Thursday, October 7, 2010
A new low
Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist church protested at a dead soldiers Funeal. They had signs that said "thank god for dead soldiers" and "Fag Troops. This is a new low i am a wiccan we are not about hate. Taking advantage of a dead man is disgusting. I like free speach but this is too much. when will the hate end.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
IRV on the ballot
IVR has made the ballot. We had two elections, We have a mayor who has 29 percent of the vote. Now the League of Women voters is begining to fight to keep IRV. This going to be one of the biggest battles I have seen. It seems that the pro IRV must be concerned, because the big guns are coming out. This going to be about which side can get their voters to the polls. On the other side you have Repeal IRV who is fighting to end IRV. They have a blog
repealirv.blogspot.com you can add your name if you support the repeal of IRV.
repealirv.blogspot.com you can add your name if you support the repeal of IRV.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Russ resoultion stinks
At frist I was happy to see a resoultuion on the the dics golf at leddy. but at the council meeting russ kept leddy as a site IN HIS RESOULTUION. for the golf. his said the want to put this to bed, but he did not. i do not support the dics golf. i hope they pack up and leave. I think it is thime for a new city councilor in ward 4.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Kiss Campain goes dirty
With 2 weeks left CAO Jonathan Leopold atacks mayor candidate Andy Montroll,and accused him of conflict of intrest. The problem is Jonathan Leopold knew of And'y's work with Vally Net. There is no conflict here it is just a nasty atack. Counciler Montroll has been supportive of burlington telecom. Then Leopold lies about not having a meeting and not knowing about Andy's work with Vally Net. I think they know that Andy's campaign is gaining and could win. Mayor Kiss did not show leadership. when you work for Kiss you can say anything you want and have no back lash. Maybe iI should get a job with his addmin.
Kiss addimin don't get the job done
Again the Kiss Addimin has failed us. Sunday afternoon I was droping lit for a mayor canidate and sliped and fell on the ice and snow. It was not plowed at all. This has been happing now for three years. Sorry Progs this not leadership.
Montrooll's campaign pick up steam with Freepress endorsement
The Burlington Free Press Endorses Andy Montroll for Mayor
We're honored to have received the endorsement of the Free Press Editorial Board. Please read the text below or read the full editorial by clicking here.
Remember to Vote for Andy Montroll on March 3rd!
2.22.09. The Free Press editorial board endorses Andy Montroll as the candidate for mayor who brings the right combination of experience in government, knowledge of the city and personal integrity to keep Burlington a destination for visitors, employers and those looking to make a home.
We have interviewed the candidates, have attended the forums and have gotten to know the men seeking the top job in the city. Burlington is fortunate to have four substantial candidates running for mayor.
Even in a strong field, we must choose a single candidate for the top spot, but we also make a recommendation for a second choice on the ballot because of the nature of instant run-off voting.The Burlington economy is stable and city finances are sound, especially compared to the rest of the state. Burlington has an abundance of natural riches starting with the waterfront, and is the economic and cultural hub for the region, if not the state. This is not the doing of one man or one administration.Yet the events of the past year have made clear the need for new management in City Hall. The discord within city government, including senior staffers let free to hurl accusations at public officials, calls for a mayor who will show the leadership to refocus city government on serving the people.We look toward Montroll to provide that leadership for several reasons.He has experience. He has worked hard to gain this office. He is dogged. He comes back time after time. He has an agreeable way about him that appeals to Burlington constituents. He knows the city. He is trustworthy. Little seems to ruffle him. He has his eye on the future.
Montroll promises transparency, which has not been a hallmark of the Kiss administration. He understands that what matters most in government is to fully explain what is going on to the public. He knows keeping the people informed matters more than protecting any single city employee or any department at the expense of the public's need to know. Too often we have seen a City Hall that, in the words of one councilor, feels it is enough to spoon-feed information.Montroll's 15 years on the City Council gives him the inside knowledge of the detailed workings of city government that will help make for a smooth transition in the Mayor's Office. He promises a review of problem departments, to set clear expectations and to give focus to City Hall.Montroll is thoughtful in the way he answers questions and arrives at decisions. Once he makes his determination, he makes his position clear. While other candidates talked about the possibility for a new lakeside convention center -- as long as it was "appropriate" for the setting -- Montroll was alone in taking a definitive stance, saying such a project has no place on the waterfront.He is for careful development of the waterfront, placing a high value on the public accessibility that makes the lake such a critical part of the city's appeal.Montroll's drawback, of course, is the same as the drawback for Mayor Bob Kiss. Their public personalities lack the fire that makes them big band leaders for Burlington, an often showy, loud and flamboyant city when it comes to playing out politics in public.The day-to-day management of this city is made easier because it is prosperous -- the 1-cent sales tax increase that was approved as Kiss took office didn't hurt, either. The city requires someone who will manage this day-to-day responsibility, but also one who will look ahead and worry about the long-term stakes.Montroll shows a keen awareness of the city's assets, its potential, and threats to Burlington's vibrancy today and tomorrow. As a father of young children, building a city for the next generation is no abstract idea.Montroll sees potential threats to the city's economy in the increasing number of empty storefronts on the Church Street Marketplace. He hears the warning in the voices of company owners who find it difficult to find the office space they need to grow.We expect the Montroll administration to be pragmatic and focused on the issues. His record as a city councilor tells us to expect nothing less. Andy Montroll is our pick for mayor of Burlington.
We're honored to have received the endorsement of the Free Press Editorial Board. Please read the text below or read the full editorial by clicking here.
Remember to Vote for Andy Montroll on March 3rd!
2.22.09. The Free Press editorial board endorses Andy Montroll as the candidate for mayor who brings the right combination of experience in government, knowledge of the city and personal integrity to keep Burlington a destination for visitors, employers and those looking to make a home.
We have interviewed the candidates, have attended the forums and have gotten to know the men seeking the top job in the city. Burlington is fortunate to have four substantial candidates running for mayor.
Even in a strong field, we must choose a single candidate for the top spot, but we also make a recommendation for a second choice on the ballot because of the nature of instant run-off voting.The Burlington economy is stable and city finances are sound, especially compared to the rest of the state. Burlington has an abundance of natural riches starting with the waterfront, and is the economic and cultural hub for the region, if not the state. This is not the doing of one man or one administration.Yet the events of the past year have made clear the need for new management in City Hall. The discord within city government, including senior staffers let free to hurl accusations at public officials, calls for a mayor who will show the leadership to refocus city government on serving the people.We look toward Montroll to provide that leadership for several reasons.He has experience. He has worked hard to gain this office. He is dogged. He comes back time after time. He has an agreeable way about him that appeals to Burlington constituents. He knows the city. He is trustworthy. Little seems to ruffle him. He has his eye on the future.
Montroll promises transparency, which has not been a hallmark of the Kiss administration. He understands that what matters most in government is to fully explain what is going on to the public. He knows keeping the people informed matters more than protecting any single city employee or any department at the expense of the public's need to know. Too often we have seen a City Hall that, in the words of one councilor, feels it is enough to spoon-feed information.Montroll's 15 years on the City Council gives him the inside knowledge of the detailed workings of city government that will help make for a smooth transition in the Mayor's Office. He promises a review of problem departments, to set clear expectations and to give focus to City Hall.Montroll is thoughtful in the way he answers questions and arrives at decisions. Once he makes his determination, he makes his position clear. While other candidates talked about the possibility for a new lakeside convention center -- as long as it was "appropriate" for the setting -- Montroll was alone in taking a definitive stance, saying such a project has no place on the waterfront.He is for careful development of the waterfront, placing a high value on the public accessibility that makes the lake such a critical part of the city's appeal.Montroll's drawback, of course, is the same as the drawback for Mayor Bob Kiss. Their public personalities lack the fire that makes them big band leaders for Burlington, an often showy, loud and flamboyant city when it comes to playing out politics in public.The day-to-day management of this city is made easier because it is prosperous -- the 1-cent sales tax increase that was approved as Kiss took office didn't hurt, either. The city requires someone who will manage this day-to-day responsibility, but also one who will look ahead and worry about the long-term stakes.Montroll shows a keen awareness of the city's assets, its potential, and threats to Burlington's vibrancy today and tomorrow. As a father of young children, building a city for the next generation is no abstract idea.Montroll sees potential threats to the city's economy in the increasing number of empty storefronts on the Church Street Marketplace. He hears the warning in the voices of company owners who find it difficult to find the office space they need to grow.We expect the Montroll administration to be pragmatic and focused on the issues. His record as a city councilor tells us to expect nothing less. Andy Montroll is our pick for mayor of Burlington.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Ian resignation from dem chair
Dear Loyal,Earlier today, I sent the following letter of resignation to members of the state committee. I wanted to also share it with you and the broader Democratic community in Vermont. Thank you for your hard work and dedication over the years and I look forward to working with you again in the future.Best,Ian
Dear State Committee Members,After three rich and exciting years of serving as Chair of the Vermont Democratic Party, it is time for me to move on. As of this Saturday, I wish to resign from my position as State Chair. Our able Vice Chair Judy Bevans, with whom I have already discussed this decision, has graciously agreed to serve as acting Chair until such time as the Party wishes to hold a special election for Chair (see Article XX of the VDP Bylaws), or until this November when the Party is statutorily required to undergo complete reorganization. Looking back over the last three years I am struck by the remarkable array of changes, accomplishments and milestones this Party has experienced. Here are a few that come to mind as I write this morning:
For the first time in decades the Party undertook, and completed, a comprehensive, multi-phase revision of its Bylaws.
We vastly increased representation on the Party's Executive Committee by tripling its size and creating specific positions for representatives from all across the democratic spectrum.
We expanded and standardized our endorsement policy so that the Party was empowered to reach beyond its own membership to support candidates of any political persuasion if the circumstances warranted such support.
Then we promptly used our newly expanded endorsement authority to discuss, debate, and ultimately embrace the successful candidacy of Independent Bernie Sanders for U.S. Senate, in the process defrosting nearly two decades of unnecessary and unproductive political tension.
We hired our first female Executive Director ever, Jill Krowinski.
In 2006 we had one of the most successful elections in Vermont political history, obtaining unprecedented majorities in the State House and Senate, sending Peter Welch to Congress, Bernie Sanders to the U.S. Senate, and obtaining four of Vermont's six statewide constitutional offices.
With the help of Howard Dean's 50-State Strategy, we tripled the Party's staff, moved into new offices, and vastly increased our organization's ability to organize the grassroots, communicate with activists, and help our candidates win office.
And finally, in the 2008 presidential election we not only led the charge by being the first state in the nation to be declared for Obama, but we also reached beyond our own borders to deliver victory in other states by making over 100,000 get-out-the-vote calls to Florida and Pennsylvania and knocking on 35,000 doors in New Hampshire.These accomplishments are evidence of a Party that is healthy, self-aware, and versatile. Throughout my time as Chair we have often discussed how important it is that we as a Party reflect the ethics and principles of the society we wish to promote. Over the past three years I think we have taken some important steps towards that goal. In closing, I want to take a moment express my deepest personal appreciation to the three immensely talented, improbably patient, and extraordinarily hard working Executive Directors with whom I had the pleasure to work -- Jon Copans, Jill Krowinski, and Kristina Althoff. Without them I could not have done this job. Thank you again for the thousands of hours we have spent working together. To be part of this organization and our collective efforts was an honor I will not forget.I will be happy to talk with you about this decision, as well as the logistics surrounding it, this coming Saturday at our regularly scheduled meeting. Best regards,Ian
Dear State Committee Members,After three rich and exciting years of serving as Chair of the Vermont Democratic Party, it is time for me to move on. As of this Saturday, I wish to resign from my position as State Chair. Our able Vice Chair Judy Bevans, with whom I have already discussed this decision, has graciously agreed to serve as acting Chair until such time as the Party wishes to hold a special election for Chair (see Article XX of the VDP Bylaws), or until this November when the Party is statutorily required to undergo complete reorganization. Looking back over the last three years I am struck by the remarkable array of changes, accomplishments and milestones this Party has experienced. Here are a few that come to mind as I write this morning:
For the first time in decades the Party undertook, and completed, a comprehensive, multi-phase revision of its Bylaws.
We vastly increased representation on the Party's Executive Committee by tripling its size and creating specific positions for representatives from all across the democratic spectrum.
We expanded and standardized our endorsement policy so that the Party was empowered to reach beyond its own membership to support candidates of any political persuasion if the circumstances warranted such support.
Then we promptly used our newly expanded endorsement authority to discuss, debate, and ultimately embrace the successful candidacy of Independent Bernie Sanders for U.S. Senate, in the process defrosting nearly two decades of unnecessary and unproductive political tension.
We hired our first female Executive Director ever, Jill Krowinski.
In 2006 we had one of the most successful elections in Vermont political history, obtaining unprecedented majorities in the State House and Senate, sending Peter Welch to Congress, Bernie Sanders to the U.S. Senate, and obtaining four of Vermont's six statewide constitutional offices.
With the help of Howard Dean's 50-State Strategy, we tripled the Party's staff, moved into new offices, and vastly increased our organization's ability to organize the grassroots, communicate with activists, and help our candidates win office.
And finally, in the 2008 presidential election we not only led the charge by being the first state in the nation to be declared for Obama, but we also reached beyond our own borders to deliver victory in other states by making over 100,000 get-out-the-vote calls to Florida and Pennsylvania and knocking on 35,000 doors in New Hampshire.These accomplishments are evidence of a Party that is healthy, self-aware, and versatile. Throughout my time as Chair we have often discussed how important it is that we as a Party reflect the ethics and principles of the society we wish to promote. Over the past three years I think we have taken some important steps towards that goal. In closing, I want to take a moment express my deepest personal appreciation to the three immensely talented, improbably patient, and extraordinarily hard working Executive Directors with whom I had the pleasure to work -- Jon Copans, Jill Krowinski, and Kristina Althoff. Without them I could not have done this job. Thank you again for the thousands of hours we have spent working together. To be part of this organization and our collective efforts was an honor I will not forget.I will be happy to talk with you about this decision, as well as the logistics surrounding it, this coming Saturday at our regularly scheduled meeting. Best regards,Ian
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