Is Town Meeting Best for Dummerston?

The Views Staff

In our last issue, we published two opinion pieces about how the town conducts its annual business. A piece written by Bill Holiday and Paul Normandeau gave reasons in favor of maintaining an in-person town meeting, at which articles are presented and discussed, and a vote is held to either pass or defeat each article. The other piece, written by Zeke Goodband, explained why he thought we should have a meeting to discuss the articles, but then use Australian ballot, open to all registered voters, to determine whether the articles pass or fail. In the preface to those pieces, we character- ized the differing opinions as “contentious,” and Bill Holiday wrote in to object to this characterization. “. . . Different views are not necessarily contentious,” he explained. “They are just different viewpoints. I agree with Zeke’s article. I agree with ours. Contentious is a combative word. These two viewpoints are not contentious.”

In that preface, we invited Dummerstonians to send us their thoughts about these two different—approaches, shall we say. So here are the “viewpoints” which those fellow citizens have taken the time to express.

Excerpts from letters received Town Meeting, in person, is the only opportunity we have to discuss in real time and amend the budget or any other article that the Selectboard has presented.

Linda Rood

I agree that mid-week daytime meetings are not the most efficient way to conduct public Town business these days so I propose that the Town Meeting be held on a Saturday or have it two nights, one night for town business and another night for school business. Other towns in Vermont have adopted these options and it seems to work well.

Skip Fletcher

So much has changed over the years which can be hard to accept; but the option of Australian Ballots would allow more participation of local taxpayers.

Linda Hellus

… we should continue to have in-person annual town meetings. They uniquely allow for citizen participation in the important issues of the town. The interaction, both in discussion and in socializing as neighbors and townsfolk, is treasured custom.

Lew Sorensen

Read the complete letters on page 10

Historical Society to Feature Town Artists

By Gail Sorenson

You may ask, what is an artisan? An artisan is someone who works with their hands to create unique, functional and/or decorative items using traditional techniques, Artisans are masters of their craft, and create products such as clothes, toys, tools, paintings, furnishings, and many more.

The Dummerston Historical Society invites you to view a very special exhibit representing the artwork/crafts of Dummerston residents. The purpose of this exhibit is to provide an opportunity to feature the creative works of Dummerston residents (both year-around and summer) in a wide variety of media. Many will be aware of continued on page 10

The Views of Dummerston is a quarterly newsletter published by a group of citizen volunteers since 1990, and has non-profit status through the Dummerston Community Center. Mary Lou McBean had the original vision for and was first editor of the Views, and Gary Blomgren created the original masthead art. The current steering committee includes Roger Turner (editor), Michelle Cherrier (co-articles coordinator and calendar), Fred Lee (layout), Sara Ryan (ad coordinator), Linda Rood (co-articles coordinator), and Lee Ives Tice (mailing). We always welcome new interest in joining the committee.

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

The Views is mailed free of charge to all residents of the town of Dummerston. It is also available online at viewsofdummerston.org. We encourage people to help us save printing and mailing expenses by cancelling their print subscription and accessing the Views online at viewsofdummerston.org; to do so please email Sara Ryan at: subscribe online@viewsofdummerston.org. If you are not a resident of Dummerston and would prefer to receive a paper copy of the Views, you may subscribe for an annual cost of $5. Mail a check made payable to Views of Dummerston, with your name and mailing address to Lee Tice, 230 School House Rd., East Dummerston, VT 05346.

ARTICLES:

We welcome all articles related in any way to the town of Dummerston, including news of town organizations, personalities, history, or activities. Email Microsoft Word documents (preferred) to: articles@viewsof dummerston.org. Typed or hand-written articles can also be sent to: Michelle Cherrier, 72 Miller Rd., East Dummerston, VT 05346.

CALENDAR:

Any (non-commercial) event you would like listed on our Calendar of Events should be emailed to: calendar@ viewsofdummerston.org, or mailed to Michelle Cherrier at the above address.

NEXT ISSUE:

Submissions due: September 12, 2023

Views will be mailed on: October 25, 2023

ADVERTISING:

Rates: All rates are for four issues, however a large or small box ad can be placed for just one issue at an adjusted rate. Payment should be by a check made out to the Views of Dummerston, and mailed to: Sara Ryan, 53 Greenhoe Rd., East Dummerston, VT 05346

Small Box Ad $55

Large Box Ad $85

Information/Inquiries: Contact Sara Ryan at: ads@ viewsofdummerston.org, or at 387-0110.

SPONSORSHIPS:

Sponsorships of $25 for four issues augment our ad revenues to provide us with operating funds. You will be notified when your sponsorship is up and invited to renew. If you wish to become a sponsor or have questions, contact Sara Ryan as above.

Digital Views available

Featuring easy navigation, clickable links, and full color. We’re sure you’ll love it! viewsofdummerston.org

Dummerston Selectboard Meetings

Recorded and televised by BCTV and online at www.brattleborotv.org. (Select “Watch”, select “Watch On Demand”, select “Playlist”, scroll to “Dummerston”, select meeting.)