M ou nta i n T i m e s
Volume 47, Number 31
I’m FREE - you can even bring me home to your parents!
Aug. 1-7, 2018
US OPEN Guide to the US FOX open, including athlete profiles and events schedule. Section B
By Chris Vanderyajt
Jill Kintner navigates a rocky trail section during a past US Open of Mountain Biking race to the delight of spectators watching the event.
Riders to compete for speed and style
By Polly Lynn Mikula
KILLINGTON — “The US Open is more than just a race, it’s a big mountain bike party for the whole family featuring vendors, live music, a bonfire and races for all levels,” said Justin Pill, events and sponsorships manager at Killington Resort. Competitors from around the world will compete at Killington
Aug. 1-5 for the Fox US Open of Mountain Biking. The Pro/Am style format offers some of the most challenging and competitive racing in the nation – it’s a proving ground for up-and-coming and elite racers, according to a recent news release. Anyone can enter the Open Class and compete amongst the pros for the $40,000 cash Spectator guide, page 17A
Water treatment system overflows By Lani Duke
KILLINGTON CHILI FEST Competition was fierce for the 6th Annual Chili CookOff Thursday, July 26. Page 3A
Living a de
LIVING ADE What’s happening? Find local Arts, Dining & Entertainment Pages 16-25A
Mounta in Times is a community newspaper covering Central Vermont that aims to engage and inform as well as empower community members to have a voice.
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RUTLAND—Heavy rains caused East Creek and, to a lesser extent, Otter Creek, to receive an unexpected addition of nearly 9.7 million gallons of partially treated wastewater and stormwater July 23. A report of the overflow became public July 25, delayed because the public notification system website was not functioning. “The most rain falls during the 31 days centered around July 23, with an average total accumulation of 3.5 inches,” according to the website weatherspark.com. During that morning deluge, Rutland received about 1.9 inches in two hours, VTDigger reported. The largest overflow of 2018, it was the most recent of 15 overflows this year. Most of the time, both wastewater and stormwater are treated in Rutland’s wastewater treatment plant, City Public Works Director Jeff Wennberg told VTDigger July 25. When rain is unusually intense, relief vales open, preventing wastewater from backing up into homes, businesses, and streets. Fairly typical of wastewater and sewer systems built in the Northeast and Midwest in the late 1800s, these overflows dump fecal coliform and microorganisms in seemingly small quantities, but sufficient to cause a public health risk for a minimum of 48 hours after a combined sewer overflow. The largest wastewater treatment facility in Vermont, Rutland can successfully treat Overflow, page 3A
Can You Recycle Better?
City could see first downtown hotel in decades
By Lani Duke and Katy Savage
RUTLAND—The former Rutland Herald various agencies in the Rutland community in building in downtown Rutland could become the past. the city’s first downtown hotel. The Rutland Redevelopment Authority hired DEW Construction, of Williston, has an opPFK Consulting in 2013 to study the potential tion to purchase the building for $620,000. market for a downtown hotel. “That’s considered to be a depressed area,” PFK considered two sites—one on the Bersaid DEW Vice President Peter Kelley. “We felt wick property and the other on Evelyn Street. like there was an opportunity to at least evaluPFK did not consider the environmental ate a downtown hotel.” ramifications at that time, but the report said The agreement is pending qualifications for the benefits to the Berwick site were its proxnew market tax credits, a imity to downtown IT COULD BE APPROVED AS necessary piece to make amenities, such as the it financially feasible, Paramount Theatre, SOON AS MARCH 2019. Kelley said. restaurants and shops. Vermont Rural Ventures oversees tax credits The disadvantage was the size of the property. in the state. The tax credit would cover about When the property was auctioned in 20 percent of the funding, explained Rural October 2016, local developer Joe Giancola Ventures Vice President of Community Investsubmitted the winning bid of $600,000 but ments Beth Boutim. DEW would need to seek declined to follow through. He cited the high other financing for the remaining funds. cost of site decontamination and an inability to Boutim said the hotel project has been gather financing. After Giancola’s abdication, through preliminary board reviews. It could be the Mitchell family contacted the second-highapproved as soon as March 2019. est bidder, a Long Island enterprise, who also “It’s going to add vibrancy to the downtown turned down the purchase. as a whole,” said Rutland Rural Development DEW was the third-place bidder. The compaExecutive Director Tyler Richardson. ny paid $20,000 more than Giancola’s winning The site sits on about ¾ of an acre on Wales bid. The Mitchells began negotiating with DEW Street. It was occupied by the Berwick Hotel un- in early 2018, Rob Mitchell said. Initially, the til the building burned down in January 1973. state told the developer the project was ineliIt’s considered a brownfield site for environgible for tax credits, but community support mental clean-up, estimated to cost $500,000. apparently compelled the state to reconsider A downtown hotel has been discussed by when the company re-submitted its plan.
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2A • LOCAL
NEWS
The Mountain Times • Aug. 1-7, 2018
Courtesy Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
The boat launch at Lowell Lake State Park.
Shrewsbury 5-year-old and his grandmother drown at Lowell Lake State Park
An Exciting Customized ATV Experience for All Ability Levels
By Alan J. Keays
Widow of farmer Leo Branchard arrived at the courthouse in her husband’s tractor.
Man gets 19 years for crash killing farmer
Staff report
By Alan J. Keays/ VTDigger
LONDONDERRY—A grandmother and her grandson drowned on Friday, July 20, at the Lowell Lake State Park lake access area in Londonderry, state police reported. Julie Lawrence, 56, rushed into the water to help her 5-year-old grandson, Jaxon Lawrence, who had fallen into the water from a flotation device, according to the police report. By the time rescuers arrived, both Lawrence and her grandson were found unresponsive in the water. Julie Lawrence, of Manchester Center, was pronounced dead at the scene. Jaxon Lawrence, of Shrewsbury, was rushed to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. He was pronounced dead on Sunday, police reported. Jaxon Lawrence’s 9-year-old brother was also present at the lake and tried to save his brother but after unsuccessful attempts swam to shore to get help. He was unhurt. Detective Sgt. Eric Albright, the lead investigator on the case, said he is waiting to learn from medical examiners whether a “medical emergency” caused either death. Neither Julie Lawrence nor Jaxon Lawrence was wearing life jackets, according to police. Authorities found Julie Lawrence unresponsive 20 to 40 feet from shore. Jaxon Lawrence was found 10 to 15 feet from shore. Jake Lawrence, father of Jaxon and stepson of Julie, said, “It has been a devastating time for sure.” But he added, “The outpouring of love and support from all around has given great strength, we are both very appreciative and humbled by it and it really does make a world of difference… I don’t know what getting through this looks like but it’s wonderful to know we’ll be doing it with such massive support and love behind us.” Jake’s sister (aunt of Jaxon and stepdaughter of Julie Lawrence) set up a GoFundMe page to help Jake and his wife Brittany (Jaxon’s mom), with expenses (gf.me/u/ j493zq). In response, Brittany wrote: “Our family is overwhelmed with the love and support we have received. As hospital and funeral expenses continue to grow we so very much appreciate your continued support.” According to an obituary published in The Berkshire Eagle on July 25, a celebration of Julie Lawrence’s life was held Saturday July 28, in Manchester Center. The obituary stated that Julie Marie Wojtkowski Lawrence settled in Vermont in 2002. In Vermont, she continued her nursing career at Rutland Regional Medical Center. She worked as an RN in the ICU, PCU, Emergency Department, and most recently, Diagnostic Imaging. In 2014, she met Brian Lawrence and the two married on July 11, 2015. Julie Lawrence was a very active person, she enjoyed hiking and snowshoeing with her dogs, kayaking in the summer, and skiing “seriously fast in the winter,” according to the obituary.
RUTLAND – Tami Carboni-Branchaud spent much of Thursday, July 26 inside a Rutland courtroom where she watched the man who admitted driving over and killing her husband get sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison. When the proceeding was over late in the afternoon she went outside, started up a red 1996 International farm tractor, and drove away. She was heading to back to Tinmouth, some 20 miles away, where she and her late husband Leo Branchaud operated a dairy farm until his death more than two years ago in the crash that Thomas H. Velde learned Thursday will send him to jail for almost two decades. “I drove it here as a tribute to him,” Carboni-Branchaud said of her late husband and his favorite tractor. As the chugging vehicle, which tops out at about 10 mph, rolled past the downtown courthouse, a loud cheer went up for Carboni-Branchaud at the wheel. Roughly 50 of her friends, family and other supporters from Tinmouth and surrounding towns attended the Thursday hearing, as they have for every court date over the past two years. The community has rallied around Carboni-Branchaud, starting right after the crash when they volunteered in shifts at the farm to ensure the cows continued to be milked to maintain their value before they were
eventually sold off. Heading out the back of courthouse Thursday in a sheriff’s cruiser was Velde, making his way to the Rutland jail, just a short drive from the courthouse. Judge Cortland Corsones had moments earlier sentenced the 43-year-old man to 19 years in prison. With credit for time he has also served since his arrest two years ago, Velde would be eligible for release when he’s 60. According to police, Branchaud was struck and killed as he walked in front of his home on Gulf Road in Tinmouth on April 22, 2016. Velde was driving the Chevy pickup that hit him. Velde pleaded guilty in March to charges of leaving the scene with death resulting and gross negligent operation with death resulting in the hitand-run crash that killed Branchaud. Both charges carried habitual offender enhancements because of Velde’s lengthy criminal record, meaning each could be punishable by up to life imprisonment. It’s a case in which Velde’s mother, Lisa Velde, has already been sentenced to jail time after admitting she tried to take the blame for her son’s action by initially telling police that she was the person who drove into and killed the 57-yearold farmer. Thomas Velde’s trial had started in March, with the prosecution wrapping up its case when Velde agreed to plead guilty to the two felony offenses. 19 year sentence, page 27A
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LOCAL NEWS
The Mountain Times • Aug. 1-7, 2018
By Robin Alberti
Clara Nimchek, left, and Alana Bell enjoy chili tasting.
Who’s got the tastiest chili in Killington?
Winners of the cook-off announced By Emery Mikula
On Thursday, July 26, the Killington Parks and Recreation Department hosted the 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off in the Snowshed Lodge at Killington Resort. The Cook-Off took place in conjunction with the River Road Summer Concert Series featuring live music by the Chad Hollister Band. 2018 winners: • Most Original/Creative Chili awarded to The Lookout • Best Side Dish or Garnish awarded to The Garlic • Best Presentation awarded to Prestons • Best Costume/Best Dressed awarded to The Greater Killington Women’s Club • Best Bribe Attempt awarded to Echo Lake Inn • Judges Favorite awarded to Killington Peak Lodge
Overflow:
Old system overwhelmed
continued from page 1A more than 22.5 million gallons a day, as long as it arrives slowly enough. The plant could process two inches a day without an overflow, but not two inches in 10, 15, or even 60 minutes, Wennberg elaborated. The city’s public works department has been working to resolve the intermittent overflows but has not yet found a cost-effective counter strategy. Rutland spent $5.2 million to separate some of the stormwater from
RUTLAND CAN SUCCESSFULLY TREAT MORE THAN 22.5 MILLION GALLONS A DAY, AS LONG AS IT ARRIVES SLOWLY ENOUGH. the wastewater in 2011, but complete separation would cost about $159 million, Wennberg estimated. Passing untreated stormwater into the downstream waters may not be the wisest course. On its course through the watershed, it picks up contaminants. Developed lands (85 percent of Rutland’s surface area) contribute the highest percentage per acre of phosphorus pollution entering Lake Champlain. Stormwater flowing constantly into streams may produce more total pollution than the overflows do, Wennberg reasoned. The state Department of Environmental Conservation lists wastewater upgrades Rutland should undertake to reduce overflows. Failure to deliver a plan of which projects it will install risks fines for permit violation. Wennberg has asked the state for a grant to study various upgrades’ efficacy, contracting with engineering firm Weston and Sampson to model the city’s combined sewer system. Public Works will soon begin testing how assorted solutions would reduce overflows. Installing rainwater traps such as rain gardens and permeable pavement may be effective. Wennberg is looking at Cincinnati’s “smart sewers” as a possible model, where sensors, gates, and valves redirect flow to higher storage capacity areas.
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• 3A
4A • LOCAL
NEWS
The Mountain Times • Aug. 1-7, 2018
Student found dead in river
Staff report
POULTNEY—A Green Mountain College student was found dead in the Poultney River July 30, police said. Fuquan Ford, 20, of Albany, N.Y., was pronounced dead at the scene after police received a report of an unresponsive man partially submerged in the Poultney River, June 30 around 5 p.m. The man was located in the vicinity of 1 Brennan Circle, Poultney, behind the Green Mountain College Campus. Green Mountain Col-
lege President Allen issued a statement July 31. “Fuquan’s positive attitude, warm smile, and passion for social change, animals and nature touched all members of the Green Mountain College community,” Allen wrote. Ford entered Green Mountain College in the fall of 2017. He was a member of the Green Mountain Eagles Basketball Team and was involved in social activism on campus, including Black Lives Matter.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police. There will be a gathering Thursday, Aug. 2 at noon on the college campus to remember Ford. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ford is planned when the students return for the start of the 2018-19 academic year. GMC is offering counseling services, available at the Wellness Center or by calling 802-287-8376.
VOTE
August 14, 2018 Nicole McPhee Republican Primary Rutland County Probate Judge
Nicoll unopposed for Rutland-Windsor 2
By Stephen Seitz
LUDLOW—Barring a successful writein attempt, Democratic selectman Logan Nicoll, a lifelong Ludlow resident, will be representing Shrewsbury, Mount Holly and Ludlow in the House next year. “I ran in the last cycle, but couldn’t put enough time into campaigning,” he said. “I suppose the Republicans could appoint someone after the primary.” Nicoll said his chief concern is the state’s drug policy. “The state is putting too many people into jail for nonviolent drug crimes,” he said. “We should be putting more emphasis on treatment. Look at Portugal. They decriminalized drugs and poured their resources into treatment.” According to an article in the U.K. newspaper The Guardian, the policy has been a rousing success. Rather than getting jailed, drug offenders could face a ticket or a small fine, or appear before a local commission to discuss treatment options. In 15 years, new cases of HIV fell from 104.2 cases per million to 4.2 cases per million. Overdose deaths, drug-related crime and incarceration rates all saw similar drops. “My father was a corrections officer,” Nicoll said. “We talked a lot about people who weren’t a danger to society who just got caught doing what other people do.” One thing Nicoll said he’d like to do is give towns more control.
Submitted
Logan Nicoll “We’ve had a few situations where we’ve been pitted against the Public Service Board,” he said. “The PSB would make decisions for us which went against our ordinances.” Nicoll said he’s very unhappy with the recent merger of the Ludlow-Mount Holly school systems. Under the terms of the merger, Black River Middle High School will close and the high school students will be sent to other nearby schools under a tuition program. “Education is where I disagree with what’s going on,” he said. “It’s hard for me to accept the high school being gone. I would have liked the town to have more control over it. I would like to keep it open. Nicoll, page 10A
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STATE NEWS
The Mountain Times • Aug. 1-7, 2018
~ ~ ~
Billings Farm & Museum
McCormack’s hat, back in the ring
By Stephen Seitz
Gateway to Vermont’s Rural“Vermont’s Heritage economy depends on the Vermont brand,” he wrote. “We’re known for environmental quality, healthy recreation, quality, pure food and drink, civil and enlightened politics. Vermont is what Amer10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.it is. We must ica wants to think protect our brand.” Vermont needs better broadband service, he added. “We also need better electronic connectivity to enhance telecommuting,” he wrote. “Health care reform, family Submitted leave, a higher minimum wage, Sen. Dick McCormack and collective bargaining are all part of improving the economy. lem, he wrote. Renewable energy is central to Parade growth. @ 1:00Itp.m. “Beware of simple answers toTractor this economic saves money. It Tractor Activities question,” he wrote. “I hate it, but keeps money in-state.” I think we need tighter security at When asked if heRides supported regTractor-Drawn Wagon schools. Ugly and hostile as metal ulating ~ and ~ ~taxing marijuana now detectors are, we’ve gotten used Farm that possession and consumption Animal Programs to them at airports. While I’m notGames are legal in Vermont, McCormack & Family Activities
BETHEL—Democratic Sen. Dick McCormack is hoping to represent Windsor County in the state Senate once again. McCormack was appointed to fill an unexpired term in 1989 and has been re-elected ever since. He and fellow Democratic incumbents Alice Nitka of Ludlow, and Alison Clarkson of Woodstock, will face Republican challengers Randy Gray of Springfield, Weathersfield resident Jack Williams, and Bethel resident Wayne Townsend. Asked via email for his top legislative priorities in the next legislative, Mac Cormack listed: “Affordability, the gap between incomes and cost of living; the perennial problem of high school taxes; pollution; climate change; drugs; health care access.” For health care, McCormack wrote, “Join the rest of the civilized world with a single payer system. I’ve supported this since 1988. At least establish universal priPedal tractor pulls for kids! mary care as the best bang for “VERMONT’S ECONOMY DEPENDS ON THE VERMONT the buck and a good start.” 69 Old River Rd. BRAND. WE’RE KNOWN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, McCormack that the jury Woodstock, VT is still out when it comes to HEALTHY RECREATION, QUALITY, PURE FOOD AND DRINK, 802-457-2355 • www.billingsfarm.org Act 46. CIVIL AND ENLIGHTENED POLITICS,” SAID MCCORMACK. “I opposed Act 46 in the Senate,” he wrote. “Previously, as Chair of the Education Comconvinced about arming teachers, replied with a simple “Yes.” mittee, I opposed similar provisions. I think each school should have the McCormack has lived in Bethel My constituents have worked in capacity to immobilize an active since 1970. He has a 1970 history good faith to make Act 46 work. It’s shooter if necessary. Time will tell if degree from Hofstra University, too soon to know how it will all work our efforts to improve gun safety are and was graduated from Vermont out. Unifying districts was extremeadequate.” Law School in 2002 with a master’s ly stressful. Some districts have had When it comes to the economy, degree, cum laude. harder times than others.” McCormack said Vermont’s reputaFor more information visit McSecuring schools is also a probtion was the most important aspect. Cormack’s Facebook page.
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Tractors: 1930s - 1970s
• 5A
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Table of contents Opinion....................................................................6A Calendar...................................................................8A Music Scene...........................................................11A Just For Fun............................................................12A Rockin’ the Region.................................................13A Sports.....................................................................14A Switching Gears.....................................................15A Living ADE.............................................................16A Food Matters..........................................................21A Columns.................................................................26A Service Directory...................................................28A Pets.........................................................................30A Mother of the Skye.................................................31A
PFOA blood testing offered to Bennington residents The Vermont Department of Health will be providing for blood tests for some people who may have been affected by PFOA contamination of drinking water in Bennington and North Bennington, but who have not been previously tested. There is no cost to participants for the blood draw, laboratory analysis and report. The Vermont Legislature has made funding available for this effort. In 2016, private drinking water wells in the area around the former Chemfab/Saint-Gobain facility contained PFOA ranging from none to nearly 3,000 parts per trillion, well above Vermont’s health advisory of 20 parts per trillion. A blood test can measure the level of PFOA in an individual’s blood; most adults have low levels of PFOA in their blood. The blood test cannot tell if a person’s exposure to PFOA will cause health problems in the future, or if a health problem was caused by PFOA, but it may help inform discussions with a person’s doctor about their health. You are eligible for the PFOA blood test if: You did not already have your blood tested at a Health Department-sponsored clinic in 2016 and 2017, AND The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation tested the well of a home in North Bennington/Bennington where you live now, or where you lived any time in the past 10 years, OR You worked or lived at the former Chemfab/SaintGobain site at 940/1030 Water St. in North Bennington, or you work or live there now. For more information or if you are interested in having your blood tested, complete the online survey at healthvermont.gov/PFOAbloodtesting_2018 by Friday, Aug. 7. Some studies show that these PFOA and related contaminants may affect growth, learning and behavior in babies and older children, lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant, interfere with the body’s natural hormones, increase cholesterol levels, affect the immune system, and increase the risk of cancer. The likelihood of having a health effect due to PFAS exposure depends on how much an individual was exposed to, and for how long.
Gray seeking Windsor County Senate seat By Stephen Seitz
Springfield resident Randy Gray is one of three Republicans hoping to represent Windsor County in the next legislative session. The other two are Jack Williams of Weathersfield and Wayne D. Townsend of Bethel. They seek to replace incumbent Democrats Alice Nitka (Ludlow), Dick MacCormack (Bethel) and Alison Clarkson (Woodstock). Gray said, via email, that, if elected, improving the state’s economy would be high on his list of priorities. “My priorities are many,” he wrote, “but my main goals are to improve Vermont’s economy, growth, availability of skilled workers and affordability. I also have a multi-faceted plan to resolve our drug issue from better prevention to much stricter penalties for dealers. Water quality is anSubmitted other top priority, fixRandy Gray ing municipal waste treatment before cleaning the waters, otherwise you are bailing a sinking boat. Act 46, 60 and 68 are also on my to do list either by repealing or seriously modifying, bringing back school choice and local control to the communities.” Gray said he is no fan of the state’s current education system. “Act 46 is on my list for repeal,” he wrote, “If not repeal, then modify significantly, bringing back local control and school choice. I am also extending an invitation to educators, not administrators, to speak with me and offer suggestions for reducing our education costs without harming the quality of education.” Regarding school safety, Gray said he’d like to see tighter security. Randy Gray, page 38A
Classifieds..............................................................32A News Briefs............................................................33A Real Estate..............................................................38A USO of MTB................................................. Section B
Mounta in Times The Mountain Times is an independently owned weekly newspaper serving residents of, and visitors to Central Vermont Region. Our offices are located at 5465 Route 4, Sherburne Flats, Killington, Vt. ©The Mountain Times 2015 The Mountain Times • P.O. Box 183 Killington, VT 05751
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Polly Lynn-Mikula ----------------------- Editor & Co-Publisher Jason Mikula ---------------------- Ad Manager & Co-Publisher Erica Harrington ------------------------------ Business Manager
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Opinion
6A •
The Mountain Times • Aug. 1-7, 2018
OP-ED
Remember to vote
By Secretary of State Jim Condos
The Aug. 14 Vermont Primary Election is just two weeks away. While there has been some indication of lower voter turnout, I hope that as Vermonters, we can make sure that’s not the case in our state. Voting is the foundation of our democracy. When you go to the polls on Primary Day and Election Day, you’re helping shape the future of our towns, our state and our country. Mark your calendars today – Aug. 14 and Nov. 6 – and be sure to vote! Early voting is also a great way to increase voter participation. You can vote early for the Aug. 14th Primary right now, either in-person at your local Town/City Clerk’s Office, or by requesting a ballot be mailed to you. Requests can be made by phone, email, walk-in or online at https://mvp.sec.state. vt.us. Reminder, your ballot must be returned to your municipal clerk by 7:00pm on Election Day to ensure it’s counted. Don’t wait until the last minute! It is unfortunate that in many parts of the country, there are attempts to enact laws that would make it harder for legitimate voters to register and vote – in essence, to challenge or deny access to certain citizens to vote. That’s not the case in Vermont! As Secretary of State, I’m pleased to report that we’ve done many things in Vermont to ensure access to the ballot box for eligible voters. From same-day voter registration, to automatic voter registration, we’re working hard to eliminate any barriers to voting for Vermonters. We’re also in
WE WERE SUCCESSFUL IN MARCH ... IN SECURING $380 MILLION ($3 MILLION FOR VERMONT) IN HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT FUNDS. the process of implementing a new, accessible voting system. This will allow individuals with disabilities to vote privately and independently, both at the polls and from home during the early voting period. The issue of election cyber-security has been in the spotlight since fall 2016 when the news broke that Russian intelligence-service hackers targeted 21 states. Vermont was not one of the states targeted. Fortunately, of the states targeted, twenty successfully defended against the attacks,and our federal partners found no evidence of any votes being altered. Yet, we do know hackers will continue to try to breach and disrupt our voting systems. Cyber-security is a top priority for my office. In Vermont, we have taken many steps to protect our election system against cyber-attacks, including: • Paper ballots for every vote cast in Vermont • Random audits following the General Election • Decentralized elections management, where vote tabulators are not connected to the internet, to each other, or to any external device either by Wi-Fi or hardwire • Daily backup of our voter registration rolls • Blacklisting known problem IP addresses • Installation of a real-time monitor which constantly examines our system and reports on suspicious activity • Periodic penetration testing • Weekly Department of Homeland Security cyber-hygiene scans • Trainings with municipal clerks, who are the front lines of our election system • Implementation of two-factor authentication for any user who has access to our voter registration and election management system All 50 states need dedicated funding to ensure the integrity of elections now and into the future. We were successful in March, with the support of Sen. Patrick Leahy and others in congress, in securing $380 million ($3 million for Vermont) in Help America Vote Act funds to be used for election cybersecurity and election infrastructure upgrades in states.
RJ Matson
LETTERS
Vote for Scott Dear Editor, Here in Vermont, we’ve been struggling with a rising cost of living for a while now. But over the last few years, thanks to Gov. Scott, we’ve seen
movement in the right direction--especially as it relates to making our state more affordable. As a Vermonter who is approaching retirement
age, I’m thrilled Scott worked hard to eliminate the tax on social security benefits for 40,000 Vermont seniors. This important tax relief will
help Vermonters like myself keep more of what we earn. Additionally, I’m glad Scott cut income tax rates across the board Scott, page 7A
Vote for Nicole McPhee Dear Editor, Our perspective on why Nicole McPhee would be the best choice for Probate Judge in Rutland County is an easy one—she is the most qualified person for the job. We have known Nicole for over 17 years and are good friends also with her attorney husband, Rodney McPhee. Nicole has always put the needs
and adoptions. She has served as a court appointed guardian. Nicole has represented both biological and adoptive parents in the adoption process. She understands probate law because Nicole has made it the focus of her successful law practice for over two decades. Nicole’s probate court
NICOLE HAS A HUGE HEART WHEN IT COMES TO CHILDREN. of others first, including a young girl who needed temporary guardianship. Nicole took the young girl into her loving home and cared for her as one of her own children until she was able to return to home to a safe environment. How many people do that? Nicole has a huge heart when it comes to children. We had personal experience when asking Nicole to help create a Trust for us. Her advice, discretion and attention to detail made this difficult process easier. Nicole has mainly focused on guardianships, wills, trusts, estates,
experience combined with her strong ties to the community is why we are voting for her. Please take time to vote on August 14th. Nicole will not let you down! Her opponents in this election are great attorneys but do not have the hands on probate experience that Nicole has and brings to the Probate Judge position. You can vote BEFORE August 14th at YOUR city/town clerk office or by absentee ballot. Choose the Republican primary ballot and vote for Nicole McPhee. Leslie and Steve Wilk Rutland
I support Nicole McPhee Dear Editor, I am please to offer my support for Nicole Peck McPhee for Rutland County Probate Judge. The practice of law continues to be more and more complicated and over time, specialization has become the norm even in a relatively simple state like Vermont. Legal issues which a generation or two ago would have been addressed by a “general practice” attorney have become much more complicated I have been a litigation practitioner in Rutland, Vermont for 28 years. My clients hire me as their trial attorney, however their needs for counsel are often blended with needs for advice in other specialties. I therefore regularly involve other practitioners who are well versed in the nuances of other areas of the law. Probate, trust and estate planning and other matters which require analysis of probate law and procedure fit squarely into an area that I will look to others for help. Nicole Peck McPhee has provided outstanding counsel to me and to my
clients who have needed assistance and analysis in the specialty area of wills, estate planning, estate administration, trusts, guardianships, and other matters within the jurisdiction of the probate court. I hold the highest regard for Nicole as an attorney and as a collaborator to work out legal issues for clients in need of her special knowledge and expertise. She is extremely qualified to act as Rutland County’s next Probate Judge and I urge your support of Nicole in the upcoming primary on Aug. 14, 2018. Thomas P. Aicher Rutland Write a letter The Mountain Times encourages readers to contribute to our community paper by writing letters to the editor, or commentaries. The opinions expressed in letters are not endorsed nor are the facts verified by The Mountain Times. We ask submissions to be 300 words or less. Email letters to editor @mountaintimes.info.
CAPITOL QUOTES
The Mountain Times • Aug. 1-7, 2018
CAPITOL QUOTES “To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!” President Donald Trump tweeted July 22.
“I don’t want to hear about @BenSasse’s fears or his prescience. I want to SEE him DO something about it,” Tweeted Sen. Tim Ashe D/P Chittenden.
“In any country with right wing leadership, racist and misogynistic attacks rise because the leaders of the country encourage them. Including the USA,” Tweeted former Gov. Howard Dean July 30.
“BREAKING: I just joined with @SenFeinstein & all Judiciary Dems to request ALL of Judge Kavanaugh’s White House records. This request MIRRORS the bipartisan request I sent, as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, with then-Sen. Sessions for all of Justice Kagan’s WH records. Transparency must not depend on who’s in power. We cannot have a lower standard for Trump nominees than what BOTH Republicans and Democrats demanded from nominees of both parties in the past. We must never rubberstamp a nominee to our nation’s highest court. #ReleaseTheRecords,” Sen. Patrick Leahy tweeted July 31.
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Social Security income tax exemptions are now in place
By Xander Landen/VTDigger
About 40,000 Vermonters who receive Social Security benefits will see more money in their pockets this year, after Gov. Phil Scott and lawmakers moved to slash the state tax on the benefits for lowand moderate-income earners. New tax exemptions for Social Security — which passed into law at the conclusion of this year’s legislative session — will shield many from paying taxes on their Social Security income. Single Vermonters with an adjusted gross income of less than $45,000 a year and couples with adjusted gross income of less than $60,000 will no longer see the state tax on the dollars they earn from Social Security. Single filers who make between $45,000-$55,000 and married joint filers making between $60,000-$70,000 will see partial tax exemptions. “This marginal bracket, folks that are really living on their Social Security income and not much else, this money makes a huge difference in their daily lives,” AARP Vermont State President Greg Marchildon said. On average, Vermonters will see savings of about $125 a year, according to Kaj Samsom, the state’s tax commissioner. But for some, savings could approach $800, Marchildon said. Marchildon estimates that across the board, Vermonters will see between $5 million and $8 million in savings because of the new exemptions. And he points out that while that money will no longer be filling state coffers, beneficiaries will likely be spending the additional income in their home communities. “It really is a bunch of money, and a bunch of money that they’re going to be able to put back in their own pockets so they can spend it here in Vermont,” he said. Until the governor and the Legislature acted this year, Vermont was one of only a handful of states that didn’t offer any tax exemptions for Social Security
income. Thirty seven states don’t tax the benefits at all, while 13 tax them to some degree, according Marchildon. Vermont was one of four states that didn’t offer any Social Security exemptions. At a press conference last week, Scott touted the newly minted exemptions, which he hopes will make it easier for retirees to stay in Vermont. “Many of them leave the state and those who stay are burdened with the increasing cost of living while on fixed incomes,” Scott said. “They deserve as much as anyone else to live with the dignity of a retirement they earned through a lifetime of work,” he said. Samsom said the exemptions not only apply to retirement benefits, but all types of Social Security income including disability and survivor benefits. “This really does help with tax competitiveness, but also is an aggressive proposal that really helps Vermont’s vulnerable populations,” Samsom said. “It helps folks that are struggling on fixed incomes put more money in their pocket.” Scott pitched tax exemptions for Social Security benefits in his budget address in January. House lawmakers swiftly took up the proposal, folding it into their tax bill and proposal to change the state’s income tax system to shield Vermonters from an inadvertent $30 million tax hike brought on by federal reforms. While Scott had proposed phasing the exemptions in over three years, lawmakers moved to have them take full effect this year. Marchildon said the exemptions taking hold this year are a great first step. But the AARP’s goal, he said, is to work with state leaders to eventually eliminate all state taxes on Social Security. “We want to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to continue to make sure Vermont is a good place for people to retire,” he said.
Businesses brace for tariff crunch By Elizabeth Hewitt/ VTDigger
From dairy farms to newsrooms, Vermont businesses are bracing for a crunch from trade tensions between the United States and other countries caught up in a tariff tit-for-tat. State officials say they do not yet have clear measures of how the escalation of tariffs between the United States and key trading partners are impacting the state’s economy. But industries are preparing for the worst, according to experts and businesspeople. Vermont agriculture officials say that the tariffs other countries are imposing on American goods are likely to hit farmers in the state, including dairy farmers. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Alyson Eastman said it’s too soon to chart the specific impact of other countries’ tariffs on dairy products on Vermont farms. However, she anticipates that farmers in the state will receive some funds from the $12 billion bailout package announced by President Donald Trump last week. Details like who will get money, and how much they’ll get, remain unclear. According to staff for Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the USDA has said that they will not have details of the program until September. Since Trump started talking about tariffs earlier this year, businesspeople in industries from construction to craft beer have said their costs are rising as a result. All three members of Vermont’s delegation to Washington DC have spoken out against the measures. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., called Trump’s rhetoric “extremely disruptive and destabilizing.” Now trade figures are bearing out those fears. Tariffs, page 10A
Scott: Feels Gov. Scott keeps cost of living down continued from page 6 for all filers, helping to spur economic growth and prosperity. He also reigned in ever-rising property taxes by holding the line on residential property tax rates for two years in a row.
Key investments in affordable housing, workforce development, higher education, child care, and addressing the opioid crisis have been at the forefront of the governor’s administration.
But there is more work to be done. I hope you’ll join my on Aug. 14 in requesting a republican ballot and voting for Gov. Phil Scott. Colette Dublois, Manchester