MARLBORO-I feel compelled to respond to Selectboard member Richard Davis, who questions if now is the time to cut town nonprofit support in light of rising local taxes.
I have worked for three Brattleboro nonprofits: In-Sight Photography Project, River Gallery School of Art, and Brooks Memorial Library (a town department). I appreciate that Mr. Davis has had positive experiences with the generosity of private donors, as I did in these capacities.
However, funding at nonprofits is always precarious, even in the best of times, and when it comes to basic humanitarian needs like food, health care, housing, and mental health service, I do not believe we should rely on the whims of wealth.
That's especially true when this funding represents such a small portion of a resident's tax bill. (Mr. Davis cited $100 of a $5,000 tax bill.)...
Having heard that the Brattleboro Union High School school board has proposed to cut Mikeala Simm's position as director of diversity, equity, and social justice, I would like to share this essay written in 2017, based on the daily experiences of people of color in our community. I strongly...
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