Four Vermont Towns on Preservation Trust Historic Places Watch List

Four Vermont towns – Royalton, Sharon, Strafford, and Tunbridge – have been placed on the latest list of endangered historic places.

“America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places is an annual list that spotlights important examples of our nation’s architectural and cultural heritage that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage” says their announcement.  Route 66, Mount Vernon, and other sites are on the list.


Save the Date(s)! Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast & Energy Resource Fair

It all started when a supporter recently asked that a “candidate [running in the Democratic primary for Governor]… speak at the Brattleboro Senior Center. . . . [and added] …. I understand for equity all candidates must receive the same invitation”

As of this writing, James Ehlers, Christine Hallquist, Brenda Siegel and Ethan Sonneborn * have all agreed to attend a Candidates’ Forum at the Gibson-Aiken Center, Senior Meals, on Friday, July 6th at 8:00am (as always, “doors open” at 7:30am for informal networking).


Governor Phil Scott’s Statement on Gun Legislation Signing

11 APRIL 2018 – Montpelier, Vt. –  Governor Phil Scott today signed bills S.221, H.422 and S.55, relating to violence reduction and gun safety. Below is a transcript of his address.

Governor Scott: On February 16, I was in my office preparing for the day ahead, when everything changed. That morning, I was handed a document containing charges against an 18-year-old, outlining his detailed plan to carry out a school shooting here in Vermont.

Just two days earlier, we had all witnessed the atrocity in Parkland Florida leaving 17 innocent people – Fourteen children and 3 teachers – dead.

As I read the 13-page affidavit, I was alarmed to learn just how close we came to the same tragic fate the people of Parkland faced.


Ethan Sonneborn Running For Governor

Ethan Sonneborn is running for Governor of Vermont.

As his campaign page says “I’m 13 and running for Governor of Vermont. I believe in protecting our future for young people. That’s why I’m shaking up Vermont politics.

His issues? Universal healthcare, education, youth engagement, a worker’s bill of rights, raising the minimum wage, LGBT rights, energy and the environment.


Public Safety/Law Enforcement Hearings

One of the topics covered by Senate Government Operations is public safety. As Chair of that committee I realize that over the past years, many studies have been done concerning law enforcement/public safety in the State of Vermont. A few of the recommendations have been implemented but the more controversial aspects of each study have gone untouched because many would be unpopular with various segments of both the population and law enforcement agencies.


IAmAVermonter.org Begins Statewide Expansion

Brattleboro In an effort to answer quality of life questions people of color may have regarding a relocation to Vermont, Vermont Partnership for Fairness & Diversity has redesigned www.IAmAvermonter.org to capture the experiences of Vermonters of color throughout the Green Mountains.


Brattleboro Rail Forum on Nov. 9

Transportation Board holds Brattleboro Forum on Rail

The Vermont Transportation Board at 6 p.m. on November 9 will hold a public forum in Brattleboro on transportation policy associated with trains, both passenger and freight. The Board wants to discuss railroad related issues with the public – including rail-side economic development and the possible initiation of commuter rail service to Massachusetts – to determine how future policy can be shaped to best position Vermont’s rail interests to meet the needs of the state residents.

The forum, which will be held at the Brattleboro Museum & Arts Center at 10 Vernon Street, is one of seven such public conversations the Board is holding around the state. Topics the Board plans to discuss include: