Letter to the editor: Local gubernatorial hopeful offers vision for future

As I introduce myself as Esther Charlestin, a candidate for your next governor, I am met with skepticism. “Who do you think you are?” “Where did you come from?” “Why are you here?” 

Letter to the editor: U.S. policy has fueled conflict in Palestine, Ukraine

Mr. Gleason’s letter in the March 7th Addison Independent regarding U.S. support of the elimination of the Palestinian people from their traditional homeland was a poignant reminder of our complicity in the majority of death and suffering going on in the … (read more)

Letter to the editor: Why not take Now for what it is?

This is Now./ Of all of the moments in my entire life,/ This is the only one that is Now.

Faith Gong: Beautiful Things: Tri-Valley Transit

After a season in which I delved into the difficult issues of middle age, change, and raising teenagers, perhaps it’s time for something a bit more hopeful.

Editorial: No easy fix for costly school budgets, but here’s a start

As about a third of the state’s school districts, including three of the four school districts serving Addison County, were defeated in Town Meeting votes this Tuesday, voters naturally turn to two questions: Short-term, what are the next steps to propose … (read more)

Community Forum: Vermont needs paid family leave

As we strive to build a state that works for everyone, it’s a harsh reality that almost 75% of Vermont workers lack access to paid family and medical leave.

Living Together: It takes many to help those in need

Twenty years ago — March 26, 2004 — members of the Congregational Church of Middlebury cooked and served the first Friday Night Community Supper.

Ways of Seeing: Historical lessons on (border) politics

Last week, the Biden Administration announced that it was considering an Executive Order that would restrict asylum claims at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Jessie Raymond: Sometimes nature really stinks

It was no coincidence that, one pre-dawn morning last week, Mark and I were having almost identical dreams. In them, we were running around warning people that the noxious gas they were smelling was flammable, and that if anyone lit a match, their house w … (read more)

Letter to the editor: Vermont should take a cue from NY on seed legislation

The Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition, representing over 75 diversified farms in Addison and Chittenden County, has been a strong driver of economic growth and environmental stewardship in the state of Vermont.

Letter to the editor: Fish & Wildlife debate needs to go beyond ‘us vs. them’

It doesn’t have to be this way. Common ground exists in the wildlife debate and what won’t help find it is people yelling at one another.

Letter to the editor: The phrase ‘wildlife advocates’ is a misnomer

Despite what its board members state and prefer us to think, Protect Our Wildlife, the primary organization driving legislative action, is an animal rights organization and should be specifically labeled by the media as such.

Letter to the editor: Fish & Wildlife debate missing larger picture

For background, hunting and fishing are the most important things in my life outside of my family.

Letter to the editor: New Middlebury selectman says thanks

I would like to thank the voters of Middlebury for turning out at the Town Meeting elections and to thank those that supported my candidacy for selectboard.

Letter to the editor: Education goals need rethinking

Despite usually approving school budgets without question, I must admit that, when I walked into the voting booth this Tuesday, my pen briefly hovered over the “no” oval for the 2025 ACSD budget.

3209