Vermont

In Vermont’s first general election debate, 2 conservative US House candidates target Democratic frontrunner

Published

2 years ago

September 16, 2022

In Vermont’s first general election debate, 2 conservative US House candidates target Democratic frontrunner

Of their first debate of the overall election, the 2 U.S. Home candidates jockeying for Vermont’s conservative vote — Republican nominee Liam Madden and Libertarian nominee Ericka Redic — focused the presumed frontrunner of the race, Democratic nominee Becca Balint.

Madden, an anti-war activist and former Marine, and Redic, an accountant and on-line content material creator, took pictures at Balint all through the Thursday night debate, hosted by VTDigger, because the candidates fielded questions on the opioid epidemic, abortion entry, Israeli-Palestinian relations, digital surveillance and extra.

However their offensives reached a fever pitch when Balint, who at present serves because the Vermont Senate president professional tempore, was requested a sequence of questions on a problem that has adopted her since her days on the first marketing campaign path: marketing campaign finance.

Marketing campaign finance

Moderators’ inquiries to Balint adopted an August revelation, first reported by Seven Days, that one single, huge donation to the LGBTQ Victory Fund Federal PAC funded a rush of pro-Balint marketing campaign media that flooded airwaves and stuffed mailboxes within the remaining days of the Democratic major marketing campaign. The person behind the $1.1 million donation was Nishad Singh, a prime government with the cryptocurrency trade FTX.

“I need to actually guarantee Vermonters that I had completely no information of who was donating cash to the Victory Fund, which is an LGBTQ group,” Balint mentioned when queried Thursday night time. “I didn’t need that funding in my marketing campaign. I had no management over it. The factor I did have management over was how I ran my marketing campaign, which was with many, many small-dollar donors, essentially the most Vermont donors of any of the candidates.”

Additionally backing Balint’s marketing campaign have been Singh’s colleagues: FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried and his brother, Gabe Bankman-Fried. The duo are the moguls behind two pandemic-preparedness teams, Guarding Towards Pandemics and Defend Our Future, each of which offered Balint endorsements she had sought. Balint’s marketing campaign web site beforehand included particular, verbatim language on pandemic coverage an identical to the 2 teams’ speaking factors — which has since been eliminated.

When requested by moderators Thursday night time how Vermonters might belief Balint to assume for herself, she responded that she makes choices “primarily based on what I feel is correct for Vermonters.

“That is how I’ve completed my work right here within the Vermont state Senate on so many points,” she mentioned. “That is what I’ll do in Congress. And my assist of pandemic preparedness shouldn’t be in any respect conflated with points round cryptocurrency. I do not know the donor. I’ve had no communication with the donor about cryptocurrency.”

Madden jumped in to say he took Balint “at her phrase that she did not know these people who effectively,” earlier than taking a jab: “However I keep in mind a VTDigger debate early within the major the place she mentioned she would not search the assist of lobbyists. And so I’m wondering how that squares with assembly with that fund within the first place.”

“Properly, they have been discussing one thing that was of the utmost significance to me, which is stopping future pandemics,” Balint retorted, earlier than highlighting assist she’s acquired from the American Federation of Academics and the Nationwide Schooling Affiliation, two academics unions.

“There are teams which might be combating on behalf of points that I care deeply about that I will meet with and if our values are aligned, I’ll settle for contributions,” she mentioned.

Redic chimed in, remarking that she thought “it is actually attention-grabbing, given the dialog, {that a} lobbyist is just a lobbyist once we (don’t) agree with them.”

“I feel that that is actually a part of the difficulty on this marketing campaign, is that the grassroots voices of Vermonters are being drowned out by particular curiosity teams and lobbyists pouring tons and tons of cash into one aspect of this marketing campaign,” Redic continued. “It’s extremely clear that this election was purchased and paid for by lobbyists and particular curiosity teams. And I feel that that is actually too unhealthy.”

Requested by moderators which authorities company ought to regulate the cryptocurrency market — the industry-favored Commodity Futures Buying and selling Fee or stricter Securities and Trade Fee — Balint responded, “I don’t assume on this occasion we must always observe the steering of the {industry}. I feel we need to actually have a strict investigation of what this actually means for our financial system.”

Posed related questions on crypto regulation, Madden mentioned he wanted to be taught extra about it. Redic mentioned to control cryptocurrency can be antithetical to “the purpose” of it, which is “for it to not be a part of the federal government. So I do not assume that we needs to be trying to regulate it in any respect.”

Fossil gasoline prices

When requested a couple of “side-deal” negotiated between U.S. Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., which might loosen federal allowing necessities for vitality tasks, akin to fossil gasoline pipeline building, Redic took the chance to criticize Balint’s proposals to extend taxation of fossil gasoline firms.

“She mentioned we have to tax the hell out of fossil fuels, and has repeatedly mentioned that she needs them to be so cost-prohibitive that folks will change their habits and never use them anymore,” Redic mentioned.

Throughout a time of financial hardship and record-high inflation, Redic mentioned, “The concept that anybody in elected workplace would then say, ‘You realize what, we’re really going to make it much more costly’ … that individual doesn’t appear to really care in regards to the hardship that Vermonters are struggling proper now.”

Balint accused Redic of mischaracterizing her stance and mentioned, “What I’ve mentioned is that we have to finish fossil gasoline subsidies, completely. We additionally have to tax the firms which might be benefiting from the windfall income on fossil fuels.”

“It is vitally essential to me that we, at the moment of rising inflation, cope with the truth that there are folks getting extremely rich off of standard Vermonters and gasoline prices,” Balint mentioned.

The Schumer-Manchin deal was made in trade for Manchin’s assist of the mammoth Inflation Discount Act. Balint mentioned that she would have signed onto the letter penned by 72 U.S. Home members decrying the Manchin provision, but in addition that she wouldn’t have “gone again” on the deal that led to Manchin’s “sure” vote on the invoice.

Abortion

At a debate hosted by VTDigger in June, Madden decried the U.S. Supreme Court docket’s resolution that month to overturn Roe v. Wade case precedent, thereby ending federal abortion protections. However requested on the time how he would vote on a federal abortion ban, he mentioned he would assist “compromise” federal laws primarily based on fetal viability.

On Thursday, Madden mentioned that almost all of abortions happen earlier than a fetus is indepedently viable — or earlier than it may possibly survive exterior the womb — “and people needs to be protected decisions.” Whereas nearly all of abortions carried out post-viability are carried out on account of well being problems of the mom or fetus, he mentioned, he believes authorities regulation is suitable within the remaining “extraordinarily uncommon occasion of elective abortion within the final time period.”

In Vermont, all abortions carried out after fetal viability (roughly 22 weeks gestation) are carried out in a hospital setting, on the College of Vermont Medical Heart, and are first reviewed by an ethics fee, which determines whether or not the process ought to happen. Based on a just lately launched 2020 Very important Statistics Report by Vermont’s Division of Well being, of 1,227 abortions accomplished in 2020, 14 have been of fetuses aged 21 or extra weeks gestation.

“I consider it’s related when a toddler can dwell independently of the mom, and that gives an ethical and authorized complexity that deserves consideration,” Madden mentioned Thursday.

Madden then criticized Balint for her marketing campaign’s depiction of his stance on abortion. In a Sept. 12 e-mail blast, Balint’s marketing campaign accused Madden of holding beliefs which might be “wildly out of step with the views of the typical Vermonter, who believes that abortion entry is an important proper that must be protected.”

“I am realizing that I do not assume you really see that there is nuance right here, Becca,” Madden mentioned. “And I am so glad to be a voice for the center 80% of Vermonters who need a voice on this dialogue.”

Balint responded that her views are in keeping with nearly all of Vermonters.

“Seventy p.c of Vermonters assist defending a girl’s proper to manage her personal physique, shield a Vermonter’s autonomy and your capacity to make choices about your future in your physique,” Balint mentioned. “And any resolution that needs to be made round well being care needs to be made between a Vermonter and their well being care supplier and their physician. And it isn’t the state’s function, it isn’t the federal government’s function, to intervene with that relationship between a Vermonter and their well being care supplier.”

Additionally at June’s Republican major debate, Redic mentioned that she wouldn’t assist a nationwide abortion ban, saying the choice ought to as a substitute be left to state governments. In gentle of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s newly proposed 15-week federal abortion ban, Redic was requested if her views have been the identical. She mentioned sure.

Redic mentioned she as a substitute needs to see state assist for disaster being pregnant facilities, controversial amenities that provide some prenatal care and guardian counseling, however largely exist to dissuade sufferers from acquiring abortions. Some Vermont lawmakers are pursuing laws to crack down on disaster being pregnant facilities, saying they falsely promote themselves and distribute deceptive medical info.

‘One other politician’

Neither Madden nor Redic have served in elected workplace, and of their closing statements Thursday night time, they amplified their outsider statuses. Extra importantly, they slighted Balint for her tenure within the Statehouse, casting her as simply one other politician.

“The very last thing Vermonters ought to do is ship one other politician to Washington, somebody who has a demonstrated historical past of accelerating the price of dwelling, making Vermonters much less secure, and taking away your freedom, your private liberty, and imposing authorities guidelines and mandates on you, your physique and your youngsters,” Redic mentioned in closing.

Madden, a self-declared impartial and opponent of the two-party political system, made an enchantment to Vermonters to desert the established order.

“If you recognize in your coronary heart that altering the gamers again and again is a failed technique, that what we have to do is to alter the principles of the sport, please be part of me in voting not for the expertise of those that are wedded to damaged instruments, however voting for the imaginative and prescient wanted to satisfy our potential,” he mentioned.

Balint leaned into her years of expertise in Montpelier.

“I am the one individual on this Zoom tonight who has really handed laws that has introduced housing to Vermonters, that has elevated the minimal wage, that has protected reproductive rights,” Balint concluded. “And I am happy with the report.”

Lacking out on the newest scoop? Join Closing Studying for a rundown on the day’s information within the Legislature.

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Vermont

Vermont basketball suffers biggest loss in America East play since 2004-05 season

Published

10 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

Vermont basketball suffers biggest loss in America East play since 2004-05 season

UVM hockey legend Eric Perrin returns to Burlington on coaching staff

Eric Perrin, UVM hockey’s all-time leading goal scorer returns to Burlington helping out on the coaching staff for the past nine days.

Vermont basketball scored the game’s first seven points and built multiple 10-point leads early in the first half of Saturday’s America East Conference showdown at Bryant.

But everything unraveled after the Catamounts’ roaring start.

The Bryant Bulldogs seized control by the halftime horn and rolled in the second half for a 73-53 victory, handing Vermont its biggest conference defeat in two decades.

The Catamounts (9-9, 2-1) haven’t loss by at least 20 points to a league opponent in the regular season since the 2004-05 finale at Maine, 87-66, when stars Taylor Coppenrath and T.J. Sorrentine did not play. They also suffered a 22-point setback to Stony Brook in the 2011 America East semifinals.

Vermont opened a 24-14 lead on a Shamir Bogues 3-pointer with 8 minutes, 21 seconds before the break. Then the Bulldogs unleashed a 20-6 spurt to close the half. Bryant, though, kept momentum on its side, scoring 20 of the first 22 points of the second half.

The advantage ballooned to 57-32 by the 12-minute mark. All told, Bryant had a 43-8 run spanning the two halves to carve out the insurmountable advantage.

Connor Withers, who started Bryant’s comeback in the first half with a 3-pointer, paced the hosts with 19 points. Rafael Pinzon and Barry Evans each had 13 points, and Early Timberlake added a dozen points for Bryant’s first win over Vermont since joining America East ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

For Vermont, Bogues totaled 17 points and six rebounds, and Ileri Ayo-Faleye collected 15 points. Sam Alamutu picked up 11 rebounds.

The Bulldogs scored 22 points off Vermont’s 17 turnovers. Bryant also made 11 3-pointers.

The Catamounts return to action for the league home opener Thursday night vs. Binghamton.

Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.

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Vermont

Bryant men’s basketball blisters reigning America East champion Vermont; here’s how

Published

20 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

SMITHFIELD — Bryant men’s basketball’s addition to the America East three years ago didn’t alter the traditional powers.

Vermont captured the last two league titles to finish off a stretch of five crowns in six years for the Burlington program. Bryant, before joining the conference, largely had no history with its northern neighbors outside of a home-and-home series in 2013-14.

The Bryant-Vermont matchup was reintroduced in January of 2023 with Vermont winning all four meetings since they became conference foes. Bryant halted that run and redirected the league’s authority on Saturday night at the Chace Center.

Bryant (8-9, 2-0) blistered the Catamounts with an early run and thumped Vermont in the second half for a 73-53 triumph behind Connor Withers’ 19 points. The six-year guard caught fire at the end of the first half and shot 8-14 for the game. Bryant only kept that potent scoring going in the second half.

“I don’t even know my record against them,” Withers said of Vermont. “I’ve lost a lot more than I’ve won against them. And then losing in the championship, I’ve got a lot of respect for that team. They’re top of the conference every year, the team to beat every year. It does feel good.”

Withers transferred to Bryant from UMass Lowell last season. The guard lost to Vermont, 72–59, in the 2022-23 conference championship. Saturday’s win can’t erase that feeling, but his shooting can pace a conference run for Bryant this winter.

“It’s just another win and it’s just one win,” Withers said. “As good as it feels to beat them, it only counts for one win. It doesn’t count for five wins in the conference, it counts for one win. As good as it feels, it doesn’t mean too much if we don’t handle business next week and the next game that we play.”

The Bulldogs trailed, 15-5, before trading 3s with Vermont on six straight possessions. They withstood Vermont’s best punch through the first 12 minutes of the game and trailed just 24-17 on Withers’ second 3-pointer.

The shot from the wing got Withers going as he added his third trey of the contest just a few minutes later to give Bryant its first lead, 28-26, with 4:20 to play in the frame. He added another long jumper and a layup high off the glass for a personal 7-0 run.

“It’s the discipline,” Bryant coach Phil Martelli Jr. said of Vermont’s success. “I would bet there’s not a lot of games where they’ve turned it over that much (17 turnovers) and haven’t turned the opponent over. The game was played on our terms, outside of those first minutes, which is hard to do against them. They usually play it on their terms and then you get into that game trying to beat them at their game. That’s hard to do, as we’ve seen.”

Withers’ sequence started a Bryant run, 23-6, that ended only from the halftime horn. But the Bulldogs didn’t stop, and out of the break scored 20 of the first 22 points. All told, Bryant’s supremacy was a 43-8 run over 17 minutes of play.

“I was concerned about us settling,” Martelli said. “And then we came out, we got to the rim, we scored, and we’re able to get some layups and do some things. … And that goes to, we have guys that have the ability to do multiple things.

“That was key for us. I think being able to start that half and getting some layups, obviously, getting the stops along with it.”

Barry Evans and Rafael Pinzon both chipped in 13 points. Earl Timberlake added a dozen with six rebounds, four assists and four steals as Bryant shot 44.6% from the field and was 11-for-27 from beyond the arc.

“I get it, we haven’t beaten them,” Martelli said. “They are the standard. They are flat-out the standard. But it’s [only the second conference win].

“It’s good we beat Vermont because that’s who we played today. We got number two, now let’s get number three.”

Bryant vs. Vermont all-time

Nov. 16, 2013: Bryant 87, Vermont 64

Nov. 26, 2014: Vermont 73, Bryant 47

Jan. 5, 2023: Vermont 74, Bryant 64

Feb. 25, 2023: Vermont 70, Bryant 66

Jan. 27, 2024: Vermont 67, Bryant 57

Feb. 24, 2024: Vermont 65, Bryant 48

jrousseau@providencejournal.com

On X: @ByJacobRousseau

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Vermont

7 Best Lakeside Towns in Vermont

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Vermont, the Green Mountain State, is known for its mountain ranges, which tourists can appreciate at popular parks, such as Smuggler’s Notch State Park. However, with over 800 lakes in the state, you can’t discount the plentiful water bodies available for recreation. Vermont is a haven of nature with lakes such as Arrowhead Mountain Lake, Lake Memphremagog, and Lake Champlain, which are tourist and resident favorites due to their historical legends and thrilling water activities. This state is filled with more beautiful lakes and communities by the water than you can imagine, from the shire town of Newport to the historic terrains of Whitingham. Discover the best lakeside towns to visit in Vermont on your next vacation.

Shelburne

Ticonderoga was a steamboat served on Lake Champlain in 19th century in Shelburne, Vermont. Image credit Wangkun Jia via Shutterstock

Shelburne is one of Vermont’s most visited locations, just seven miles to the south of Burlington. It is set along the shores of Lake Champlain and got its name as a form of tribute to a great British Parliamentarian and Prime Minister, William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne. The community is known for its early agricultural enterprise before diversifying into shipping following the War of 1812. The Shelburne Museum documents the events of the war and other happenings that shaped the area’s development. It also houses thousands of decorative items, steamboats, and carriages that paint a vivid picture of its past.

Stroll in the cool of the day to Shelburne Farms, where you can find much more information about the storied agricultural essence that formed Shelburne. The Farmer’s Market is just a short walk away, and the same goes for Shelburne Vineyards and Orchards, which supply the Farmer’s Market. To get close views of Lake Champlain, take a trip to Shelburne Town Beach, where you can enjoy evening strolls and picnics. Hike across the Shelburne Bay Park hiking area to get more scenic views of the creek.

Whitingham

Whitingham outwits you with all its charm, from its lakeside views to its serene outdoors. It is known as the birthplace of Brigham Young, the second president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who was born in 1801. The community has a monument erected to this effect, the Brigham Young Monument.

The atmosphere that envelopes Whitingham is truly lovely, and there are opportunities to get a whiff of the natural environment. Take the historic tour for an eye-opening experience. What is even more interesting about the historic tour is that you can take it by car or bike. Learn more about Whitingham at the Whitingham Historical Society before taking a hike at the Catamount Trail.

Fairfield

Fairfield is a brimming lakeside community on Fairfield Pond lake with a rich heritage. It is a 446-acre body of water on the northwest of Fairfield. The Fairfield area is known as the birthplace of Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, Fairfield celebrates its presidential legacy at the Chester A. Arthur Historic Site. This preserved homestead offers visitors insight into the life of one of America’s lesser-known leaders and the region’s history during the mid-19th century.

The Fairfield Community Center, housed in a 19th-century school building, is another noteworthy site. It reflects the town’s enduring dedication to community engagement and historic preservation. For those interested in Vermont’s rural heritage, Fairfield Pond provides a serene escape, surrounded by open fields that are reminiscent of the city’s agricultural roots. Apart from the ancient landmarks, you can also explore natural settings that make the community more fun. These include the Metcalf Pond and the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail.

Charlotte

Along the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, one of Vermont’s picturesque lakeside towns, seizes the attention of many. Charlotte is a quaint Vermont settlement that is rich in historical significance and natural allure. It is perhaps best known for the Charlotte-Essex Ferry, which has connected Vermont to New York since the early 19th century, with breathtaking views of the water and the Adirondack Mountains. Charlotte’s history is documented at the Old Brick Store, a famed general store that has served as a community hub since 1853 and continues to provide locally crafted goods and treats.

The agricultural economy that once shaped Charlotte is still very much alive. Philo Ridge Farm and Adam’s Berry Farm are two of the most popular, and they serve local produce to the market. The farms are quite serene and are maintained by very hospitable families who are willing to indulge in conversations about Charlotte’s early days. While you are out, be sure to check out Mount Philo State Park. The park has a reputation that speaks for itself. It is Vermont’s oldest state park, and you can also enjoy stunning views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. The spaces are equipped with benches and rails where you can just unwind and take pictures while enjoying the view.

Newport

Newport is a unique settlement in Vermont. Although it is located on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, Newport is the shire town of Orleans County with the second largest population in the county with just over 4,000 people and also has the smallest geographical area in the county (19.68 square kilometers).

The community’s crown jewel, the Goodrich Memorial Library, is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture and a repository of ancient information. Visitors can explore its intricate design and learn about Newport’s cultural heritage through its archives.

Lake Memphremagog itself is steeped in legend, with tales of Memphré, the creek’s mythical creature, adding an air of mystery. Waterfront attractions like the Gateway Center celebrate the river’s significance, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic vistas and hiking trails along the Beebe Spur Rail Trail and the Prouty Beach and Campground.

Addison

If you are wondering what early New England life felt like, then you need to add Addison to your list of lakeside Vermont places to visit. Addison greets you with New England charm and a whole lot of options on where to tour. The city’s crown jewel is the Chimney Point State Historic Site, located where Lake Champlain narrows at the Crown Point Bridge. This site highlights the area’s significance during the French and Indian War and its role in early European settlement.

Snake Mountain Trail is always a point of interest for travelers because of its picturesque setting and location, and it is easily accessible to all. The trail is flanked by trees that cover hikers from the sun and form a beautiful picture backdrop of leaf canopies. It is good for evening strolls and hangouts. Additionally, the D.A.R. State Park is a great spot for wildlife and nature lovers. The park has open spaces for picnics and extensive hiking trails, and its proximity to the lake makes it ideal for water and winter sports. The reflection of trees on the waters creates a picture-perfect view and allows for a connection to Vermont’s natural heritage.

Ferrisburgh

Ferrisburgh is near Lake Champlain, Little Otter Creek, and Kingsland Bay, which makes a no-brainer when mentioning the best lakeside town in Vermont. Founded in 1762, Ferrisburgh is steeped in history and complemented by commercial landmarks.

Rokeby Museum, the most documented underground railroad and also a National Historic Landmark, stands as a poignant reminder of Vermont’s abolitionist movement and its role in the Underground Railroad. The museum’s preserved buildings and exhibits give an intimate look at the lives of the Robinson family, who championed social justice causes. Dakin Farm is another attraction with cultural significance. It is a family-owned, multi-generational business that has been running since 1792. Visitors will enjoy a trip to Kingsland Bay State Park, where they can spend the afternoons just chilling or having great conversations in a nice and cozy environment.

Whether you are visiting to learn more about the famed stories of Shelburne or exploring history at Fairfield, Vermont is replete with attractions that can help you declutter and feel at ease. Each area has its own heritage, creating diversity at every turn, from the pristine waters of its lakes to the picturesque backdrop of its parks. Vermont caters to the feelings of every traveler and creates a wonderful experience for anyone looking to relish the charm of a lakeside town.

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