Tim Arsenault

When priorities come into focus

When priorities come into focus

‘If I have learned anything, it’s to prioritize my own health over all else. As we age, doing so becomes even more important.’

Nearly a year of frustration and uncertainty, plus a pandemic, mixed with a huge dollop of hope - and all of it is my own fault.

I had not gotten an eye exam in six years, and over a year ago, my wife, Sue, began noticing that I was getting less than attentive behind the wheel. Nighttime driving was becoming a problem, and at her insistence I scheduled an appointment with the eye doctor. The ongoing pandemic made the initial appointment a three-month wait.

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Our civic duty

Our towns and schools will work only if people vote and learn about how to participate civilly — and you can get a start when you’re young. Just ask the Vernon third graders.

During one of the first Town Meetings that I moderated, one woman was continually talking over others during discussion about building a senior housing project. I had originally run for town moderator because people were talking over one another and snickering and catcalling. And now I had run out...

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Your vote counts. Don’t waste it.

So you think your vote doesn't count? Think again. As recently as 2016, two Vermont legislative races were decided by one vote. In a 1976 classic in nearby Brattleboro, Republican Sidney Nixon lost his legislative seat to Democrat Robert “Bob” Emond by one vote. Your vote is important. It's...

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Town clerks administer elections with integrity and accuracy

As a Vermont town clerk, I am disgusted by even the notion that anyone could attempt to commit fraud with the results of an election. We use paper ballots, our town's computer scanning machine is checked for accuracy in advance, and a hard working crew of volunteers helps with making sure my town follows the rules. This process is replicated in every town across Vermont, and across the USA. You are welcome to observe how we do our jobs. Let's...

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