By Timothy Page
Today is Feedback Friday on VDC’s *Hot Off The Press* at 11:05 AM on WDEV AM 550, FM 96.1, and http://wdevradio.com livestreamed.
As usual on Feedback Friday, there are no guests scheduled – just callers and open lines to discuss whatever’s on your mind. But today’s headlines are already heating up the phones: a House rep’s resignation after a harassment probe, a key senator defending the controversial “road rule” on rural development, and Burlington’s mayor shutting down online criticism of police in an ICE raid.
Here are the three main stories likely sparking calls today:
House member resigns from committee post after sex harassment probe Rep. Bob Hooper (D-Burlington) stepped down from the House Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee following a sexual harassment investigation under House Rule 90(c). House Speaker Jill Krowinski called the complainant’s action “an extraordinarily courageous action” and emphasized privacy. Hooper, a Vietnam-era veteran, won’t be reassigned to another committee this biennium. What’s your take on accountability in the State House?
Road rule ‘not going anywhere,’ key senator says Sen. Seth Bongartz (D-Bennington) says the “road rule” from Act 181—triggering Act 250 reviews for rural parcels with 800+ ft of road frontage—is here to stay, with debate only on delaying implementation. Gov. Phil Scott and rural development advocates call it onerous and expensive. A Senate bill pushes for delay via study, while a House effort to scrap it is stalled. Should Vermont ease up on rural building restrictions?
Burlington mayor clamps down on online criticism of police role in ICE raid Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak condemned federal ICE agents as “instruments of terror” after a South Burlington raid, defended Burlington PD’s mutual aid role amid protests, and launched a use-of-force probe into one officer. She disabled comments on her Facebook posts and had critical ones removed. Free speech vs. moderation? Police accountability in immigration ops?
It’s Feedback Friday. I want to know what you think. Call 802-244-1777 from 11:05 – noon.