HARDWICK – This past Saturday, I attended a legislative update, with Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers (R) and Representative Leanne Harple (D) – Orleans District 4. I had a mixture of reactions, hearing our elected officials discuss a wide range of subjects that are on the forefront of many Vermonter’s minds.
While I cannot say I wholly agree with everything the lieutenant governor says, I did feel heartened to hear him acknowledge the aging demographics of our little state, as well as the waning incentives to keep young people here. I can only hope his words translate into actions, sooner rather than later.
I was also thrilled to hear Rep. Harple discuss her work with the House Education Committee (HEC). I believe the voices of educators should be the loudest in these ongoing conversations about the structure and funding of the public school system in our state.
As a former student I say with confidence, Leanne Harple showed her dedication to improving the experience of learners long before she sought any election. Having one of the most devoted educators in our state serving on the education committee is something I hope her constituents do not take for granted in the upcoming elections.
Both the lieutenant governor and Rep. Harple rightly pointed out that eliminating small schools is just one step in eliminating small communities. Moreover, without the presence of a school, many young people or those beginning families will simply pass over the area when looking to put down roots.
“We also have to think not just of the immediate cost savings, but of the futures of those communities for the next 20, 30, 50 years . . . Who is going to stay in those communities that don’t have a school to send their children to?,” Harple said this past Saturday.
The Northeast Kingdom is already in a similar position in regards to birthing centers and access to prenatal and perinatal care, with the closure of the Copley Hospital Birthing Center.
When searching for a new community to call home, I can say with confidence that most women would not choose to deliver in the emergency room. We need to invest in our rural communities in more ways than one, but beginning with our children, and those who can have children, seems like a logical place to start.
Raymonda Parchment, reporter, The Hardwick Gazette
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
