Commentary & Letters News: Commentary: State Government Stands in the Way of Smaller School Budgets May 9, 2013……By the time you read this you will have made your decision on part B of the CCS budget. Any peculiarities of syntax in this letter are due to the fact that I’m writing it before I know the outcome of the vote.     - Submitted: Thursday, May 9th [more ...] Commentary: Help Improve Local Democracy with Town Meeting Group May 9, 2013……Seeing the petition now circulating about Town Meeting suggests that the questionnaire—and its intended use—which was on every seat at Town Meeting last March and also available in several locations afterward may not have been well enough pub     - Submitted: Thursday, May 9th [more ...] Letters to the Editor April 25,2013……Please support the revised CCS budget on April 30. We can argue about whether and how to cut $232,230 from our local budget until the cows come home.     - Submitted: Thursday, April 25th [more ...] Commentary: Two Views of the CCS Budget April 11, 2013……The CCS School Board takes fiscal responsibility seriously. While inflation has increased 7.2 percent over the past five years, the school budget has only risen 2.12 percent in the same time period.     - Submitted: Thursday, April 11th [more ...] Commentary: Sharing Memories of Charlotte April 11, 2013……On March 2 I had the surprise to find a big Charlotte Town Report in my mailbox with a note from Arlene. Which Arlene? Arlene Marks? Anyway, many thanks.     - Submitted: Thursday, April 11th [more ...] Commentary: Please Protect Vermont Lakes and Ponds March 28, 2013……Vermont takes good care of it wetlands with regulated, protective buffers. And, of course, Vermont should insist on protective buffers for its lakes and ponds. So why has Vermont waited to be the last state in New England to protect its la     - Submitted: Thursday, March 28th [more ...] Commentary: Facts and Observations About Bridge 31 by Dale Hyerstay, March 14, 2013……The town has been advised that the single-lane Bridge 31 at Dorset Street needs repair. Widening is an option, though it is objected to by some who believe that a one-lane bridge calms traffic.     - Submitted: Thursday, March 14th [more ...] Letters to the Editor March 14, 2013……At Town Meeting the other day several people asked me about the status of the Death With Dignity legislation. I share with you what I know.     - Submitted: Thursday, March 14th [more ...] Commentary: CVFRS Responds to Questions About Budget, Audit February 28, 2013……The Directors of Charlotte Fire and Rescue understand that we are proposing a large budget increase this year. Over 80 percent of the increase is driven by a decline of volunteer members, resulting in the need to add staff hours to cont     - Submitted: Thursday, February 28th [more ...] Commentary:Support the Conservation Fund to preserve Charlotte’s resources and economy February 28, 2013……For over 15 years and through 19 projects the Charlotte Conservation Fund has been a key factor in the success of conservation in town. After two years of zero funding this year’s budget includes a half-cent on the tax rate for the Cons     - Submitted: Thursday, February 28th [more ...] Letters to the Editor February 28, 2013……First and foremost, Ellie is experienced. She has served the town well for many years in a number of volunteer roles, most notably from 2002-2007 as a member and then chair of the Selectboard and from 2008 to 2013 as a member of the Pla     - Submitted: Thursday, February 28th [more ...] Commentary: CCS Board must learn to cut expenses by Clyde Baldwin, February 14, 2013……For the first time since 1985—which clearly includes my tenure on the School Board—it appears that I might miss both our presentation of the budget and Town Meeting.     - Submitted: Thursday, February 14th [more ...] Commentary: Risks of tar sand pipeline too great to ignore by Meg Berlin and Larry Hamilton, February 14, 2013……As we prepare for another Town Meeting, which will entail discussions about the school budget, as it always does, we will have something else to review that involves our town, our state, our nation and,     - Submitted: Thursday, February 14th [more ...] Commentary: Social and Economic Justice in Charlotte by Rachel and Jesse McEntee, February 14, 2013……Quality education is expensive and Charlotte has money. By census data, we have more money per household than 274 other Vermont communities (that makes us the eighth wealthiest).     - Submitted: Thursday, February 14th [more ...] Letters to the Editor February 14, 2013……Thank you, Ed Stone, for representing the Charlotte Taxpayer at the Jan. 28 Selectboard meeting. Fellow Charlotters, you need to know: Ed Stone was the only Selectboard member to demand cuts from proposed departments.     - Submitted: Thursday, February 14th [more ...] Editorial: Traveling Without Moving by Brett Sigurdson, January 31, 2013……As I write these words, snow is softly falling and so is night. The bitter cold of last week—which evoked the fabled frozen tundra of Wisconsin, my home state—is slowly losing its grip.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 31st [more ...] Report from the Legislature: The Vermont Health Insurance Exchange by Representative Mike Yantachka, January 31, 2013……Rising health care costs and the lack of access to affordable health care for millions of Americans have been a target of health care reform efforts for decades.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 31st [more ...] Letters & Commentary January 31, 2013……Would you agree the following to be essential in a town leader?     - Submitted: Thursday, January 31st [more ...] Letters to the Editor January 17, 2013……It is with enthusiasm that I announce my candidacy for a two-year term on the Selectboard. If elected, I will bring energy, experience and a positive, balanced, open-minded approach to Selectboard deliberations and decisions.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 17th [more ...] Commentary: Selectboard must ensure CVFR audit recommendations implemented by Mary Mead, Town Clerk/Treasurer, January 17, 2013……As of February 1, 2012, I took over the bookkeeping for Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue at the request of Charles Russell and members of the CVFRS Corporate Board. Within a couple of months of taking     - Submitted: Thursday, January 17th [more ...] Legislative Report: Can This Vermont Institution Survive? by Representative Mike Yantachka, January 17, 2013……Do you attend Town Meeting regularly? Are you unable to attend Town Meeting because of work, lack of child care or some other valid reason? Or is Town Meeting something you are unfamiliar with or just do     - Submitted: Thursday, January 17th [more ...] ‘Starry Night’ Sled Raffle Raises Money for COTS December 13, 2012……Visitors to the Old Brick Store have the chance to purchase raffle tickets for an antique sled hand painted by Alexandra Lehmann in the style of Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”     - Submitted: Thursday, December 13th [more ...] Davis named Charlotte Volunteer of the Year Chris Davis, fire chief of Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue, is presented Charlotte’s Volunteer of the Year award by Ed Stone at the Selectboard’s annual Holiday Party for Volunteers at the Senior Center.     - Submitted: Thursday, December 13th [more ...] Letters and Commentary December 13, 2012……During the past two years Charlotte Rescue has made a number of significant improvements to ensure that our town has high-quality emergency medical service.     - Submitted: Thursday, December 13th [more ...] Commentary: On the History of the McNeil Mansion by David Perrin, November 29, 2012……As our town’s 250th Anniversary of being chartered by the Colony of New Hampshire is winding down, it is a good time to look at who first owned the McNeil mansion near the ferry landing.     - Submitted: Thursday, November 29th [more ...] Letters to the Editor November 29, 2012……Thank you for reelecting me to represent Charlotte and Hinesburg in the VT Senate.  Your support for my work is greatly appreciated. I will continue to work on your behalf during the upcoming session.     - Submitted: Thursday, November 29th [more ...] It's All Connected: How to Avoid GMOs by Maureen Wheeler, November 29, 2012………While Proposition 37 did not pass in California, it did catapult the issue of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the mainstream conversation.     - Submitted: Thursday, November 29th [more ...] Leavitty: When Christmas Came Early by Josie Leavitt, November 29……As we approach the holiday season I often think of Christmases of my youth. I was raised by a single mom with an impulse-control problem.     - Submitted: Thursday, November 29th [more ...] Selectboard Reviews Town Audit Draft by John Hammer, November 1, 2012……he review of the draft audit for the town dominated the October 22 Selectboard meeting. Bonnie Batchelder, principal at Batchelder Associates, complimented Mary Mead for her work, saying that the town books were, “Very we     - Submitted: Thursday, November 1st [more ...] Letters to the Editor November 1, 2012……By now I am sure that most Charlotters have heard about the innovative animal grazing in our Barber Cemetery. It received good press and radio coverage since it is unusual enough to warrant some attention.     - Submitted: Thursday, November 1st [more ...] Commentaries & Letters October 18, 2012……At the end of parade night I start with a tear in my eye because it was such a wonderful day. There are so many people to thank for helping make the Tractor Parade such a success and I don’t want to leave anyone out! Thank you everyone f     - Submitted: Saturday, October 20th [more ...] Commentaries and Letters Commentaries and Letters September 6, 2012, pages 2-3..... NIMBY and YIMBY in Charlotte Charlotte makes a juicy target.     - Submitted: Thursday, September 6th [more ...] Commentaries & Letters August 23, 2012, page 2..... Is there no responsibility to share, For buying a home - you know not where. The firing range, not hidden from Anyone buying, for any sum.     - Submitted: Thursday, August 23rd [more ...] Commentaries & Letters August 9, 2012, pages 2 - 3..... Farmer’s Firing Field,  A Privilege to Serve, Thank you!, Everything is connected!, Celebrate Charlotte     - Submitted: Thursday, August 9th [more ...] Commentaries and Letters     - Submitted: Thursday, July 12th [more ...] Turtles in Trees? June 28, 2012, page 2..... Dear Fellow Charlotter, What can’t be bought, comes to your mailbox twice a month, and has letters and columns that rile and beguile?     - Submitted: Thursday, June 28th [more ...] Commentaries and Letters June 14, 2012, pages 2, 3, 4..... Commentaries: CCS Mission Statement to Change, Town Meeting Myth Laid Bare, Algebra Letters: Memorial Day flags in our cemeteries,Dear CVU Community, A Successful Senior Center Plant Sale     - Submitted: Thursday, June 14th [more ...] Commentaries and Letters Gratitude,Dr. Gordon Gieg To Join Charlotte Family Health Center, and Town Meeting Disappointment     - Submitted: Thursday, May 31st [more ...] Letter by Eddie Krasnow: Save Town Meeting A town’s character and sense of community are woven by many each day.     - Submitted: Wednesday, May 9th [more ...] Commentaries and Letters May 3, 2012, pages 2-5..... Ferry Road Sidewalks – Issues and Answers The current proposal for sidewalks on the north side of Ferry Road between the Old Brick Store and the Little Garden Market is part of an ongoing process that began more than two     - Submitted: Thursday, May 3rd [more ...] Commentaries and Letters April 19, 2012, pages 2 and 3..... There Is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch A follow up to “Rethinking Town Meeting,” (Commentary by Joseph Blanchette, March 22, 2012)     - Submitted: Thursday, April 19th [more ...] Commentaries and Letters April 5, 2012, pages 2 and 3..... Commentary: Keep Politics Out of Educational Policy     - Submitted: Thursday, April 5th [more ...] Commentary and Letters Commentary and Letters March 22, 2012, pages 2,3,4,8..... Rethinking Town Meeting Like many Charlotte voters, I’ve followed the discussions on various town issues over the past several months.     - Submitted: Thursday, March 22nd [more ...] Commentary and Letters March 8, 2012, page 3..... Thoughts From a Former Charlotte Resident, Hazel Prindle; S.199: A Physician’s Perspective on Immunizations by Andrea Regan; Charlotte's 250th Anniversary The following piece comes from Hazel Prindle, Charlotte’s former stat     - Submitted: Thursday, March 8th [more ...] Commentaries by Lynne Jaunich and Valerie Graham CCS Board Encourages Public Input and Charlotte Should Remain in Chittenden County Senate District     - Submitted: Thursday, February 9th [more ...] Basketball and CCS Budget Commentary by Clyde Baldwin, CCS School Board member, February 7, 2012..... Actually, the issue of charging the basketball group a fee is not quite as simple as Mr. Otley suggests – either on the face of the issue or in cons     - Submitted: Tuesday, February 7th [more ...] Commentary: Is This How We Want Our School to Function By Bill Gerson, January 26, 2012, page 2..... In his recent Commentary (“Is This the Community We Want to Be?,” The Charlotte News, January 12, 2012), Barry Finette asks the crucial question.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 26th [more ...] Commentary: Pay to Play is OK for Adult Basketball By Brian Otley, January 26, 2012, page 2..... I had to scratch my head after reading Dr. Finette’s commentary (“Is This the Community We Want to Be?,”     - Submitted: Thursday, January 26th [more ...] Commentary: Charlotte Rescue - A Window Into Community Service By David McNally, volunteer EMT, January 26, 2012, page 3..... Have you ever wondered what goes on at the Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service (CVFRS)?     - Submitted: Thursday, January 26th [more ...] Legislative Report:Is Bank of America a Person? by Representative Mike Yantachka, January 12, 2012, page 9..... According to the Supreme Court it is -- the same as you and I.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 12th [more ...] Commentaries by Barry Finette, John Quinney, Jeff Finkelstein and Meg Walker January 12, 2012, pages 2-3..... Topics: Fees for use of CCS facilities and solar.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 12th [more ...] Letters: Sidewalks, Solar and Yourfarmstand January 12, 2012, page 5..... Letters by Robin Reid, Rose Bernier and Suzy Hodgson.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 12th [more ...] Commentary VPR Sparks Debate and Solar Farm Proposal, December 15, page 2-3..... Census Show on VPR Sparks Debate Among Charlotters Vermont Public Radio (VPR) recently broadcast a show called “Counting Vermont: A Look at the 2010 Census.” Narrated by Steve     - Submitted: Thursday, December 15th [more ...] Letters December 15, page 3..... CVU Toy Drive, Thank you Germaine,Thank you from the Lake Champlain Waldorf School regarding the recent Holiday Fair, and Express your Opinion at the upcoming Selectboard and Planning Commission meetings.     - Submitted: Thursday, December 15th [more ...] Commentary and Letters December 1, 2011, page 2-3.....Does Charlotte Want to Install Local Energy Infrastructure, Yes or No?     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 30th [more ...] Sue Thibault Explains Vote Against School District Merger Commentary by Sue Thibault, November 17, 2011, page 2..... “Do you feel lucky…..?” These are the words that were going through my head as we came down to the vote on whether or not to recommend that our schools form an RED     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 16th [more ...] A Little Perspective on Solar Commentary by Charles Russell (Click on Letters & Commentary in the left menu for other opinions), November 17, 2011, page 2..... As many of you know, the Charlotte Selectboard has been working on a deal to lease 14 solar trackers from AllEarth Renewa     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 16th [more ...] Solar Energy – Let’s Do It Right Commentary by Bill Bruett, November 17, 2011, page 3..... The proposal currently before the Town of Charlotte Selectboard to install 14 solar trackers in a field in a town-owned Conservation District is not financially or environmentally justified.     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 16th [more ...] Letters: Solar Pros and Cons November 17, 2011, page 3..... Why Support Solar Power for the Town of Charlotte? from Jennifer Chiodo, Suzy Hodgson and David Pill; and It's not just about NIMBY by Bob Bloch.     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 16th [more ...] Commentary: Trees Can Be Both a Hazard and a Blessing by Larry Hamilton, Charlotte Tree Warden, November 3, 2011, page 2.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 2nd [more ...] Letters November 3, 2011, pages 2-3..... Wind and Solar vs. Nuclear, Comedy on the Brain, Thanks, Save our School, United Way Annual Fund Drive, Farmstand Co-op and Bike Safety, Route 7 repairs, Congratulations to Hunter     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 2nd [more ...] Commentary – Yes to Solar Power – No to Where It’s Proposed by Jessie Price, October 20, 2011..... I am writing to urge everyone who loves Charlotte’s beautiful setting and views to contact the selectboard     - Submitted: Wednesday, October 19th [more ...] Declining Role of Mainstream Media Leads to Less Well-informed Electorate Commentary by Barrie Dunsmore, October 6, 2011, page 2..... When I took early retirement, I vowed I would not fall victim to old-fart-itis – the affliction that hits many old men and induces them to claim that everything that has happened in their fie     - Submitted: Thursday, October 6th [more ...] Letters: Park Volunteers Needed, Frank Thornton, Waldorf Rummage Sale, Art Show Silent Auction for I October 6, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Thursday, October 6th [more ...] Commentaries September 22, 2011, page 2..... ECOS Workshops by Mary Illick and David Raphael, and Industrial Solar Inappropriate at Thompson's Point by Robert Bloch     - Submitted: Friday, September 23rd [more ...] Letters: Hazel Prindle, Wendy Pierce, Cathy Hunter and Ceal Moran September 22, 2011, page 3....     - Submitted: Friday, September 23rd [more ...] Solar Chic for Charlotte? Better dead than out of fashion, says a Vermont proverb. And the fashion today is to erect trackers and more trackers wherever there is a wee bit of sun. Hinesburg is in high fashion, with oodles of trackers, including a bunch on town land at the wastewat     - Submitted: Thursday, September 8th [more ...] Thoughts from the Bus Commentary by Kathryn Blume, September 8, 2011, page 2..... Sunday morning, August 28, as the rains from Hurricane Irene began, a group of Vermonters boarded a big tour bus.     - Submitted: Thursday, September 8th [more ...] News from The News: Welcome Shirley Reid by Nancy Wood, Editor, August 25, 2011, page 2..... Shirley Reid Appointed Advertising Manager     - Submitted: Wednesday, August 24th [more ...] Over $140,000 Raised to Date for the Kelly Brush Ride August 25, 2011, page 2..... It’s not too late to sign up for the ride! The sixth Annual Kelly Brush Century Ride is on Saturday, September 10     - Submitted: Wednesday, August 24th [more ...] Letters: From Larry Hamilton and Kay Gault August 25, 2011, page 3..... Life and Death in Barber Cemetery and Thanks to all from the Fire Department     - Submitted: Wednesday, August 24th [more ...] Charlotte, One Fortunate Place: Protecting Our Water Conservation Currents by Gary Pitman, Conservation Commission Member, August 11, 2011, page 3..... Making observations during a virtual spring trip across town leads us to consider what can be done to improve or protect our water resources.     - Submitted: Thursday, August 11th [more ...] Letters: Latin Dance Party, Debt and Roses at Wing's Point by Linda Gilber, Bob Leavitt and Hazel Prindle, August 11, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Thursday, August 11th [more ...] Commentary New Trees for Charlotte by Larry Hamilton. Grassroots Group Supports Sidewalks, by Joan Braun, Jenny Cole, Carolyn Pitkin and Ann Owen, July 14, 2011, pg 2....     - Submitted: Thursday, July 14th [more ...] Letters Letters by Kay Teetor, Paula Spadaccini and The Friends of the Charlotte Library Board, July 14, 2011, pg 3....     - Submitted: Thursday, July 14th [more ...] It’s the best time to give. . . June 30, 2011, page 2..... From the Board of The Charlotte News: Dear Fellow Charlotter,     - Submitted: Thursday, June 30th [more ...] Letters: Thanks to the Fire Departments for Saving Our House, and Idyllic Vermont - Not! June 30, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Thursday, June 30th [more ...] Please Register Your Dog! by Mary Mead, Town Clerk, June 16, 2011, page 3..... Dog licenses are due annually by April 1. The fees now to license your dog are $10 for neutered/spayed dogs and $16 for intact males and females.     - Submitted: Friday, June 17th [more ...] Adults and Students are Ambivalent About Marijuana Use June 16, 2011, page 2..... The recent arrests by Hinesburg police of two Champlain Valley Union High School (CVU) students on felony drug charges prompted The Charlotte News to ask for comments about how the district is responding to this case and to     - Submitted: Friday, June 17th [more ...] County Organizations Forge Regional Sustainability Plan by Marty Illick, June 16, 2011, page 2..... ECOS is the name of a new county venture that has all interested organizations and planning groups coming together to make a regional sustainability plan for Chittenden County.     - Submitted: Friday, June 17th [more ...] Letters: The Town Monument Summer Garden and Bipartisan Event in Shelburne June 16, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Friday, June 17th [more ...] Letters: Future of the CCC Steeple, Thanks from SCHIP and Sweet Charity June 2, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Thursday, June 2nd [more ...] We Ride for Those Who Died Commentary by Joshua Flore, June 2, 2011, page 2..... On May 9, I began my travels with the Police Unity Tour.     - Submitted: Thursday, June 2nd [more ...] Letters from Hazel Prindle, Nancy Severance, Jenny Cole and Jessie Bradley, and John Quinney May 19, 2011, page 2..... Thanks yous for Green Up Day, Concern about CCC Steeple and Annoucement of Publication of the Community Directory     - Submitted: Wednesday, May 18th [more ...] Robots Play a Large Role in Our Lives Commentary by Eli Barlow, May 19, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, May 18th [more ...] Find Hidden Costs in Teachers’ Contract Commentary by Andrea Fossati Holm, May 19, 2011, page 1.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, May 18th [more ...] Letters: Shrub planting thank you, more projects May 7; May 20 Senior Center Plant Sale May 5, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Friday, May 6th [more ...] So, Why Didn’t the Forests Prevent the Recent Flooding? Commentary by Larry Hamilton, Tree Warden, May 5, 2011, page 2..... The week of April 25 saw serious flooding in Vermont, especially in the Lamoille, Mississquoi and Winooski Rivers.     - Submitted: Friday, May 6th [more ...] Where I Live and Why I Stay in Charlotte Commentary by Martha Perkins May 5, 2011, page 16..... The Planning Commission’s meeting last week (with good pizza and desserts) at which we expressed our observations and ideas for changes/additions, etc. for the 2013 Town Plan was excellent: lots o     - Submitted: Friday, May 6th [more ...] Letters from Bob Bloch, Monica Marshall, Bill Fraser-Harris, Martha Perkins, Rick Brokaw, Jenny Morg April 21, 2011, page 3....     - Submitted: Thursday, April 21st [more ...] We Will Not be Perfect, But We Will Be Better by Susannah Johnson, April 7, 2011, page 2..... I try to use the word “perfect” seldom. In my short life I’ve worked with lots of different people in many different places.     - Submitted: Thursday, April 7th [more ...] Silence for 25 Hours Raises Awareness of Invisible Children by Sadie Stone, April 7, 2011, page 2..... On April 25, I will join Invisible Children and create a silence that will be heard around the world.     - Submitted: Thursday, April 7th [more ...] Letters to the Editor April 7, 2011, page 3..... A Sincere Thanks To All from the Dubuc family, and a Happy Reunion by E-mail The family of William Dubuc would like to express our appreciation for the prayers and support we have received     - Submitted: Thursday, April 7th [more ...] Commentary by Joseph P. Blanchette Vermont Leads on Health Care and Hunger March 24, 2011, page 2..... Vermont media continue to lavish coverage on Vermont House Bill 202, which would establish the country’s first state-wide, single-payer health system.     - Submitted: Wednesday, March 23rd [more ...] Commentary by Richard Bernstein Phosphorous Levels Remain High in Lake Champlain March 24, 2011, page 3..... Last summer those who swim and fish in Lake Champlain saw a bloom of blue algae in Charlotte.     - Submitted: Wednesday, March 23rd [more ...] F-35s, Drone Aircraft, Weapons of Mass Destruction and UVM Honorary Degrees Commentary by Thomas Naylor, March 10, 2011, page 2..... Most Vermonters were shocked to learn a few weeks ago that Progressive Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss had signed a letter of agreement with mega military contractor Lockheed Martin     - Submitted: Wednesday, March 9th [more ...] Letters to the Editor March 10, 2011, page 3..... Congratulations and Thanks, Praise for JR Lewis and Road Crews, Clean Up After Your Dogs, Forever Home Found     - Submitted: Wednesday, March 9th [more ...] Letter: Pease Mountain Trail is Open to Public from Peter Schneider and Jessie Donavan February 24, 2011, page 4.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, February 23rd [more ...] Letters of Support for Candidates, Town Meeting 2011 February 24, 2011, pp. 3-4.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, February 23rd [more ...] Letters: VELCO herbicides and Vermont Kids Animal Protectors February 24, 2011, page 2.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, February 23rd [more ...] [Post News...]