Politics

Politics section

Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast ~ Democratic Primary Candidates for Governor

by RobertOeser | Politics

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”

All of the candidates in the Democratic Primary for Governor:
James Ehlers, Christine Hallquist, Brenda Siegel and Ethan Sonneborn have 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).

Imperial Dreams

by tomaidh | Politics

Donald Trump is the smartest man in the world (just ask him!).
And his goal is to become Emperor of Earth (because he’s the only one smart enough to do it).
The bad news is that he’s well on his way.

Special Legislative Session Part 2? Age Limit For Governor Candidates, Please!

by Cris Ericson | Politics

Special Legislative Session Part Two??? Age limit for governor candidates, please!!! We need an age limit for governor candidates, in my personal opinion.

I sent State Attorney General TJ Donovan an email about the idea that little boy minor child Ethan Sonneborn, then age 13, apparently now age 14 if the correct birthdate for the child was given on the internet as May 24, 2004, should not be allowed on the ballot because State and Federal Laws prohibit a minor child age 14 and under from working a full time job, and the job of Governor of Vermont is a full time job.

Bernie Sanders Running for Senator

by cgrotke | Politics

Bernie Sanders has announced his intention to run for Vermont Senator.

This young, new face may be unfamiliar to Vermonters, but readers may recall that he was one of the many candidates for President in 2016.

Gina Haspel Appointed to Head CIA By The Numbers

by Not Signed In | Politics

Gina Cheri Haspel=135 in English ordinal. She was nominated on 5/13. 5/13 in most of the world is expressed as 13/5 or 135. Central Intelligence Agency=135 in Reverse Reduction. Nominated on the 13th, CIA=13 in English Ordinal. Haspel=61 in English Ordinal. She is 61 years old. Born on 10/1. Haspel=101 in Reverse Ordinal. From her confirmation,May 17th, as head of the CIA to her birthday is 137 days. Government=137 in Reverse Ordinal. Authority=137 in English Ordinal. May 17th is the 137th day of the year.

The Testing of the Official Brattleboro Selectboard Emails

by cgrotke | Politics

Selectboard Chair Kate O’Connor recently announced during a Selectboard meeting that she didn’t read emails sent to her official email account. 

I decided to send a few questions to Town Manager Peter Elwell about this April 26. When did O’Connor stop reading her emails? How many emails piled up as unread? How many of them were from citizens and how many were spam? Which other Selectboard members don’t read their official email accounts? And how should citizens contact board members so that they know their comments will be read?

Sara Coffey Running For State Representative for Vernon/Guilford

by cgrotke | Politics

Sara Coffey, founder and Director of Vermont Performance Lab, has indicated her desire to be the next representative from Vernon and Guilford.

” I believe that it’s through coming together and listening to each other that we can find creative solutions to help keep our small rural communities strong, healthy and vibrant.”

Windham World Affairs Council Holds Talk on Iran Nuclear Deal on Eve of Trump’s Decision

by Not Signed In | Politics

On Friday, May 11, 2018 @7:00 pm the Windham World Affairs Council is presenting “Revisiting the Nuclear Agreement between Iran and the US, the JCPOA,” a major talk at a decisive moment for our country,  The talk, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Sanctuary of the Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St, Brattleboro, which has a large capacity and is handicapped-accessible.

WWAC announces this major talk at a decisive moment for our country as President Trump is getting ready to tell the world whether or not he will honor the agreement made by his predecessor with Iran and five other world powers and is also preparing for direct talks on denuclearization with North Korean leader Kim Jung-un.

Gov. Scott Wants To Issue Tax Penalties on Brattleboro for Providing Quality Education

by Indivisible Brattleboro | Politics

The legislative session is wrapping up and the budget is still on the line. The threats coming out of Gov. Scott’s office are terrible.

-Gov. Scott has said all year that he wants to level funding and impose strict staff ratios at our public schools.
-Townships met and voted on their budgets through Vermont’s democratic process. In most cases, including in Brattleboro, they followed Scott’s budgetary directive.
-This wasn’t good enough for Gov. Scott. He is now threatening to FINE communities (Yes, fine. As in make them pay the state money through tax penalties.) for failing to meet his arbitrary staffing ratios.

Vermont Labor Relations Board – In Opposition to Confirmation

by RobertOeser | Politics

An open letter to Senators White & Balint,

It is my understanding that the appointment of Karen O’Neill as a “neutral” on the Vermont Labor Relations Board is pending confirmation by Senate. I am writing in opposition to that appointment.

The applicable law states that “‘Nominees with neutral backgrounds’ means individuals in high standing not connected with any labor organization or management position, and who can be reasonably considered to be able to serve as an impartial individual.” 3 V.S.A. § 921 (B)

The Mystery of 9/11

by tomaidh | Politics

I have solved the mystery of 9/11: Lee Harvey Oswald did it!

Getting back to reality…

“United States is overwhelmingly and increasingly in the hands of a very narrow sector of corporate wealth, private wealth and power. They have counterparts elsewhere who agree with them and who interact with them and that’s who rules the world.” – Noam Chomsky

Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting Ballot Results

by Not Signed In | Politics

At Representative Town Meeting today, March 25, the body voted through Australian Ballot on Article 11:

“To see if the Town will authorize the following capital purchase for the Fire Department: The purchase of an aerial ladder truck at an estimated cost of $950,000, and will authorize the issuance of notes and/or bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $500,000 at a rate of interest not to exceed 5% per annum for a term of 10 years to pay a portion of the cost of said aerial ladder truck. The vote on this article shall be by Australian Ballot as required by law. The question to be voted upon is as follows:

Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting District 1 & 3 Caucuses

by Not Signed In | Politics

Brattleboro Districts 1 & 3 will caucus just prior to Representative Town Meeting on Saturday, March 24 at Brattleboro Area Middle School beginning at 8:00 AM in the Mulitpurpose Room. Representative Town Meeting begins at 8:30 AM.  District 1 will be accepting nominations to fill and appoint six town meeting member seats for 1 year. District 3 will be accepting nominations to fill and appoint six town meeting member seats for 1 year.

Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting Informational Forum and District Caucuses – Public Invited

by Not Signed In | Politics

Brattleboro Town Selectboard will hold a pre-town meeting information forum on Wednesday, March 14 at Academy School beginning at 7:00 PM. Representative Town Meeting articles will be discussed, including the budget, and the bond issue. At 6:30 p.m., town meeting members of each district will be available to meet with constituents to offer residents an opportunity to share their views and discuss articles to be voted on at the annual meeting. Also, at that time, all three districts will be accepting nominations to fill town meeting member vacancies for 1 year.