by Gov. Peter Shumlin Too often the news we hear focuses on the controversy over what we don’t agree on. As we work to put together a difficult budget that matches Montpelier’s appetite for spending with Vermonters ability to pay and other legislation that helps make this state a more affordable place to live, work,… Read More »
Update on education By Rep. Kate Webb Peter Drucker, the world-renowned management consultant and educator, once said “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” As we look to restructuring education funding, governance, and proficiency, Drucker’s words ring true. Our sense of community and culture here in Vermont is intimately tied to our local schools, and anything that… Read More »
By Representative Joan Lenes In previous articles, I have mentioned a different level of collaboration and problem solving I am witnessing this session. It is not that this was not the case before, but I see a different approach, thinking differently about existing problems – the sometimes too widely used cliché of “thinking outside the… Read More »
By Representative Kate Webb As we look to the future, why have successful businesses chosen Vermont, what keeps them here, and what can we learn from their experiences? I had an opportunity to hear from businesses in the tech and manufacturing sectors last Friday and as well as last summer. When asked how they got… Read More »
By Rep. Joan Lenes I first want to thank the Shelburne News for running our “Report from Montpelier.” Some local papers throughout the state do not offer the same opportunity for their legislators. Often folks will thank me for the updates and say they appreciate the information. It is a great way for me to… Read More »
By Rep. Kate Webb There is a different tone in the Statehouse this year. I hear a coming-together, a merging of positions, even if at times it might sound a bit back-handed. In response to the Governor’s budget address, the House Majority Leader stated, “He spoke a good game. It sounded a lot like our… Read More »
By Rep. Joan Lenes I am writing this on the evening the legislature voted to elect the governor. This may seem like old news as you read it one week later when it comes out in the Shelburne News. Regardless, I wanted to let you know how I voted and why. I cast my ballot… Read More »
By Rep. Kate Webb I have received a few calls and emails from Shelburne residents and several form emails from around the state urging me to cast my vote for Scott Milne on Jan. 8. Although the vote will be by paper ballot, I will share how and why I will cast my vote for Peter… Read More »
Investments in Vermont environment and infrastructure In Rep. Kate Webb and Joan Lenes’ last column for the season, they have highlighted a few pieces of legislation passed this year that protect Vermont’s environment and infrastructure. Capital Investments in our State: The capital bill includes the culmination of a six-year effort to provide a strategy and… Read More »
Education update Shelburne Representatives Joan Lenes and Kate Webb highlight education in this second article in a three-part series. Next week: environment and infrastructure Important conversations began this year addressing the future and underlying costs of education and school governance. By the end of the session, we simply ran out of time to complete this… Read More »