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Topics - Chris Santee
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31
« on: May 01, 2014, 03:02:06 PM »
Top White House Environmental Official Visits Vermont:
Shumlin Touts Vermont as National Model for Disaster Recovery & Climate Resilience
RUTLAND -- Gov. Peter Shumlin hosted Michael Boots, Acting Chair of the White House Council of Environmental Quality, today on a tour of Southern Vermont to share the stories of Vermont’s recovery from Tropical Storm Irene.
The Governor was named as part of the President’s State Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience in December, one of 26 members from across the country tasked with developing recommendations on how the federal government can improve programs to address the need for improving the nation’s preparedness and resilience to the effects of our changing climate.
The Vermont visit was an opportunity for Acting Chair Boots to see both the scars of disaster in the wake of Irene, which devastated parts of the state in 2011, and hear the stories of recovery and resilience – the lessons learned, the challenges encountered, and the opportunities for improving federal response and recovery programs.
“I am so pleased to share our lessons learned with Acting Chair Boots and President Obama, and help lead this national dialogue on what we need to do to be better prepared for the weather of the future,” Gov. Shumlin said. “Vermont was hit hard by Irene, but we pulled together and overcame amazing odds to recovery stronger than Irene found us. This is our opportunity to highlight was we learned so the President can make changes to improve recovery for others.”
Traveling along the Route 4 corridor, from Hartford to Rutland, Shumlin and Boots stopped at Quechee to see the newly built covered bridge, as well as the sites – now vacant – of homes that were demolished as a result of the Hazard Mitigation program that funds home buyouts. The tour also stopped at Blackie’s Deli in West Bridgewater, which was devastated by Tropical Storm Irene and has been in the buyout process since. Adjacent to the site to the east is another house, 13 Cram Trail, that was also damaged beyond repair and will be demolished in May through the buyout program, which combines federal and state funds to help towns purchase properties that are beyond repair, and are in harm’s way. The goal is to protect people from future storms, given the likelihood that flooding will happen again.
“Under Governor Shumlin’s leadership, Vermont is recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Irene by building more resilient communities,” said Acting Chair Boots. “Climate change is changing the frequency and intensity of flooding, storms, and heat waves, and the Governor’s efforts will be critical to protecting his state from future floods and storms.”
The final stop on the tour was at Green Mountain Power’s Energy Innovations Center (EIC) in Rutland, which is focused on renewable development, technology pilots, and customer education. Louras described the city’s partnership with GMP, which is intended to make the city the solar capital of New England, with the highest per capital reliance on solar of any city in the northeast.
The EIC will play a critical role in GMP’s and Vermont’s efforts to move to a highly renewable energy future across all sectors, from traditional energy uses such as home lighting and appliances to new-frontier opportunities to power vehicles and replace foreign oil as a heat source with super-efficient heat pump technologies. Vermont’s energy goal is to reach 90 percent renewable reliance in Vermont, across all sectors, by 2050.
GMP President and CEO Mary Powell outlined a detailed plan to develop energy storage and islanding capability for an entire circuit of Rutland’s electrical grid, which is believed to be among the first such pilots in the country.
“Working with the Department of Public Service, we have expanded our plans for the Stafford Hill Solar Farm to include energy storage and resiliency measures unlike anything we’ve done before,” Powell said. “This project will allow us to serve the entire circuit around Rutland High School from the solar farm, and provide an unmatched level of resiliency for the school, which can serve as an emergency shelter, and hundreds of local customers.”
Boots, Governor Shumlin, Louras and Powell were joined by officials from the Red Cross, and economic development and business community for the roundtable, where they brainstormed about future resiliency and environmental measures.
Following the tour, the officials held a meeting with a group of stake holders from across the state to have a more detailed discussion of the ideas for improving federal programs, making specific recommendations, and making the state more resilient to future disaster.
32
« on: April 24, 2014, 03:26:04 PM »
On April 24, 2014 at approximately 1:50 p.m., St. Albans Police responded to a bank robbery in progress at the People’s United Bank on North Main Street. While responding additional E911 calls came in advising that the People’s United Bank Branch Manager, a Security Guard and bank customers/witnesses were engaged in a physical struggle with the suspect. The suspect was arrested by St. Albans Police Officers immediately upon their arrival at the scene. The suspect is identified as Travis Merritt, age 33 of #52 High Street, St. Albans.
The People’s United Bank, Branch Manager was evaluated and treated at the scene by Am Care for minor injuries related to the schuffle. Travis Merritt was also briefly examined, but refused treatment.
33
« on: April 24, 2014, 10:23:20 AM »
Thanks for a Successful Bunco Bash
The members of the Cambridge Area Rotary (CAR) would like to thank the community and sponsors for its generous support of our Bunco bash which was held on Saturday, April 12th. With your generosity more than $5,000 was raised. This money supports the CAR's service outreach within and beyond our community including activities such as the Dictionary and Thesaurus distribution to elementary students at Cambridge Elementary School and Waterville, the Winter Wellness Program for 4th, 5th and 6th graders at Cambridge Elementary School, the Community Ice Rink, the Cambridge Food Shelf, An International Shelter Box for disaster relief and more! Anyone interested in Rotary can attend a breakfast meeting as our guest. Either contact a current member or just show up on a Thursday morning at 158 Main at 7:00 am to see what we are all about.
34
« on: April 15, 2014, 06:58:59 AM »
The Fairfax Board of Civil Authority convened on April 14th and recounted the ballots cast April 10th.
The result of the recount confirmed the count last Thursday.
287-286 NO.
35
« on: April 10, 2014, 10:48:39 AM »
The following Bellows Free Academy, Fairfax students earned an A- or better in their Burlington Technical Center programs placing them on the Burlington Technical Center Honor Roll for the third quarter:
Matthew Larose, Honors Medical & Sports Sciences
Sabrina Cunningham, Medical & Sports Sciences
Wayne Butchino, Auto Body Repair
36
« on: April 03, 2014, 03:45:14 PM »
Congressman Peter Welch
United States House of Representatives
Obama to sign Welch-authored pediatric research bill into law today
Bill is second bipartisan Welch initiative to become law this week
WASHINGTON, DC (April 3rd) – In an Oval Office ceremony at 4 p.m. this afternoon, President Obama will sign into law The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act (H.R. 2019) authored by Rep. Peter Welch and Rep. Greg Harper (R-MS). The new law will boost funding for pediatric research at the National Institutes of Health.
The legislation is named in memory of Gabriella Miller, a 10-year-old children’s health research advocate who died of brain cancer in October. Gabriella’s parents, Ellyn and Mark Miller of Loudon County, VA will be present at the ceremony. Also in attendance will be House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) who worked closely with Welch to pass the legislation.
“This year alone, the parents of over 10,000 children across this country will receive the heart wrenching news that their precious child has been diagnosed with cancer. Today, we make an important investment in life-saving pediatric disease research which we hope will lead to long overdue cures,” said Welch. “And we also demonstrate that bipartisan progress is possible even in this divided Congress.”
This new law creates the 10-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund at NIH which will invest $12.6 million annually for 10 years in scientific research on pediatric diseases and disorders. The Fund is paid for by eliminating taxpayer financing for political party conventions.
Earlier this week, President Obama signed into law Welch’s bipartisan legislation that will assist hospitals serving disproportionately large numbers of seniors in rural communities, including four Vermont hospitals.
And last month, the House of Representatives passed Welch’s energy efficiency bill by a vote of 375-36. That bill is expected to be considered in the near future by the full Senate, where Welch is working closely with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH).
EDITOR's NOTE: The president signed the legislation at 4:00pm this afternoon.
Eric Cantor rode with Congressman Welch to the White House.
37
« on: March 19, 2014, 05:07:52 AM »
2014 Specialty Crop Block Grant Request for Proposals Announced
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is now accepting proposals for the 2014 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Vermont’s federal allocation for this funding cycle is estimated at $200,000. These grant funds are for the sole purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of Vermont-grown Specialty Crops, and will be distributed to through a competitive review process. The complete RFP and guidance document can be found online here: http://agriculture.vermont.gov/producer_partner_resources/funding_opportunities/vaafm_funding/specialty_crop.
Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops (including floriculture and turf production). The USDA maintains a list of eligible specialty crops on its website: www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp. Projects may be up to three calendar years in length, and multi-state projects are encouraged. Applications for grant funds should show how the project potentially impacts and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has identified the following program goals and priorities for FY2014:
Goals:
• Farm profitability
• Statewide economic impact
• Sustainability
Funding Priorities:
• Food safety and traceability
• Market access, branding and consumer education (local, regional, national, international)
• Supply chain development
• Pest and disease management
• Productivity enhancement, cost containment and innovation
• Organizational development
Applicants are required to submit a letter of intent (LOI) by March 28. The deadline for full applications, for those who have already been invited to apply, is May 19.
For more information, contact Johanna Herron, Senior Agricultural Development Specialist, 802-505-0490, johanna.herron@state.vt.us
###
About the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets: VAAFM facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.
www.agriculture.vermont.gov
38
« on: March 07, 2014, 07:43:00 AM »
For the record, I love the White House and always have.
As I return from a trip and head down Hunt Street,
it has represented "home".
However, the building is old and has served its purpose.
The school owns it and is interested in tearing it down.
Having been on the board at Habitat for Humanity,
I thought the two were a good fit.
At 1:00pm today, I will be showing the White House to Habitat.
I will report back to the school and to you.
39
« on: February 18, 2014, 07:34:52 AM »
CHEERLEADING REPEATS AS MT. DIVISION CHAMPS!
Congratulations to the BFA Fairfax Cheerleaders on their REPEAT win in the Mt. Division at Saturday's NVAC Championships! Well done ladies!!
GIRLS BBALL PLAYOFF INFORMATION
Our Div. 2, #4 seed Lady Bullets will be facing #13 Harwood on Tuesday night at 7:00pm !
Our girls have won 8 straight and have won 14 of their last 15 after starting 1 and 4.
Tickets go on sale at 6pm in the gym lobby.
Due to pre-game official warm-up procedure, doors will not open until 6:30pm.
Ticket prices per the Vermont Principals Association are $5 Adults, $4 Students/Senior Citizens.
BFA Season Passes are NOT valid for any VPA tournament events.
See you there, GO BULLETS!
BOYS BBALL SENIOR NIGHT FOOD DRIVE
At the Boys Basketball Senior Game, the BFA Athletic Leadership Council will be holding a food drive to benefit the Fairfax Food Shelf. Any STUDENT in grades K-12 who comes to the game with a non-perishable food item will receive FREE admission!
thanks to Geri Witalec
40
« on: February 13, 2014, 11:41:55 AM »
Significant Snow Expected in Vermont
Vermonters encouraged to check heating vents and drive safe
WATERBURY, VT - The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning and is predicting up to 18-inches of snow for areas of southern Vermont between Thursday morning and Friday evening. NWS is also expecting gusty winds which could create snow drifts and present challenges in areas where there is less snowfall.
With snow on the ground and more expected, all Vermonters are encouraged to check heating vents to ensure they are clear of snow and venting properly. A blocked vent can cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO) to enter the home. CO is colorless and odorless and can cause injury or death. All homeowners are advised to have working carbon monoxide detectors in the home and to get out and call for help if it sounds. Symptoms of CO poisoning include lethargy and nausea.
Travelers should check forecasts before heading out and drive appropriately for conditions. Slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow for extra braking distance. Clear all snow from your car so your visibility is not impeded and you don't present a hazard to other drivers.
Other things to remember during snow storms:
Be a good neighbor - Check in on elderly or other neighbors who may need assistance.
Don't overdo it - When clearing snow take frequent breaks. Shoveling is strenuous work and can lead to a number of health problems ranging from a back injury to cardiac issues.
Vermont Alert can send weather and other updates directly to users. Account holders can have information about their area directly to their e-mail box or mobile phone or both - whatever they chose. Sign up for an account at http://vtalert.gov and click the appropriate link on the left side of the page.
Updates on roads, weather conditions, or any other issues can be found on the following sites:
VT DEMHS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement
VT DEMHS on Twitter: @vemvt ... https://twitter.com/vemvt
Vermont 511 on Twitter: @511vt ... https://twitter.com/511VT
VTrans on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/VTrans/143848835653728
Vermont State Police on Twitter: @VTStatePolice ... https://twitter.com/VTStatePolice
Vermont State Police on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice
NWS Burlington: https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Burlington.gov on Facebook or @NWSBurlington on Twitter
NWS Albany: https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Albany.gov on Facebook or @NWSAlbany on Twitter
Weather and other resources:
National Weather Service Albany (Forecast office for Bennington and Windham counties): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/aly/
National Weather Service Burlington (Rest of Vermont): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/
Road conditions: www.511vt.com<http://www.511vt.com>
41
« on: January 22, 2014, 05:11:33 AM »
The BFA Fairfax and Richford High School girls’ basketball and cheerleading teams will join in the nation-wide effort to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research on Thursday, January 23, 2014 as they take part in the WBCA Play 4Kay games (formerly Pink Zone Games). BFA Fairfax will be hosting the 6 pm JV and 7:30 Varsity start that will feature all athletic teams wearing an assortment of special pink attire – shoelaces, warm-ups, socks, etc. Cold Hollow Photography will be on hand to document this exciting annual event between two Franklin County teams that play competitively in the Mountain League. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game, with pink bead necklaces and ribbons being sold before and at the event. A bake sale, prize raffle and ticket sales will also be part of the fund raising effort with proceeds going toward the Vermont Breast Cancer Center. This community service event demonstrates the athletes’ commitment to finding an answer in the fight against women’s cancers through raising money for scientific research, assisting the under-served and unifying people for a common cause locally. The teams wish to thank the BFA Fairfax and Richford schools, BFA Fairfax Boosters and Cold Hollow Photography for their support.
42
« on: January 19, 2014, 02:56:19 PM »
The Fairfax School Board has approved forming a facilities committee to address current short and long-term facility planning at BFA. Jasen Boyd and Rachelle LeVau will be leading the committee and are seeking volunteers from our community. The committee will gather the information and report findings their to the school board. The charge of the committee includes projected facility needs for the next 10 years, costs as well as options with a plan for the White House. The commitment will likely be monthly meetings in the library lasting approximately 2 hours through June.
If you are interested in volunteering on this committee, please email Rachelle at rlevau@fwsu.org. The Board of Directors will approve the committee in February.
43
« on: December 24, 2013, 08:46:53 AM »
We're in the process of opening BFA Fairfax for an emergency shelter.
I will keep you posted here.
Gov. Shumlin, emergency officials urge Vermonters to seek shelter if without power
WATERBURY, VT – Gov. Peter Shumlin and Vermont emergency officials said late today that many areas of Franklin County, Chittenden County, and the Northeast Kingdom remain without power. Restoration has been slowed by lines that were repaired once and damaged again as precipitation continued to fall, and ice melted and then refroze.
As temperatures drop this evening and are forecast to remain low, the Governor and Vermont Emergency Management Director Joe Flynn are urging residents, particularly those without power in their homes, to make certain they find shelter before it is too late.
“Even though much of Vermont was spared the worst predictions of this ice storm, the Champlain Valley and the Northeast Kingdom were hit hard, and we are doing everything to ensure the roads are open, the power is restored and people have a safe place to stay while the work is completed,” Gov. Shumlin said.
Shelters were opened Sunday by the Vermont Red Cross and will remain open at North Country High School in Newport, Enosburg High School, and the Barton Village Office. Vermont Emergency Management and Homeland Security remain in constant contact with Vermont utilities to be aware of areas of greatest outages, are providing support to help facilitate the restoration process, and are working to ensure public safety.
“We are concerned that some Vermonters remain in their homes and are reluctant to seek shelter while awaiting power restoration,” Gov. Shumlin said. “Anytime you have freezing temperatures and no power, people are put at risk. We want anyone who may need shelter for the next couple of days to get there safely, as soon as possible.”
Director Joe Flynn advised that emergency managers “continue to closely monitor the incident, remain in constant contact with Vermont utilities to be aware of areas of greatest outages, are providing support to help facilitate the restoration process, and are working to ensure public safety.”
Vermonter should also be aware of the dangers of exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning. Today, the Health Department confirmed one death from carbon monoxide poisoning in the Northeast Kingdom, along with multiple cases of illness related to the odorless, colorless gas reported by Emergency Medical Services crews in Newport yesterday.
The risk of CO poisoning increases when generators and heat sources such as propane cooking stoves are more likely to be improperly used indoors.
Early symptoms of CO poisoning can be confused with flu-like symptoms —headache, dizziness and nausea. It can also cause sleepiness, vision problems (including blurred vision), ringing in the ears, aching arms and legs, irregular breathing, fatigue and confusion. At very high levels, it causes loss of consciousness and death.
Actions those in affected areas should take are:
Check in with your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or may be in need of assistance.
Ensure your home has a sufficient supply of whatever you use as “fuel” to heat your home.
Have extra items on hand in case you can’t leave your house for a while.
Flashlight
Batteries
Battery powered radio
Water
Non-perishable foods
If you lose power and need a warm place to go Vermont 211 has a list of shelters that are open.
If you see a downed power line, leave it alone – always treat power lines as if they are live. A live wire can kill you.
If clearing trees or limbs, make certain they are not in contact with a power line. Trees and branches can conduct electricity and electrocute you on contact.
Never run a generator indoors. Ensure it is outside – far away from windows or any other area from which exhaust can vent back into a living area. Carbon monoxide can cause injury or death.
Have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Helpful links:
DEMHS: http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness/hazards/winter
National Weather Service Albany (Forecast office for Bennington and Windham counties): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/aly/
National Weather Service Burlington (Rest of Vermont): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/
Vermont power outages: www.vtoutages.com
Vermont Division of Fire Safety: http://firesafety.vermont.gov/
DEMHS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement
DEMHS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vemvt
Road conditions: www.511vt.com
44
« on: December 19, 2013, 02:12:31 PM »
VERMONT DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND HOMELAND SECURITY NEWS RELEASE
Date: 12.19.2013
Contact: Mark Bosma, Public Information Officer
Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
(800) 347-0488
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Snow, Sleet, Ice Could Present Hazards
WATERBURY, VT - Snow, sleet, ice, or a mixture of each could be on the way to Vermont over the next few days according to the National Weather Service. These conditions could present a number of hazards to Vermonters and our visitors, and the public is encouraged to stay in touch and stay safe.
There is a potential for slippery travel conditions, downed trees and power lines and other issues depending on how the storm develops, so we all need to be ready for any possible scenario. Below are some reminders on what to watch out for and how to prepare for adverse winter conditions.
* Check in with your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or may be in need of assistance.
* Ensure your home has a sufficient supply of whatever you use as "fuel" to heat your home.
* Have extra items on hand in case you can't leave your house for a while.
* Flashlight
* Batteries
* Battery powered radio
* Water
* Non-perishable foods
* Ask your town where the nearest warming shelter would be should it be needed. Vermont 2-1-1 has a list of shelters when there are shelters open.
Health
* Be careful on slippery walkways - make sure you have good footing or just stay off them.
* If you lose power, keep your fridge and freezer closed to keep food cold and safe. A closed fridge will keep food for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours, a half-full freezer for about 24 hours.
* Don't cook and eat meat, poultry, fish, eggs or other refrigerated foods that have been above 40 degrees F for two hours or more. They can be contaminated with bacteria that can cause serious illness.
Power outages
* If you see a downed power line, leave it alone - always treat power lines as if they are live. A live wire can kill you.
* If clearing trees or limbs make CERTAIN they are not in contact with a power line. Trees and branches can conduct electricity and electrocute you on contact.
* Report outages to your power company.
* Never run a generator indoors. Ensure it is outside - far away from windows or any other area from which exhaust can vent back into a living area. Carbon monoxide can cause injury or death.
* Make sure your pipes are insulated. If your pipes freeze know where the water shut off is and never use a blow torch or other open flame to thaw the pipes out. A blow dryer is one safe way to take care of the problem.
Safe Heating
* Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home!
* Never use an "improvised" heat source like grill or oven as they can be fire or carbon monoxide hazards.
* Make sure all heating vents are clear and properly discharging out of the house.
* Make sure snow and ice is not impeding the venting of carbon monoxide and clear it away if it is.
* Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from any heat source.
Travel
* Check out a weather report before heading out.
* Drive at appropriate speeds for conditions.
* Make sure your car is in good working condition with weather appropriate tires and plenty of gas.
* Throw a blanket, flashlight, cell phone, sand (or anything that can help you get traction if you get stuck), jumper cables, and other items in the car you may need if you slide off the road and have to hunker down.
The Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is in contact with local, state, and private industry partners to plan for a possible response should one become necessary. There is no plan for a state Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation at this time, but state EOC personnel have been asked to be on alert.
Helpful links:
DEMHS: http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness/hazards/winter
National Weather Service Albany (Forecast office for Bennington and Windham counties): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/aly/
National Weather Service Burlington (Rest of Vermont): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/
Vermont power outages: www.vtoutages.com<http://www.vtoutages.com>
Vermont Division of Fire Safety: http://firesafety.vermont.gov/
DEMHS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement
DEMHS on Twitter: @vemvt ... https://twitter.com/vemvt
Road conditions: www.511vt.com<http://www.511vt.com>
45
« on: December 19, 2013, 10:19:55 AM »
Fairfax's John Mitchell has been replaced:http://www.wcax.com/story/24219308/shake-up-on-vt-health-care-committeeHouse Minority Leader Don Turner of Milton comments:Montpelier, VT The Vermont Republican House Caucus is gravely concerned by the partisan decision of Speaker Shap Smith to stack the House Health Care Committee with Democratic Legislators that are supportive of Governor Shumlin's healthcare agenda while reducing the number of Republicans on the committee from three to two. Health Care Reform in the form of Governor Shumlin's Single payer healthcare will result in the largest tax increase in Vermont history and all Vermonters deserve to be heard and represented in these very important decisions. Changing the committee structure is purely a partisan move to advance the Governor’s agenda. Vermonters will now be kept in the dark by the Shumlin administration and their allies in the legislature until the tax bill comes due in 2017. In addition, the House Health Care Committee is responsible for oversight of Vermont’s Health Care Reform laws including Vermont Health Connect and the tens of millions of dollars spent on the IT system to run VHC. As of today, much of the VHC website has failed to work. It has been Republican members who have asked the tough questions and provided the oversight. "I am very disappointed in the decision of Shap Smith to remove me from the Heath Care Committee. I thought I was a contributing member to that committee in that my business experience added a well rounded perspective and one that is lacking in that body. Realizing that my approach is one that is not always appreciated of wanting to get things done in the "right" way, it seems that the current majority does not think that way. With all due respect to my replacement it will take a great deal of time to become acclimated to the issues and be effective on the committee regardless of one's experience in government. I wish the committee the best without me", said John Mitchell R-Fairfax. Doug Gage R-Rutland summed it up as follows, "Speaker Smith and Governor Shumlin should be focusing on fixing the problems in their attempt to reform healthcare, not getting rid of the people raising tough questions and pointing out the flaws in their design and implementation. We need true leadership on this issue, leadership that the Republican members of the committee have been providing." "Speaker Smith decided Friday to "shift the balance" on the House Health Committee. I am baffled as to how the speaker thinks he is bringing a balance to the committee structure from 6 Democrats, 3 Republicans, 1 Progressive and 1 Independent to the new structure of 7 Democrats, 2 Republicans, 1 Progressive and 1 Independent. The issues that come before us in Montpelier should never be party driven and in this case it is obvious that they are. Once again, this demonstrates the arrogance of political power that comes with one party, super majority rule. The losers in this partisan political gamesmanship are the tax payers of the State of Vermont, Vermonter's deserve better," stated committee member Mary Morrissey R-Bennington "It is a sad day in Vermont when the heavy hand of the Governor and the Speaker are used to silence the minority to ram through their agenda,"concluded Minority Leader Don Turner.
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