a Democrat, was the 77th governor of Vermont, serving 1985-1991.  It’s almost the end of lockdown. Light is coming through the open door. Fresh air is rushing in. Outdoors, we can breathe again, without being muffled by masks. Where I live, at Wake Robin, a senior living…

By Ron Krupp Editor’s note: Ron Krupp, author of “The Woodchuck’s Guide to Gardening,” “The Woodchuck Returns to Gardening” and “Lifting the Yoke,” is working on his third garden book, “The Woodchuck’s Guide to Landscape Plants and Ornamentals.” When we plant a seed, we create a direct link between our ancestral past and our potential future.…