BRATTLEBORO-I am running for re-election in District 7. I have been a Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member for around 10 years. I share this only to provide some context about my experience with RTM.
Like many other candidates, I have deep roots in this community. I have lived here nearly my entire life, which has included being a parent and a small-business owner. I have been involved in many local organizations and was one of three people who got Brattleboro Area Mutual Aid (neighbors helping neighbors) up and running during the pandemic.
Like so many others, I love this town. I know we have some significant challenges, but I don't let those overshadow all that is good and beautiful about this place. There is much to celebrate about this unique and wonderful corner of the world.
I genuinely appreciate the discussions and debate at RTM. There are always thoughtful and civil (if at times passionate) comments and questions.
BRATTLEBORO-Wealth and taxes: two entwined topics that often quickly provoke strong emotions. It seems we often get stuck in the same patterns talking about them. I wonder what would happen if we approached them differently. For instance, what if we did not react to having to pay taxes as...
BRATTLEBORO-In the public discourse of the Israeli-Gaza conflict, I am struck by how few comments I have heard that represent both-and thinking - not only in local news and opinion outlets, but everywhere. Is it not possible to hold both the sorrow for the merciless attacks on Israeli civilians...
In the public discourse of the Israeli-Gaza conflict, I am struck by how few comments I have heard that represent both-and thinking - not only in local news and opinion outlets, but everywhere. Is it not possible to hold both the sorrow for the merciless attacks on Israeli civilians and the rampant killing of Palestinians? Except for those in the most extreme camps of this bloody debate, I cannot imagine that people who speak for one side or the other...
On July 1, amendments to the Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) - Vermont's workplace anti-harassment and discrimination law - went into effect. The amendments make significant changes that broaden protections to employees. Business owners, heads of organizations, and those responsible for employment compliance should make an effort to understand these changes - and then take whatever meaningful action is necessary to ensure their workplaces are (at a minimum) free from harassment and discrimination under the new requirements. * * *
I want to thank Acting Superintendent Mark Speno, Oak Grove School Principal Mary Kaufmann, and several members of the Windham Southeast School District and Windham Southeast Supervisory Union boards for acknowledging the harm that has been done in the wake of revelations of sexual abuse of a former Brattleboro Union High School teacher perpetrated against students [“No more secrecy,” Viewpoint, Aug. 11]. In the weeks following Mindy Haskins Rogers' article, others and I have been fierce advocates for a survivor-centered...
Because my company works with many different types of businesses, and the people who work in them, we get to see an interesting cross section of the workplace. Some situations are unique, but more often the similarities remind us that people are people are people. This common thread of humanity is most apparent when it comes to the dual impact that family needs and work responsibilities have on individuals. At times, it feels more like “Family Needs versus Work Responsibilities:
Helpers are needed at Brattleboro's very own, first-ever Tiny House Fest Vermont on Sunday, Sept. 4. Many jobs and different shifts are available, including pre-event tasks. Volunteers will gain admission to the festival and some other fun perks. For more information about volunteering or to sign up, contact Jennifer Jacobs, volunteer coordinator, at [email protected]. For more information about the festival or to buy a festival pass (and tiny house inspired local art), visit indiegogo.com/projects/tiny-house-fest-vermont#/.