Letters: Support for Candidates, Tractor Parade Thanks, Why close schools for NEA conference?
October 21, 2010, pp. 3-5.....

Yantachka has leadership qualities

It’s a pleasure to write a letter in support of Mike Yantachka for the position of state representative for the town of Charlotte.
Mike has been a neighbor and an active part of the community since 1985. He has participated in many town and school activities of which being a CCS school board member is an example of where his leadership qualities will serve him well when he gets to Montpelier.
Let’s get out and vote for Mike on November 2!  
 
Carol Carpenter-Thomas
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Vote for Ed Stone

Ed Stone seems to be the only one of the three candidates for state representative without a bias for bigger government. One candidate reasons that more government is the solution, and another wants to explore surrendering local control of teacher contracts to the state. Ed Stone is not a big government guy. During his 15 years on the Selectboard, Ed consistently exercised impartiality, restraint and prudence in town budgetary issues. Ed knows that money doesn’t grow on trees and understands that some of us are taxed enough already. Ed will bring a healthy dose of straightforward common sense and fiscal responsibility to the complex issues facing Vermont. I encourage my friends and neighbors to vote for Ed Stone.

Bob Sanders
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Yantachka has my vote

Thoughtful, considerate and a person directed by his integrity, I am confident Mike will represent the concerns and needs of our community well. Mike has been serving the community as a volunteer for as long as he has been in Charlotte and clearly understands the power of working together to get things done.
By electing Mike to represent us, I believe the reasoned voice and needs of all Charlotters will be heard and respected around the decision making table in Montpelier.

Eddie Krasnow
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Sincere Thanks

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of people who made the tractor parade weekend such a great success. Whether it was by your generous donation of time, land, financial contributions, suggestions, mental support or physical labor, this weekend would not have been possible without you. To our surrounding neighbors who graciously welcomed the influx of spectators and accepted the disruption of their otherwise peaceful existence, we are thankful. There are not enough words to express our appreciation. Lastly, we are grateful to the Charlotte Grange for standing beside us, and the Town of Charlotte for standing behind us through the years, allowing the tractor parade to evolve into what it is today.
The phrase “it takes a village” certainly rings true in Charlotte. We are extremely fortunate to live in such a wonderful giving community.

Carrie Spear
& The Tractor Parade Committee

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Robin Reid for Representative

Please vote for Robin Reid as our next State Representative in Chittenden 1-2 District. Robin is a lifelong Independent with a passion for bringing people together. Republicans and Democrats should consider looking past party lines to meet the challenges we face today. Robin will be good at contributing to this dialog with a positive and fresh attitude.
I am always amazed at the many hats Robin juggles so adeptly. She is the wife of a dairy farmer, the mother of a teen, a writer, a publisher and a musician. Consequently she has a wide range of friends and acquaintances and is well known around the area. Her conviviality stems from her ability to listen and to communicate. All this coupled with her down-to-earth common sense makes her a good choice to represent our town.
I’ll gladly support Robin Reid this year and hope you will too. We need a true independent voice in government, and she is that voice.

Laura Cahners-Ford
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Yantachka has demonstrated leadership

I am writing to enthusiastically endorse Mike Yantachka to be Charlotte’s next State Representative.  I have served with Mike on the Charlotte Board of Civil Authority as a Justice of the Peace for 17 years. Mike has always been a conscientious member of the BCA as we prepared for, heard and decided property tax appeals. Mike’s leadership has been demonstrated through his community service, including six years on the School Board and his chairmanship of the Charlotte Democratic Committee for ten years. He has also cultivated relationships as Chair of the Chittenden County Democrats which will serve Mike – and Charlotte – well in a potential committee leadership position in Montpelier. I know Mike is committed to using good Vermont common sense to make our state government responsive to our townspeople and will exercise his mainstream judgment and considerable expertise to promote such issues as clean energy, provide affordable health care options, and maintain our excellent public school system. Please join me in voting for Mike on November 2.

Greg Cluff
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Why close schools for convention?

According to the Charlotte Central School calendar, CCS will be closed October 21 and 22 for NEA Convention Days. The NEA Convention, however, is held only on Thursday, October 21.  So, the school is closed Friday because…? 
Convention attendance Thursday isn’t mandatory, and many teachers will forgo it. As little of what’s offered at the convention directly benefits Charlotte students, few educational opportunities are lost to us by this ‘truancy.’  Financially, though, we do take a hit. 
 Nearly 50% of our teachers earn at least $70,000 per year, meaning two days of collective pay is a considerable sum. And our academic year could be trimmed by two days if students were in school on the 21st and 22nd, learning. Worse, our beleaguered working parents – or at least families without a stay-at-home parent – are forced to leave work to provide child care. 
 The convention school closure adds to the burden of these parents who also must cover for two weeks at Thanksgiving and winter holiday, a week for winter break and a week for spring break.  Put another way, of a teacher’s nine-month work year, one month is paid leave – is another taxpayer-funded vacation for convention really necessary?  
 Can the VT NEA hold this event on a weekend or during the two weeks of winter/spring break? Can we please shift the emphasis in 2011 to keeping kids in school? In this economy and with the dismal state of U.S education, let’s focus on the needs of the many rather than vacation for the few. 

Chris Falk
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Hats off to Mike Yantachka
 
I will be casting my vote for Mike Yantachka as our house representative because I know Mike has the best skills needed for Montpelier. 
For the twenty some years that I have known Mike, he has demonstrated that he takes public service work very seriously. 
Over the years, Mike has studied complex issues of public interest, worked as a very effective team player, and has predictably spoken with a voice of respect and consideration. 
Whatever the topic in front of us all, Mike has just the right skill sets to merge knowledge with democratic processes, and make good things happen. 
In today’s Montpelier world where issues are more and more complex,  legislative accomplishments are achieved when committee members are inspired and committed to work effectively with each other. I am so pleased that Mike has thrown in his hat to take his turn in Montpelier.  Hats off to you Mike! 

Marty Illick
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Your Independent Vote

I want to thank those of you who have positively supported my campaign so far. It’s very rewarding to feel your confidence in my ability to do a good job for you as our next State Representative in Montpelier.
As a candidate, I have been requested to fill out various surveys regarding my position on important issues. Completing these surveys is challenging because there are no simple answers and there is much to learn. The complexities of tax structure, education spending, energy use, permit reform, transportation and other infrastructure requirements are pretty astounding. As we aim to repair and strengthen our economy while increasing prosperity in Vermont, I’m prepared to study the issues and learn from those who are more seasoned in the ways of lawmaking. My fair mindedness and creative thinking will be put to good use in the Legislature. I truly believe I have a lot to offer the system as an Independent but I can’t do it without you.
Thank you for your vote and continuing support. Together we can work it out!

Robin Reid, Independent Candidate for
State Representative, Chittenden 1-2 District
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Five reasons to support Yantachka

Here are five compelling reasons to support Mike Yantachka on November 2.
1. Mike has demonstrated his commitment to keep in touch with his constituents. Do a quick Google search of his opponents – not much of a web presence. We need a representative whom we can reach, by phone, by e-mail, and who updates us regularly through the web. It is difficult to imagine a legislator dealing with the complexity of government who is just beginning to learn the basics of electronic communication. Mike even has a website.  If you don’t like what is happening in Montpelier, at the very least you need to be able to discuss the issues and learn what your rep is doing.
2. Mike supports shutting down Vermont Yankee. Particularly important if Dubie is elected.
3. Mike supports a single-payer health insurance pilot in Vermont. This would be a huge benefit to businesses in Vermont, freeing them from having to provide health insurance and allowing Vermont to negotiate for lower rates with Big Pharma and HMOs.
4. Mike supports reducing the tax burden of middle class Vermonters by promoting income-sensitive tax policy. Dubie wanted to dump the underfunded teacher’s pension on local property taxes – a truly regressive tax policy.
5. Mike supports full reproductive rights for women. If you are worried about the anti-choice Dubie agenda – send Mike to Montpelier.

John Howe
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Mike will take a stand on tough issues

I was tempted to label this letter “I Like Mike” because it reminded me of the first political campaign I heard my parents discuss. But the truth is I like all the candidates from Charlotte for the Vermont House. I’m voting for Mike Yantachka because I think he would work very hard, continue to study the issues in depth as he has for years, and listen well to the people of Charlotte and stay in close contact with us. I admire Mike’s integrity, his work ethic, and his willingness to avoid “safe” platitudes and to take a stand on some very tough, complicated issues that must be addressed in the next legislative session.

Darrilyn Peters
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Yantachka is effective voice

With the November election rapidly approaching, we have many decisions to make as to who will be the best candidates statewide to lead us into what could be an uncertain future. One decision is clear for me - supporting Mike Yantachka for Charlotte’s next State Representative.
My family and I have had the privilege of knowing Mike for many years. My children attended school with his children and I know Mike to be a dedicated father and member of the Charlotte community. Mike has served on our local school board and continues to serve Charlotters as a Justice of the Peace. Mike is an excellent communicator and effective voice for bringing people together to discuss differing positions.
Please join me as I vote for Mike Yantachka on November 2. Mike will make sure your voice is heard in Montpelier.

Susan Krasnow
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Thanks, Carrie Spear, for showing us what Vermont is all about

It isn’t very often that a town has an extraordinary community-minded person like Carrie Spear.  I salute Carrie for what she has accomplished over the last ten years with the Tractor Parade held in East Charlotte.  Carrie Spear has brought people together from all walks of life and organized what has now become a greatly anticipated annual event.
People from all over New England come to participate in the tractor parade each year and are willing to travel a distance to come and are never disappointed. Here is an example of what people are saying:
“In my dad’s barn back in northwestern Pennsylvania, he has a 1952 Allis Chalmers, a 1960 John Deere 430, a 1972 International 454 and a handful of antique one-cylinder engines that he tinkers with. For over 50 years he’s been going to tractor and steam engine shows in the northeast, but the Charlotte Tractor Parade has become his favorite.  The last few years my dad makes sure that when he and my mom visit us in the fall, their trip coincides with the Charlotte tractor parade. My dad is most impressed that a small community can come together and organize such a pure tractor event with no cost to those attending. He appreciates that the volunteers are always so personable. 
My mom and I just call it Dad’s tractor euphoria. Tractors, and lots of them together, just seem to bring him joy. I know he’s already marked his calendar for next year!”
(Sent from Amy Moody, Monkton)
So the next time you are in East Charlotte, stop at Carrie’s store and give her the thanks and credit that she so deserves for pulling this event all together once again, and I will see you all next year at the 11th Annual Tractor Parade! Keep up the good work, Carrie.

Ed Stone
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Tim Ashe asks for your support

I’ve been honored to represent Charlotte residents in the Senate the last two years. Typically, we vote for our Senators and then don’t hear from them again until the next election. I’ve made it a priority to stay in touch with what’s going on in Charlotte, and to keep you informed of what’s happening in Montpelier in the pages of the News, by attending local meetings, and through phone calls and e-mails with hundreds of residents.
I also hope I’ve served you well in the Senate. I played a central role on issues including broadband deployment, unemployment insurance, tax policy, agricultural development, farm and forest conservation, and more. Visit my website, timashe.com, for more details about my accomplishments in Montpelier. 
My efforts to prevent cost shifts onto the middle class and to improve the lives of Vermont’s senior citizens are two reasons why Bernie Sanders once again supports my election.
Finally, I want to thank Charlotte voters for the privilege of serving you in the Senate, and I ask for your support on Election Day.

Senator Tim Ashe
(D-Chittenden County)
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Robin Reid will work with members of both parties

Nationally our federal government is stuck in deadlock due to the intransigence of the Democrats and Republicans. “Follow the party line” is a mantra that is sadly beginning to invade Vermont. In Charlotte, by voting for Independent candidate Robin Reid we have an opportunity to send a message to Montpelier that we want all Vermont politicians to work for innovative solutions to Vermont’s economic and social problems and not get stuck following the party dogma. Robin Reid is an independent voice who will listen to and work with members of both parties for the behalf of Charlotters and Vermonters.

David Miskell
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Robin Reid is the best thing we have to offer Montpelier

On election day I plan to vote for Robin Reid for town rep. Of all the people in this town, it's easy to say she may well
be the most engaged and caring citizen I know. She seems to know everyone, have something good to say about everyone and,
most of all, seems to take genuine interest in everyone's ideas and opinions. She knows kids, old-timers, business people and farmers, and every local under the sun and has such a passionate love and devotion to this town and community.  I think she'll go to Montpelier with a very open mind and listen to what other legislators have to say and then come, talk to her constituents and hear everyone out. She's that rare individual who cares less about party lines and more about what she can do for others and her community.
I believe Robin Reid is the best thing Charlotte has to offer Montpelier and we'll be very lucky to have her there.
Vote ROBIN REID.

Meg Berlin
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Shumlin will protect the safety net

Brian Dubie says he misspoke in stating he would balance Vermont’s budget by targeting the most vulnerable. But there’s a lot of truth to his statement. Dubie has promoted the so-called “Tiger Team” recommendations which advocate cutting up to $22 million from Medicaid benefits and limiting services for those in need. In addition the Tiger Teams advocated raising premiums, deductibles and co-pays for low-income and working Vermonters to the tune of $6 million, among other suggestions. The Legislature rejected most of those recommendations precisely because they would impact low-income and working Vermonters, the elderly, and children.
Equally troubling is Dubie’s willingness to shift $40 million in teachers’ retirement liabilities from broad based state taxes to local property taxes. Couple that with Dubie’s support for eliminating income sensitivity for the middle class and his claims of concern about property taxes ring hollow. Dubie’s plans would increase the property tax burden of Vermonters.
But most troubling of all is Dubie’s proposal to cut taxes for Vermont’s wealthiest 1,300 taxpayers at everyone else’s expense. Dubie’s plan is a stark reminder of the failed economic policies of George W. Bush. “Dubienomics” will explode the deficit and usher in an era of near-permanent budget crisis.
Every voter must ask themselves: am I better off now than I was eight years ago? The Douglas-Dubie Administration leaves behind a bruising record of joblessness, deficits and budget crises. Brian Dubie now says he won’t target the vulnerable, but his policies say otherwise.
Vermonters can do better. Peter Shumlin offers a balanced approach that makes the tough decisions when necessary but protects the most vulnerable. The difference between the two candidates for governor is that Shumlin doesn’t just say he’ll stand with the middle class while protecting the safety net... he’s done it.

Christopher J. Curtis

Chris Curtis grew up in Charlotte. He is now an attorney living with his wife and young son in Northfield.
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