A friend of mine passed away recently at the VA Hospital in White River Junction. I was impressed and moved by the care and dignity afforded him while he was there. Our country, through the people of the VA, was standing by this veteran in his final hours.
Don DerrickHanover
Donald Trump is trumpeting FBI Director James Comey’s announcement of a renewed investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails as evidence of criminal behavior. It is nothing of the kind.
Even assuming that some of the emails on Anthony Weiner’s computer were to or from Secretary Clinton and have not already been reviewed by the FBI (we don’t know this), there’s no indication that any of them was classified. Proper classification requires clear marking of a document as top secret, secret or confidential. None of the documents reviewed so far apparently bore such a marking.
Most important, criminal liability requires the “willful” disclosure to unauthorized persons of information that could jeopardize national security or help our enemies. It is simply inconceivable that Secretary Clinton intended to harm the United States, even if (and we don’t know this) her emails were sent to persons not entitled to receive them.
Justice Department policy, violated by Comey, forbids public announcements about investigations precisely because they invite speculation and innuendo without the benefit of facts — just what’s happened here. Comey’s action, especially so close to the election, is shockingly irresponsible.
Stephen DycusStrafford
I want to let the voters of the Windsor 4-2 District (Hartford) know some of the reasons I am running for the Vermont House of Representatives.
I firmly believe that the Legislature in Montpelier is very unbalanced now, with one party in control of the House and Senate. More balance must restored so there can be more healthy debate.
I believe that Vermonters are taxed way too much, and we must put the brakes on taxes. We should instead look at reining in state spending. The gasoline and home heating fuel tax that members of the other party want to impose on Vermonters will further deplete wallets, and too many Vermonters can barely survive now. I pledge that I will never vote for new taxes.
We must work hard, on both sides of the aisle, to make a more friendly business climate. We must develop a plan to bring new business, which will create new jobs and bring new workers. By bringing in new jobs, we will help our young people to stay here and get good jobs. That will create a bigger tax base.
All Vermonters need to think long and hard about this election, and what your representatives will do for you. I will do everything in my power to be a better representative for all the people of this district. My life has been in service to my community, state and nation. This has been through U.S. Air Force active duty, Air Force Reserves and the Air National Guard (including the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard) and as the VFW state service officer, working for Vermont veterans and their families.
Please consider giving me your vote on Nov. 8.
Kevin M. StuartWhite River Junction
Democratic Double Standards
If Hillary Clinton’s public statements can be believed (They can, can’t they?) I conclude that her definition of the separation of powers is that all three branches of government should legislate separately.
I gather that she believes the role of a Supreme Court justice is to creatively reimagine the law of the land and the contents of the dictionary toward whatever end is currently in vogue, and that if the duly elected members of Congress prove insufficiently malleable, the White House should make law on its own. In other words, her views are in line with President Obama’s.
Meanwhile, everybody who’s anybody in the Democratic party is venting outrage over allegations of sexual abuse against Donald Trump after decades of declining to address those against Bill Clinton, including what I consider highly credible allegations of rape. But if it didn’t embrace the double standard and believe the end justifies the means, it wouldn’t be today’s Democratic Party.
Anthony StimsonLebanon
As a representative in the Vermont House for 20 years and a resident of Windsor County, I am writing in support of the Democratic candidates for Windsor County state Senate — Alison Clarkson, Dick McCormack and Alice Nitka.
I have worked with these three public servants for more than a decade and know them to be exemplary legislators. I have served with Alison Clarkson in the House, and she is one of the most energetic and passionate people in our state government. She responds with great care to constituent issues and is a legend in her commitment to knocking on every door in her district each election year.
Sen. McCormack is a thoughtful and intelligent public servant for Windsor County. He has demonstrated wisdom about Vermont laws and he has championed progressive policies. Sen. Nitka has also shown dedication to the details of each bill raised in the Senate. She is a thoughtful and thorough legislator who represents the true interests of Windsor County.
We are lucky to have such candidates to represent the Windsor Senate District. They have proven that they have what it takes to tackle the difficult work of each legislative session. I hope that you will join me in supporting these three candidates on Nov. 8.
Rep. Donna Sweaney Windsor
I see there’s another Mark MacDonald/Steve Webster race in the works. I thought that was old history, but I guess old soldiers never die, as the saying goes. Webster is a perfectly nice guy, but MacDonald has worked so hard for so long in the Legislature, gotten so much done, formed so many relationships, helped so many constituents, shown up at so many community gatherings, followed through on so many commitments, and proved his political courage so decisively, that in my view it’s unthinkable not to return him as senator in Orange County. If anyone has earned his spot, it’s Mark; we’re just lucky he’s been working for us.
Dan BreslawWest Corinth
Obamacare Is Failing
Newly released statistics are the latest proof that Obamacare is collapsing like a cheap suitcase. Insurance premiums are increasing by double digits, deductibles are rising, the exchanges are shrinking and doctors are dropping out. Millions of families are suffering real financial pain.
It is well to remember that Democrats completely own this signature Obama legacy. Not a single Republican voted for it.
If you want four more years of this kind of leadership, vote Democrat.
Jeff LehmannLyme Center
The old cowboy saying comes to mind when I now hear the Trump mouthpieces complain about the news media reporting on and focusing on Mr. Trump’s outrageous or foolish assertions — “you live by the gun, you die by the gun.” Trump’s rise throughout the primaries was aided by media attention on his outrageous or foolish assertions and there should be no complaint from Trump’s mouthpieces now. The double standard is obvious and noteworthy.
Joe SilverHartland
A Hard-Working Legislator
I have worked in the Vermont Legislature with Susan Hatch Davis on a variety of issues since 2007. She works very hard for her constituents and especially for the working families in the Orange-1 District. She has also been a strong supporter of helping seniors and people who have disabilities. I look forward to having her as my colleague in the 2017-2018 biennium.
Rep. Patsy French Randolph
Don’t Complain If You Don’t Vote
The letter “The Right Not to Vote” published on Oct. 30 is convincing that there is no legal obligation to vote if a person so chooses. I will not put my feelings about sitting out an election in terms of patriotism, or that so many over the course of our history have paid so much so that we can have the ability to elect our government.
Instead, my feeling is that government and politics in a democracy are not spectator sports. If one chooses not to participate, then one should not then complain about the outcome.
Paul EtkindGrantham
Running in N.H. Senate District 8
As a mediator, I listen carefully and help parties build bridges so they can connect to resolve their differences. As a law professor, I teach students how to build bridges to their clients — so they can meet them on equal terms and help them solve their problems. Now I would like to use my bridge-building skills to serve District 8 in the state Senate.
I was described in New Hampshire Business Review as “ the consensus candidate of moderates of both parties.” My bipartisan endorsements include: John Tucker, former Republican speaker of the house and Terie Norelli, former Democratic speaker of the house; Ralph Hough, former Republican Senate president and Sylvia Larsen, former Democratic Senate president; Dave Kidder, Republican state representative for New London and Newbury; Karen Ebel, Democratic state representative for New London and Newbury; and Dan Wolf, current Republican candidate for state representative for New London and Newbury; Merle Schotanus, former Republican state representative from Grantham; Sheridan Brown, Republican-leaning independent and Grantham Selectboard member. I am also honored to be endorsed by John Broderick, former chief justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court and dean of UNH School of Law; John Hutson, former judge advocate general of the U.S. Navy and former dean of UNH Law; and Lew Feldstein, former president of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
You can read letters of endorsement and study my background and positions on numerous issues at johngarvey.org. In the state Senate, I will focus on the bridges we need to keep us all connected. We need well-constructed bridges on our roads to keep us safe. We need to bridge the gap to deliver the last mile of high-speed internet. And we need to build bridges of trust between parties and factions — who often aren’t listening to one another and who fail to realize how much they could accomplish if they worked together in a positive fashion.
If this kind of representation appeals to you, I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 8.
John Garvey New London
I am writing in support of Karen Ebel for state representative for New London and Newbury. I first met her three years ago to discuss the need for legislation to improve reading instruction for dyslexic children, many of whom aren’t adequately supported by New Hampshire’s public schools. She listened intently to my family’s long struggle with the public school system to get the correct help for our son with dyslexia. She shared her family’s dyslexia challenges and vowed to help me as much as she could.
Ebel spent hours researching issues relating to dyslexia, including early and proper identification, special education eligibility, dyslexia awareness in schools and effective teaching methods. She reached out to the Department of Education, as well as many other experts in the general and special education fields, and met with stakeholders, including frustrated parents, to build consensus.
She worked diligently to draft appropriate legislation to improve educational opportunities for struggling readers, balanced with a fiscally sound approach. As the dyslexia education bill worked through the legislative process, she always communicated with those involved to keep them engaged, informed and to get their advice. Ebel reached across the aisle repeatedly to gain broad support for the bill and to work through many political and procedural challenges. Her speech on the House floor was passionate, persuasive and informed.
Our bill passed and was signed by Gov. Maggie Hassan at a well-attended ceremony this summer. Due to Ebel’s efforts, thousands of children struggling to read will now be identified in a timely manner and receive the support they deserve. In addition, all New Hampshire teachers will receive the training necessary to recognize dyslexia risk factors and learn about successful remedial options.
Ebel is a dedicated, thoughtful, effective and hardworking representative for New London and Newbury, representing the best interests of her constituents. In today’s political climate, it’s refreshing to see a candidate with so much character and honesty, as well as willingness to work with everyone, no matter their party affiliation, to achieve a worthwhile goal. Join me and vote for Karen Ebel for state representative on Nov. 8.
Bebe CaseyNew London
On Nov. 8, I will support candidates John Bartholomew and Paul Belaski to represent Windsor in the Vermont House. I saw Bartholomew in Vermont Statehouse hearings speak up to support Windsor on important issues, including potential solar sprawl on important wildlife habitat in Windsor. His voice was influential in creating a new wildlife management area in Windsor. Hunters, birders, equestrians, hikers, winter travelers and explorers will all benefit from this conservation effort that will ensure access to high-quality public land for recreational pursuits.
Bartholomew demonstrated good knowledge of state laws and the necessary networking to get things done for Windsor. He respectfully sought feedback from relevant parties so that he could be well informed about issues being addressed. I saw Bartholomew as an effective legislator in action. I want my vote to help that effectiveness continue for our district.
Paul Belaski’s work at the local level in Windsor has helped to create and maintain the healthy community character we enjoy today. Belaski also interacts very well with Windsor constituents and I believe that he will do so with state legislators at the Statehouse. I believe that the teamwork of Bartholomew and Belaski at the state level will benefit Windsor and our district. On Nov. 8 I’ll support Bartholomew and Belaski on the ballot for Windsor representative.
Michael T. QuinnWindsor
Enough of this steady stillicide from the FBI.
Martin LubinHanover
I would like to encourage voters in Vermont Windsor 4-2 District to vote for Kevin “Sarge” Stuart for their state representative on Tuesday. I don’t think I am alone in thinking it is past time for some new faces in Montpelier. I have been privileged to know Kevin Stuart for over 35 years and believe he will be an effective and hardworking representative of regular Vermonters.
Though a new face to state government, Stuart boasts a long and proud career of public service, including placing himself in harm’s way many times, in Iraq and in many other foreign deployments, in a long military career with the Air Force Reserves and the Air National Guard. Since then, and now a disabled veteran from wounds received while deployed in Iraq, he has also shown himself to be a tireless advocate for wounded and ill veterans and other citizens in need.
Among other things, “Sarge” has promised to reduce the ever-increasing tax burden on our middle class and to support common-sense renewable energy policy without a carbon tax, while empowering local communities to have their concerns addressed in energy siting decisions. We need people like Stuartt in Montpelier, so I hope you will join me in voting for Kevin “Sarge” Stuart on Tuesday.
Scott Thibault White River Junction