Politics

Politics section

Robert’s Rules of Order: A primer for Representative Town Meeting (RTM)

by Not Signed In | Politics

Robert’s Rules is the most widely used set of parliamentary procedures in the United States. It
offers a fair and structured method of decision-making in diverse organizations of all sizes.
Andy Davis is an educator who joined RTM in 2009. Andy will review the basics of how Robert’s
Rules function in Brattleboro’s annual Representative Town Meeting and understanding these
basics will help members of RTM to participate effectively. This session is open to all, including
past present and future “town reps”.

Balint Campaign Raises $125,051 On First Day of Campaign

by Not Signed In | Politics

Montpelier, VT— Vermont Senate President, Becca Balint, launched her campaign for United States Representative yesterday, Monday, December 13. The Balint campaign is proud to announce that in the first 24-hours of the campaign, Balint raised $125,051 – all from individual, grassroots donations – earning support from all 14 Vermont counties.

 “I am astonished and overwhelmed with the level of support we received yesterday. This is a hard time for so many families and the fact that people chipped in where they could means so much to me. This is going to be a campaign powered by people and yesterday showed me just how many people that is,” Balint said. “I’m running because we face immense challenges, but I believe we cannot back away from fighting for each other. We have to deliver on some big promises for Vermont working families and that is going to take all of us. I’m ready for this fight.”  

Brattleboro Petitions, Election Schedule, and Consent of Candidate Form for March Elections Now Available

by Not Signed In | Politics

Petitions for Brattleboro Town Officers, Windham Southeast School District (WSESD) Board Members, and Town Meeting Members are now available at the Town Clerk’s office.  Town elections will be Tuesday, March 1 at the American Legion, and the Annual Representative Town Meeting will begin on Saturday, March 19, location and format will be announced at a later date.

Petitions for Town Officers and WSESD Board Members must contain at least 30 valid signatures of registered Brattleboro voters and be filed in the clerk’s office no later than 5:00 P.M. on Monday, January 24 in order to have their name placed on the ballot.

Candidacy for Brattleboro Town Meeting Moderator

by DavidGartenstein | Politics

I will be a candidate to be elected Brattleboro Town Meeting Moderator.

A lawyer by trade, I have worked for 17½ years at the Windham County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuting serious felony and other cases.  My municipal service in Brattleboro includes 6 years on Selectboard with 4 years as chair, 3 years on the High School Board, 2½ years on Town School Board, 9 years on Development Review Board with 5 years as chair, and being a Town Meeting representative.

U.S. Representative Peter Welch Announces Candidacy for United States Senate

by Not Signed In | Politics

BURLINGTON, Vt. — U.S. Rep. Peter Welch on Monday announced he is running for U.S. Senate. Welch called on Vermonters to join him in fighting for a progressive agenda in the Senate.

“We are at a pivotal moment,” Welch said. “Vermont families are struggling through multiple crises: a global pandemic, the consequences of climate change, and a racial reckoning generations in the making. The result of this election will determine control of the Senate and with it, what we can accomplish for Vermont families. If Vermonters elect me to the U.S. Senate, I will be ready to fight for progressive change on day one.”

Vermont Senator Leahy To Retire

by cgrotke | Politics
Senator Leahy

Senator Leahy just announced that he will not be seeking another term as Senator for Vermont.

He went to the Vermont Statehouse to deliver his speech this morning. He recapped his career highlights and things he was especially proud of over the years. Helping Vermonters, especially for women and children, agriculture, protecting the Constitution, the Violence Against Women Act, protections for LGBTQ and Native Americans, civil liberties, judicial nominations, Small State Minimums, and federal funds for Vermont.  He mentioned his wife Marcelle often.

If Marijuana Sales Start at Stores in Vermont 2022 Then Vermonters Need to Know If That Is Legal Under Federal Laws!

by CrisEricson2016 | Politics

May 28, 2021 U.S. Congressman, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) reintroduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act) to remove marijuana from the list of prohibited substances on the federal Controlled Substances Act.

The bill includes an excise tax on sales of marijuana and would allow companies to conduct interstate trade and use banking services.

Ballot measures or bills to legalize marijuana have passed in 18 states, each with different regulations and taxes.

Brattleboro Water Treatment Loan Article 11 Passes: 111-2

by Not Signed In | Politics

Good evening,

At Representative Town Meeting this year, scheduled for March 20, 2021, the body voted through Australian Ballot on Article 11:

“To see if the Town will authorize the capital improvement as the Water Treatment Plant Reconstruction Project, at anestimated cost of twelve million, five hundred thousand dollars ($12,500,000) and authorize the issuance ofnotes and/or bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed twelve million, five hundred thousand dollars ($12,500,000) at a rate of interest not to exceed five percent (5%) per annum and for a term not to exceed thirty (30) years to pay to that extent the cost of said public improvement.  The vote on this article shall be by Australian ballot as required by law. The question to be voted upon is as follows:

Reform RTM? Maybe, But Let’s Understand It First

by Timmy | Politics

The dramatic front page Reformer article of March 17th, “Representative Town Meeting reform pitched” left me wondering if Kurt Daims and his “common sense” gang had really done their homework around Brattleboro’s current governmental structure.

Mr. Daims seems to have some confusion as to the roles of both Representative Town Meeting and of the Selectboard. Lately he has been fond of quoting our Town Charter (reviewed and revised as recently as 2013-2016) which states that RTM is “a guiding body for the town and a source of ideas, proposals and comments…” without allowing that full paragraph’s quote to continue with “It exercises exclusively all powers vested in the voters of the Town.” The mention of the powers of voters is the important phrase there.

Historic Vermont General Strike Authorization – Film of Full Debate and Vote As It Took Place On Nov. 21st, 2020

by David Van Deusen | Politics

As political storm clouds gathered in the aftermath of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, on November 21, just 18 days after Trump LOST, the 10,000 member Vermont AFL-CIO anticipated that a fascist coup could be on the horizon. To better prepare for the defense of our democracy, the Vermont State Labor Council brought to its rank & file a General Strike Authorization Resolution empowering the democratically elected eleven member Executive Board to call for such an action across the Green Mountains if events demanded.

This film (approximately one hour in duration) is now being made available to the public for the FIRST time. The film documents the full discussion, debate, and vote as it unfolded at our Convention (held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Leading up to the Convention we had 72 Delegates & Alternates register for the event from 28 Locals involving 15 Internationals. With additional rank & file members attending (along with invited guests) the Convention had upwards of 100 Vermont Union leaders and political allies from all corners of the State in attendance. With the passage of this resolution (overwhelmingly supported by seated Delegates), the Vermont AFL-CIO became the ONLY State Labor Council in the Nation to take such a stand in defense of democracy.

Brattleboro Official Election Results March 2, 2021

by cgrotke | Politics

Here are the official results:

….

Annual Town Meeting

MARCH 2, 2021

Pursuant to the Annual Town Meeting Warning recorded in Town Records Book 21, page 332 the polls were declared open at 7:00 A.M. in the three polling places. The polling places are stated in the Warning. At 6:55 P.M. the Town Clerk warned that the polls would close in 5 minutes. At 7:00 P.M. the polls were declared closed. After declaring the polls closed tally sheets from the Accu-Vote ballot tabulator used to record results of the Meeting were printed. The “unofficial” returns were then announced at the polling places. Ballot summaries were compiled by the Town Clerk and evening election workers.

Brattleboro Unofficial Election Results

by cgrotke | Politics

Here are the unofficial results of the Brattleboro 2021 March election. Short version: Goodnow, Gelter, Quipp to Selectboard, Retail Cannabis yes, Charter Change yes, Schools Dissolve No, allow other towns’ schools to decide to dissolve No.

Stein Drops Out of Selectboard Race, Endorses Gelter

by James Gelter | Politics

Jackson Stein has dropped out of the race for a one-year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.

“I would strongly urge anyone that was planning on voting for me to instead vote for Jess Gelter,” Stein said in a video posted to Instagram.

Stein explained their choice to drop out as “damage control,” stating, “it is a given that Daniel Quipp, as the incumbent, is going to win back his seat,” but that when it comes to the second seat, Brattleboro needs “anyone but Chadwick.”

Brattleboro March 2nd Election Information

by Not Signed In | Politics

Below is information that might be helpful to know for March 2nd local elections. The Windham Southeast School District vote will be held in addition to the Annual Town Meeting Day elections.

Polling places for all three districts in Brattleboro is the American Legion, 32 Linden St., from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm.

Due to COVID-19, masks will be required (and provided if needed) to enter the American Legion for voting, and hand sanitizer or gloves will also be provided. If you are unable to wear a mask and did not vote absentee, there will be a space outdoors for you to vote. Due to social distancing and reduced capacity indoors, please be prepared for potential wait times.

Brattleboro Selectboard Candidate Interview – Rikki Risatti

by cgrotke | Politics
rikki risatti

Rikki Risatti is running for both a 3 year or a 1 year seat on the Brattleboro Selectboard.

Tell us about yourself…. 

I feel thankful to be elected as a 2020-2023 district representative and on the art committee, we need more People to apply online or through the municipal manager’s office. I recently have been welcomed to join partnership with People in the Post 5 Legion Auxiliary and the Adult/Adolescent Sibling match program. Neighbors passionately involved with making community impact efforts have been positive influences for me. I also feel so grateful of all the past and upcoming opportunities to meet with People dedicated to their causes; like the Masons, Co-Op, and Time Trade Bank members.