Representative Balint, Senator Welch, and Senator Sanders:

The 3 of you are in Washington, D.C. to represent your constituents, ALL citizen residents of the State of Vermont. I understand that you all may differ with many of your Vermont constituents on what they believe to be important to them and what is important to you.

However, your positions/jobs are responsible to ALL the people of Vermont.

Yesterday, the 3 of you, in my opinion, chose to abdicate your responsibilities by NOT showing up for Prime Minister Netenyahu’s address to the Joint Congress. Whether or not you like the man, dislikes what he stands for, or how Israel is conducting the war against the Iran backed Hamas terrorists, I believe you let a lot of Vermonters down.

Boycotting by the 3 of you, tells me as a Vermonter, that you don’t care what I and/or others may think or believe.
You were not sent to Wash. D.C. to boycott what you don’t like. You were sent there to work for and represent ALL Vermonters.

Please remember that you work for ALL Vermonters, and with your boycott, I believe you have failed in your positions/jobs as our Wash. D.C. Legislators.

-George Verdon, Colchester

Dear Representatives, City Officials, Neighbors:

As a native Barre City resident and taxpayer, I wish to express my concerns about the scourge of felonious drug crimes and profound damage it is inflicting upon our community.  I appreciate the flood disasters are a priority. However, I contend the criminal drug infiltration is an ongoing, unabated peril that needs immediate attention and swift action from you, the leadership.  Above all, our Governor has the tools to address this issue today and should be hard pressed to do so by all of you. 

In addition to the sample of official reports listed below this message, I want to add what I witnessed yesterday afternoon on South Main Street, Barre City.  A young woman was staggering and flailing her way down the sidewalk in a manner conducive to one those “wacky waving inflatable tube men” seen in car dealerships.  How she did not fall into the path of oncoming traffic is a miracle in itself.  It was a heart-breaking display of human despair and misery, in full public view, at 3pm on a busy, populated city street. Is that display an accurate reflection of our community to travelers on Route 14 through the heart of Barre City? As I live on the South end of Barre City, I frequently witness the drug trade and zombie-like persons shuffling and staggering about all over the area. Also, I see a number of young adults lingering on the sidewalk near the Quality Inn on South Main Street as well as knowing the Hollow Motel harbors a number of young, voucher recipients. Is this what my tax dollars are supporting and incentivizing?  Is this what taxpayer labor manifests?  It is as shameful as it is dangerous to all in our community.  

After seeing that young woman yesterday (on the route to our Barre City Rec area), I’ve seen and had enough.  I respectfully ask all of you to take action as leaders, not enablers.  All of you possess the authority to bring in extra support to remove and prosecute the merchants of death infiltrating our City.  How many more deaths, near deaths, and ruined lives is it going to take?  I hope, with all sincerity, you will take meaningful, swift action to address this issue today.  Every adult and child in this community is being harmed one way or another by this nefarious activity. Above all, it does reflect upon the position you hold and the decisions you all make on behalf of our community.  

Thank you and look forward to seeing prompt actions, results, and positive outcomes very soon. 

-Melissa J. Casey, Barre

I have to say it:

I just want to give flood recovery credit where credit is due: Although organizations like Rainbow Bridge and Barre Up are in the limelight this year, at least officially, I can’t remain silent about the people who deserve true support and have made a bigger difference than most of the “approved” and “official” organizations, namely, the churches. We learned the hard way last year that when the government takes its time, paying more out to itself than those in need, the Body of Christ is where help will come from. Thank you, and glory to the Lord Whose Body you are.

-Timothy Page, Barre