CRAFTSBURY – In a time when America faces political polarization, economic instability, national security threats, as well as social and environmental issues, our citizens are feeling vast pessimism. The nation’s future is uncertain, but that doesn’t mean it is negative. If we start investing in today’s youth, we will foster[Read More…]
Another Opinion
Ada Allen’s State of the Union essay receives award
CRAFTSBURY – Craftsbury Academy Sophomore Ada Allen was awarded third place in Bernie Sander’s 16th Annual State of the Union Essay contest. Her essay proposing a community capacity-building after school program was one of only 15 essays chosen from 418 entries statewide. She and 13 other high school student finalists[Read More…]
A few MVU budget misrepresentations
HARDWICK – It is time to weigh in on the MVU district revote, April 7. It doesn’t surprise me that the board, without much consideration, moved to present the same budget that was defeated on Town Meeting Day. This shows a lack of respect for the voters. Voters support education,[Read More…]
Speak out for the Smithsonian
SILVER SPRINGS, Md. – As we near the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, conversations are taking place throughout the United States about the meaning of this event. How should we mark the occasion? Museums and historical societies have a particularly important role to play in[Read More…]
It’s time for change and repair
HARDWICK – In a few days, I will be out of the office for a month to have my hip replaced. I’ve been waiting nearly ten years for this. Long enough to adjust my life around pain. Long enough to forget what normal movement feels like. Long enough that even[Read More…]
A building we can all be proud of
To the editor: There have been public reports that the Woodbury School needs extensive repairs in excess of $600,000 and this is just not accurate. The architectural plans that were submitted to the district were just one option for the school, not a requirement in any way. After diligent research[Read More…]
The moralization of politics has made nuance almost impossible
WALDEN – Something has changed in the way Americans talk to one another about politics. Not long ago, people could argue fiercely about taxes, war, immigration or social policy and still assume that their neighbor, coworker or family member was acting in good faith. They might be wrong, misguided or[Read More…]
We need a new governor
WOODBURY – To quote Governor Scott, enough is enough. I could not agree more. Not only with the murderous actions of ICE, but with the whole Trump administration and Republican Party. But enough is enough also with a Scott administration that won’t denounce Trump’s trampling on the Constitution and the[Read More…]
Deyvi Daniel Corona-Sanchez and the affordability crisis
HARDWICK – Shortly before Town Meeting Day, a select board candidates’ forum was held in Hardwick’s Jeudevine Memorial Library. Each of the seven candidates expressed concern about affordability. The message that came across was the cost of living and taxes are too high.On March 11, ICE agents went to South[Read More…]
Prepared, not isolated
HARDWICK – The first 72 hours after a disaster is the period when communities rely most heavily on what is already in place locally. The flooding in 2023 made that reality very clear in Hardwick. During those first days, it quickly became obvious which things actually helped people get through[Read More…]
But it won’t go away
WOODBURY – I’m writing to speak from my heart about the terrible human toll of Act 181, the major overhaul of Vermont’s land-use system that’s threatening to destroy the lives of so many rural Vermonters. My husband of 48 years has Alzheimer’s. I have become both husband and wife in our duties[Read More…]
This year was going to be a challenge
HARDWICK – When I was asked to be town moderator, I immediately said yes. Town Meeting Day is my favorite day of the year, of course I will step up when asked to serve my community. I knew enough of Robert’s Rules to accept the challenge and then spent days[Read More…]
