Public Hearing for the Final Draft of the 2018 Telecommunications Plan

The public is welcome to attend a public hearing on Wednesday, December 19th at 6 pm, and offer feedback regarding the final draft of the 2018 Telecommunications Plan.

2018 Telecommunications Plan

In accordance with 30 V.S.A. § 202d, the Department of Public Service is tasked with drafting a Ten-Year Telecommunication Plan for Vermont, in coordination with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, the Department of Health, the Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Education.


Democratic Primary Candidates for Governor Citizens’ Breakfast

Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast
Democratic Primary Candidates for Governor

That all power being originally inherent in and co[n]sequently derived from the people, therefore, all officers of government, whether legislative or executive, are their trustees and servants; and at all times, in a legal way, accountable to them. ~ Constitution of the State of Vermont ~ Ch I, Art 6


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.