No widespread Town Meeting revolt against school spending
By Guy Page
Burlington voters have overwhelmingly approved a charter change that bans firearms from any establishment that sells liquor throughout the city. The measure passed with more than 8,000 votes in favor, with about 1,200 voting against it, according to unofficial results. In addition, voters backed bonds for infrastructure, drinking water, and sewer/stormwater projects.
In city council elections, Democrats maintained control of the Burlington City Council. Democrat Allie Schachter defeated Progressive candidate Kathy Olwell for the East District seat, while Democrat Buddy Singh won against Progressive Jen Monroe Zakaras in the South District.
Most of the Town Meeting results below were culled from press reports, notably News 5.
Resolution Condemns Israel as ‘Apartheid’ State, Passes in Some Towns
A controversial resolution condemning Israel as an “apartheid” state passed in Thetford, Newfane, Brattleboro, and Winooski. However, the resolution was rejected by voters in Vergennes and Montpelier. Results from Weybridge were unavailable as of Wednesday morning.
Rutland Mayor Re-Elected
Incumbent Rutland Mayor Mike Doenges has successfully defended his seat, defeating Alderman Henry Heck by a margin of 494 votes. The unofficial count shows Doenges secured 1,581 votes to Heck’s 1,087.
Winooski Approves ‘Just Cause’ Eviction Ordinance, Again
Winooski voters have once again approved the “just cause” eviction ordinance, allowing the city council to enact legislation that would require landlords to provide specific reasons for evicting tenants. This is the second time the measure has passed, following a procedural problem with the first vote in 2023.
School Budgets: Some Fail, Others Pass
In education-related votes, the Slate Valley Unified Union School District’s budget was rejected, with 1,107 voting against and 789 in favor, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell reported on the district’s Facebook page. This district serves areas including Castleton, Fair Haven, Benson, Orwell, and Fair Haven Union High School.
Georgia and Alburgh also rejected school budgets. However, there appears to be no taxpayer revolt as occurred last year, as the following districts approved their budgets, according to News 5/msn.com and other press reports: Barre Unified Union School District, Barstow Unified Union School District, Burlington, Caledonia School District, Champlain Islands Unified Union School District (Grand Isle), Champlain Valley School District, Colchester School District, Enosburg-Richford School District, Northern Mountain Valley Unified Union School District, Maple Run Unified School District, Milton Town School District, Missisquoi Valley School District, Mountain Views/Windsor Central School District, Otter Valley Unified Union School District, and Rutland City School District, and South Burlington School District.
Hinesburg and Ryegate Reject Cannabis Retailers
Voters in Hinesburg and Ryegate have rejected cannabis retail stores in their towns. In Hinesburg, the proposal was narrowly defeated, with 620 in favor and 626 against, while Ryegate also opted to reject cannabis dispensaries. Vermont allows towns to approve retail cannabis sales, but many are opting out, especially as the Cannabis Control Board has paused issuing new licenses due to market saturation in cities like Burlington.
Brattleboro Approves Safe Injection Site and Public Behavior Guidelines
Brattleboro voters passed several public safety measures, including a proposal to allow the selectboard to establish new guidelines for acceptable public behavior in the downtown area. The proposal passed with more than 57% approval. Additionally, voters approved a safe injection site, with 1,526 votes in favor and 860 against, making Brattleboro the second municipality in Vermont to establish such a facility.
Berlin Rejects Rec Center Proposal
Berlin voters approved the town’s municipal budget and re-elected the incumbent select board members but rejected funding for a new recreation center. The proposal failed by a vote of 263 to 228, according to the Montpelier Bridge.
Windham Transfers School Building to Town for $1
In Windham, voters approved a transfer of the local school building, which has been unused due to asbestos contamination, to the town for just $1. There is hope that the building could be repurposed into a community center, according to Vermont Public Radio.
East Montpelier Approves Resolution on Presidential Power
East Montpelier voters unanimously approved a non-binding resolution addressing what they see as the “overreach of presidential power.” The resolution, put forth by former state representative Andrew Christiansen, was discussed for half an hour before receiving full approval.
Chester affirms friendship with Canada
The Chester Telegraph reports that a day before tariffs were scheduled to begin, Shawn Cunningham of Chester (Telegraph reporter speaking in personal capacity) moved that “As fellow people of the North and fellow lovers of the maples, the people of Chester affirm their friendship with, and their respect for our neighbors, the people of the nation of Canada.” The floor resolution passed without discussion and after much applause.
| Newbury fire station approved |
| In ballot voting yesterday, residents overwhelmingly approved the new Newbury fire station in the village 144-44, the Journal-Opinion reports. |
| BMU, Thetford school budgets approved |
| The Blue Mountain Union budget was approved 183-152 during balloting yesterday in Groton, Ryegate, and Wells River. Overall, turnout was 17%. Groton-19%, Ryegate-16.2%, Wells River-13%. Thetford approved its budget 342-133. Turnout was 20.5%, the JO reports. |
| Bradford Selectboard members elected |
| There were three seats on the ballot yesterday in Bradford. Voters returned two incumbents while electing one new member to fill a vacancy. Turnout was 20.6%. Three-year term, Michael Wright-223, Ralph Messenger-160, the JO reports. One year remaining on a three-year term, Jon Larabee-94 Joshua Allen-275. Two-year term, Carole Taylor-265, Marthanne “Marcey” Carver-140. |