Discover More from This Category: Opinions
Thank you, fire/rescue volunteers
December 24, 2019
Dear Editor, Thank you for the prompt response by Killington Volunteer Fire/ Rescue and Regional Ambulance when Howie fell and lost consciousness. Their response time was amazing, their care and concern comforting. On a day when the snow just didn’t seem to stop it became clear to me that the most important places to keep…
Wishing ‘Stew’ a happy 60th birthday
December 24, 2019
Dear Editor, After 10 years out of the limelight, one of Killington’s greatest just might be preparing for the most epic return to the main stage this country has ever seen. You’ve heard whispers in the pubs, you’ve read rumors on social media, and maybe you’ve even caught what you thought was a glimpse of…
We need a progressively funded, union-based Green New Deal
December 24, 2019
By David Van Deusen As president of the 10,000 member Vermont AFL-CIO (and as a former organizer with the Sierra Club), it was with keen interest that I read the recommendations of the Transportation and Climate Initiative. This group, representing 12 Northeast states, is seeking to take steps to increase the price of fuel over…
Why WUHS needs a new high school
December 18, 2019
Editor’s note: This was submitted by the Windsor Central Supervisory Union and may not represent the opinion of all school board members. After two years of studying the best and highest value means of addressing the facility deficiencies of the 60 plus year-old middle and high school facility, the WCSU (Windsor Central Supervisory Union) board…
Homeless Prevention Center fundraiser raises a record $20,000
December 18, 2019
Dear Editor, On behalf of the Homeless Prevention Center, we would like to thank the many community members who made our dinner, dance, silent auction and 20th Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 2 at the Franklin Conference Center in Rutland, such a great success. With the help of 15 sponsors, 70 individuals and businesses that donated…
Now is the time, Congressman Welch
December 18, 2019
Dear Editor, On March 9, 1954, Republican Vermont Sen. Ralph Flanders stood on the floor of the U.S. Senate to condemn fellow Republican Sen. Joseph McCarthy on his claims that there were communists in the state department. The Flanders speech was an immediate sensation, as Flanders’ courage to speak up against a member of his…
The case for impeachment is a case for our democracy
December 18, 2019
By Angelo Lynn In recent impeachment hearings, during which House Democrats called on three judicial scholars for their constitutional interpretation of what acts would be grounds for impeachment, the evidence was overwhelming that President Trump’s attempted bribery of Ukraine’s president met the standard of “high crimes and misdemeanors.” According to numerous reporters present, the testimony…
We need blood
December 18, 2019
By Steve Costello As a former journalist who has seen a lot over the years, I’m not one to be easily impressed or inspired. But as Gordon Dritschilo wrote (Gift of Life kicks off, Dec. 11) Stefanie Schaffer has recently done both. Read on, and I hope you’ll be inspired by Stefanie as well –…
Support the Gift-of-Life Marathon
December 11, 2019
Dear Editor, I was recently asked to become the ambassador for the upcoming Gift-of-Life Marathon, and saying yes to this was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made. Just a little over a year ago I was injured in an explosion while on vacation, causing many life-changing injuries including the loss of both…
Burying utility lines a real plus
December 11, 2019
Dear Editor, A couple of times recently, I’ve driven through Brandon, which is now emerging from its own four-year ordeal of downtown disruption — leading to a whole new pattern of streets and sidewalks. While I’m sure that this period has been a trial for businesses, residents and those of us who occasionally pass through,…
Is Vermont’s DPS waging war on the state’s solar industry?
December 11, 2019
By Angelo Lynn In a little noticed Department of Public Service review of the state’s current net-metering structure, the DPS recommends to the Public Utility Commission that the net-metering rate be reduced from the current 17 cents per kWh to 9.2 cents per kWh — cutting the rate almost in half, and effectively knocking the…
Save Proctor’s public land for public use, don’t sell out
December 4, 2019
Dear Editor, We may be about to witness something none of us have ever seen before, which is a large piece of public land with full public access and heavy public use being sold to a very private wealthy person who has stated he does not want the public on this land again after he…
Disappointed in Cavendish town’s decision
December 4, 2019
Dear Editor, I am truly disappointed in the actions of the Cavendish Select Board not to pursue the tax appeal with the state and allowing the Property Valuation Review dated Oct. 24 (Watson V. Town of Cavendish) to stand. However, I understand why, given Cavendish is such a small town with a limited budget. My…
Are we evaluating test scores correctly?
December 4, 2019
By William J. Mathis Policy wonks, not getting the results they hoped for (and being a touch lazy) invented a new research method called the “intraocular traumatic test.” What that means is, look at the data and if the result hits you between the eyes, it’s significant. Naturally, this kind of eyeballing lends itself to…
We need to focus on our business environment
December 4, 2019
By Rob Roper Gov. Phil Scott recently took some heat from the media over a statement he made following the announcement by Energizer that they would be closing their Bennington plant and moving its operations to Wisconsin. The governor said: “This decision [by Energizer] is an unfortunate example of why those of us in Montpelier…