HARDWICK — The impact of federal funding cuts can already be seen across the country, including Vermont, in many different sectors. With the most recent round of cuts, we are beginning to see firsthand the impacts on the agricultural sector. In addition to gutting specific programs, federal cuts also affect[Read More…]
Another Opinion
Phil Scott’s Two Big Money-Saving Ideas: Unshelter the Homeless, Take Food from the Mouths of Schoolkids
EAST MONTPELIER – The contest for “Stupidest Veto in the History of Phil Scott Vetoes” is a richly competitive one, with numerous contenders for the honors among the [checks notes] 52 vetoes he has unleashed upon Vermont’s normally placid and communitarian political life.* But the next one he threatens to[Read More…]
Federal Funding Freeze Jeopardizes the Northeast Kingdom
NORTHEAST KINGDOM – The Trump administration’s newly-announced Federal funding freeze on grants and loans has sparked deep concern across Vermont, particularly for Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) and the rural communities it serves in Essex, Caledonia and Orleans counties. The freeze halts tens of billions of dollars in federal funding,[Read More…]
Through Long Winter: A Note from CAE
HARDWICK – Here in the Northeast Kingdom, this winter reminded many of us what winter used to be like with abundant snow and many days of below-zero temperatures. Despite these conditions winter is a busy time of year for the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) and the local food[Read More…]
My Sincerest Apologies
To the Greatest Generation who are still living (all in my family have passed), my sincerest apologies that America’s leadership is failing to uphold the freedoms and power-sharing required in our U.S. Constitution through three co-equal branches of government. Our model of governance inspired the world, as did the bravery of our[Read More…]
Questions on Southworth’s Vote Tied to Party
STANNARD – One of the first major pieces of legislation the House and Senate are presented each year is the budget adjustment. The state fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, so this is a mid-year correction. Every year, the House Appropriations Committee and the Joint Fiscal Office[Read More…]
Support Universal School Meals in Our Local Schools
MONTPELIER – Many of you have probably been hearing a lot about the Governor’s new five-school district restructuring proposal aimed to reduce the cost of education. Many constituents have reached out to me to express their concerns about its impact on small rural schools and local voice. As a member[Read More…]
Hardwick Trails Makes Good Use of Winter Wonderland
EAST HARDWICK – What a fabulous cross-country ski season! The Hardwick Trails winter sports crew have been busy. The dedicated volunteer trail groomers have worked hard to keep up with this year’s abundant snowfall; a host of ski instructors and Saturday morning cabin-tenders have helped outfit folks and guided them[Read More…]
Sen. Sam Douglass, Campaign Finance Scofflaw
MONTPELIER – The folksy Son of the Soil pictured above is Sam Douglass, senator-elect from the Orleans district. Or, as I find myself thinking of him, Senator Scofflaw. Because while he claims to be a “fierce advocate,” he was shockingly blasé about his legal obligations to report campaign finances accurately[Read More…]
Larger School Districts Will Ensure Resilience
GREENSBORO – In last week’s Hardwick Gazette Paul Fixx shared some quotes from the Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union (OSSU) superintendent Dr. David Baker and a press release from a newly-formed group called the Rural School Community Alliance (RSCA) about Governor Scott’s proposal to condense Vermont’s 54 school districts into just[Read More…]
Other Eggs to Fry
CRAFTSBURY – “Arbitrary power depends on the acquiescence of everyone subjected to it.” – Robert Reich, former secretary of labor, Educator, Patriot Donald Trump has been in office three whole weeks and grocery store eggs are up to $8 a dozen. One would think someone with his ego and self-proclaimed[Read More…]
A Response to Dillon’s Opinion
GREENSBORO – I read Sheila Dillon’s op ed in last week’s Gazette and thought it deserved a response as well as corrections. Here are some basic facts. Contrary to Ms. Dillon’s claim, the proposed conveyance would not transfer title to the Town Green. The Town retains ownership of the Green.[Read More…]
