Columnist Steve Nelson’s latest column (“Fake News Brought Me a Barrage of Hate,” Feb. 19) was a breath of fresh air amidst the current cacophony of vitriol and hatred that is dividing our country so needlessly.
After being attacked with hatred by people who don’t even know him, Nelson “responded to every hateful email” with respect and clarity. That, as reported by Nelson, changed the attitude of many Trump supporters who had previously vilified him for comments that had been misrepresented by the New York Post and then Fox News.
Nelson demonstrated a path forward in how to effectively interact with people who believe differently than you. He also demonstrated the need to verify your sources and not necessarily believe everything you hear.
As one person stated in his response to Nelson’s respectful message to him: “After reading your message I believe we have a perfect example of the importance of respectful dialogue.” Thank you, Steve Nelson, for your inspiring story and worthy example of the power of respect.
Joy Blongewicz
Lebanon
An Agency’s True ‘Customers’
I am writing to make people aware of a series of meetings that the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is hosting to meet with its “customers” — business owners, planners and real estate agents. These meetings, including one Thursday in White River Junction, seem in conflict with the ANR’s primary responsibilities, and Vermonters should be concerned about the potential outcomes of these meetings.
The ANR website contains the following: “The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources promotes the sustainable use of Vermont’s natural resources, protects and improves the health of Vermont’s peoples and ecosystems, and promotes sustainable outdoor recreation.” Further, the site states it is “charged with oversight and management of Vermont’s natural environment on behalf of the people of Vermont.” Nowhere on the website is there any reference to a responsibility to make it easier for business owners, planners, real estate agents and others to work with it. Yet, it has set up meetings across the state inviting these groups to “hear about opportunities to further improve the Agency’s current permitting and regulatory systems to deliver better, more efficient business and organizational outcomes while protecting Vermont’s natural resources.”
The ANR oversees permitting processes for state and federally-delegated programs to maintain clean air, water and soils as well as healthy forests and ecosystems. Therefore, one would have to ask why it deems it necessary to get input from entities it is charged with regulating.
I encourage people to attend and speak up for yourselves and for Vermont’s natural resources that we enjoy and depend upon for healthy lives. Vermont’s natural resources are not only beneficial to each of us and our children, but they are also a key driver for Vermont’s economy. We need to make sure that the ANR holds true to its responsibilities and does not cater to those it is charged with regulating. Stand up and tell the ANR to do its job and oversee and manage Vermont’s natural resources on behalf of the people of Vermont, not business owners, planners and real estate agents.
The White River Junction meeting is Thursday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Hotel Coolidge.
Mark Nelson
Ripton, Vt.
The writer is chair of the Vermont chapter of the Sierra Club.
Claremont teachers have dedicated themselves to public education and to the children in their classrooms. Each day, parents throughout our city entrust us to educate, nurture, protect and prepare their children for the future. Year after year, our schools and staff have done an outstanding job delivering on these expectations while fighting continued cuts at the state level. The proposed budget carries on that success for our children and community.
Your support is vital to our school district’s success. Please come and vote “yes” on March 14.
Tammy-Lynn Yates,
President, Sugar River Education Association
Brian Rapp
Chair, Claremont School Board
Claremont
Oppose NewVistas at Town Meeting
Voters at Town Meetings in Royalton, Sharon, Stafford and Tunbridge will have the chance to vote to express their opinions about a massive development proposed by NewVistas proponent David Hall, a resident of Utah. He foresees an initial development of 5,000 acres and to that end has already acquired over 1,500 acres in these towns.
Mr. Hall claims that the community will be self-sustaining and self-contained. Both of these concepts are questionable due to the size and structure of the development.
Just in the need for roads and local materials for construction, there is great danger that the rural character of these town will be destroyed. The ongoing impact such a project would impose on schools, emergency services and local governments is enormous.
The NewVistas Foundation states that this is a plan for the future, to be built when many of those who oppose it will be long since departed. People in opposition to the project believe that now, in its formative stages, is the time to actively work against its inception and to send word not only to Mr. Hall but to the government in Montpelier that this is a proposal absolutely unsuited to the character of this region.
Interested people should view the website of the Alliance for Vermont Communities (alliancevermont.org), which stands in opposition to the New Vistas concept. Vote yes at Town Meeting on the resolution to oppose the NewVistas development.
Alec and Nan Frost
Tunbridge
On Saturday a free “Plainfield Community Unity Breakfast” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon in the Plainfield School gymnasium. While there are some tensions in Plainfield over our library system, we believe we can come together for a meal and celebrate our wonderful community. RSVPs are kindly requested (so we have enough pancakes!) and can be made by visiting kidsforapeacefulfuture.org or by emailing kidsforapeacefulfuture@gmail.com.
This will be a family-friendly event open to Plainfield residents and friends of all ages. Kids For A Peaceful Future is a nonprofit organization.We’re grateful to the Plainfield Elementary School PTO for co-sponsoring this event.
Karen Anikis
Plainfield