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A proposal for Dist. 3 contenders
Editor of the Reformer:
The dog days of summer are upon us and we all seek a change of pace and time for family. recreation, and rest. Still, Aug. 28 is the day that Vermont holds its primary elections.
While there is no contest in Brattleboro Districts 1 and 2, there is an interesting one in District 3 between two qualified contenders for the Democratic nomination: Kate O’Connor and Tristan Toleno. In full disclosure, Tristan is my son-in-law; however, this request to the Reformer is from me as a citizen who seeks only that voters have as much information as possible before voting.
Evidence of high interest in the race is indicated by the large number of signs plastered on the lawns in the district. Candidates are going door-to-door with handouts declaring their credentials, and the letters-to-the editor are now beginning. They were on Live & Local with Steve West.
What is missing in all this, however, is a place where Kate and Tristan can speak to voters in their own written words. At the same time, on the same questions, in the same format. The goal would be too provide real information to voters with a minimum of sound bites and clichés.
This is where the Reformer can step in and provide the space and format to accomplish this. I see a format such as:
-- a title such as "In My Opinion."
-- first paragraph: What are the differences
-- next paragraphs: State your views on important issues facing Brattleboro and/or Vermont.
Big question: What issues? I suggest that the Reformer set up a way that voters could identify their most important issue on the Reformer Facebook page. After getting the results of this reader input, Kate and Tristan -- or the Reformer -- would decide which issues to include in "In My Opinion."
Thank you for considering this proposal.
Don Webster,
Brattleboro, Aug. 1
Editor’s note: This sounds like a great idea. If the candidates are interested, they should contact the editor and we will begin this process. In the meantime, we plan to interview both candidates prior to the primary.
A question for O’Connor
Editor of the Reformer:
After 10 years of effective representation by Progressive Sarah Edwards, Brattleboro District 3 will be choosing a new state representative in three weeks. Unfortunately, this will happen in the Democratic primary on Aug. 28 rather than in the general election in November where more attention and public dialogue could inform voters more thoroughly.
Over the years I have known Tristan Toleno through various town activities and have a good sense of who he is, what his passions are and what he stands for.
I can’t say the same about Kate O’Connor as she is newly returned to town and new to me. In the few encounters I have had with her she seems pleasant and friendly, however, I have great concern about her campaign work with Republican Rich Tarrant in his bid for Vermont’s U.S. Senate seat. In the Tarrant/Bernie Sanders contest our liberal/progressive district voted 82 percent for Bernie and only 15 percent for Tarrant.
I think it is incumbent on Kate to explain to voters how she can represent our district when she worked so hard for a candidate who advocated positions rejected by 82 percent of the voters in the district.
Lee Madden,
Brattleboro, Aug. 10
Food pantries need your support
Editor of the Reformer:
I read with interest an article in a recent Reformer about the situation concerning food insecurity in New Hampshire. Let me assure you that Vermont is not immune from this problem. As the 11th hungriest state in America, Vermont faces the same challenges as our neighbor to the east.
One in five children in Windham County is food insecure; 12,000 Vermont children depend on food pantries for their nourishment each month. One in seven households is food insecure in our state. Hunger as been increasing here since 2000. (See Hunger Free Vermont’s website for more facts about hunger.)
At Our Place, a food pantry and drop-in center in Bellows Falls, we have been seeing a steady increase in clients recently; many of these are children and the elderly, those most hurt by lack of food and poor nourishment. At the same time that the need is increasing, the availability of support in the form of food staples is declining. Fortunately we have many loyal and generous supporters who donate money and produce in season to help, but the need is great.
At a time when the national unemployment rate is about 8.3 percent and food prices are bound to rise because of the drought in the midwest, many have no options but to call on the food pantries for help. We hope that those who can will continue to help us help our fellow Vermonters and Americans in need.
John Bohannon,
president, Board of Directors
Our Place Drop-In center,
Bellows Falls, Aug. 8
Reflecting on World Breastfeeding Week
Editor of the Reformer:
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from Aug. 1-7 in 170 countries around the world. It commemorates the Innocenti Declaration written by WHO and UNICEF in August of 1990, which declares breastfeeding as the infant feeding goal for optimal maternal and child health and nutrition.
One objective of WBW is to celebrate successes and achievements nationally, regionally and globally. Vermont has a lot to celebrate for WBW. For instance, Vermont ranks fourth in the nation with 85.2 percent of women initiating breastfeeding (according to the CDC Breastfeeding Report Card 2011). Currently Vermont is the only state in the nation to have already achieved the Healthy People 2020 breastfeeding objectives of women ever breastfeeding (81.9 percent, VT = 85.2 percent), breastfeeding at 6 months (60.6 percent, VT = 63.2 percent) and breastfeeding at 12 months (34.1 percent, VT = 37.1 percent). Vermont also has a law protecting a woman’s right to breastfeed in public and numerous breastfeeding-friendly businesses willing to provide a space for their female employee’s to pump while at work. On July 26, 2012 the Annie E. Casey Foundation report ranked Vermont third in the nation on child well-being and first in the nation for children’s health, and breastfeeding contributes significantly to the health of our children.
Yes, there is more work to do but this is surely a lot to celebrate. The Vermont Department of Health’s Springfield Office is celebrating by delivering cardboard cutouts of women breastfeeding to local businesses, promoting breastfeeding as the preferred child feeding method. Check out the displays at Headquarters Hair Salon in Springfield, The Moon-Dog Cafe in Chester, the Windsor Resource Center in Windsor and the State Office Building in Springfield. Congratulations Vermont on your success promoting a breastfeeding culture, all for the well-being of your mothers and children.
Jane P. Heal,
public health nutritionist,
Vermont Department of Health,
Aug. 8
Park vandalized
Editor of the Reformer:
The Brattleboro Flower Club has reclaimed a dump site near the Creamery Bridge and created a small park there. This is a lovely place for activities such as reading, relaxing or meditating while enjoying the Whetstone Brook.
Over the weekend, somebody vandalized the donated, concrete benches in the park. This time, the damage can be repaired. The Garden Club is encouraging you to use the park as it was intended and to assist in the preservation of the park by reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
Rene Brewer-Durkee,
Winchester, N.H., Aug. 9
