Congratulations to Grassroots Allstars Chris & Marcella Chiarello!

Chris and Marcella Chiarello of Shelburne have just been named Grassroots Allstars by the Vermont Democratic Party. Marcella, the Chittenden County Democratic Committee's State Committeewoman, and her husband Chris have been involved in many forward-thinking groups in both Shelburne and Chittenden County. Their initiatives have included organizing events for energy awareness, health care, and voter identification. They are active members of the Shelburne Democratic Committee and Chittenden South Democracy For America (CSDFA) and can be found often at the DFA headquarters in South Burlington.

"Chris and Marcella are models of Vermont progressive activism," says former Chittenden County Democrats Vice Chair Will Wiquist, who nominated the Chiarellos. "They are involved and take effective leadership rolls where needed. They both talk the talk and walk the walk. I for one greatly appreciate their effort and time."

You can read more about Chris and Marcella's work and some of their tips for successful organizing at the VDP website: http://vtdemocrats.org/index.php?id=1873.

Congratulations, Chris and Marcella!

What is a Caucus?

Channel 17 Town Meeting Television, serving Burlington, South Burlington, Winooski and Essex Junction, has produced a show called "What Is a Caucus". Footage of the Democratic, Republican and Progressive parties' reorganization caucuses which were held in October, including keynote speakers and comments from the party Chairs, will be broadcast at various times during the months of November and December. The broadcast schedule is
Wed, Nov 28, 2007 at 11:30:00 PM
Thu, Nov 29, 2007 at 4:30:00 AM
Thu, Nov 29, 2007 at 10:30:00 AM
Thu, Nov 29, 2007 at 4:30:00 PM
Thu, Nov 29, 2007 at 6:30:00 PM
Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 0:26:00 AM
Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 5:26:00 AM
Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 11:26:00 AM
Tue, Dec 11, 2007 at 6:15:00 PM

Channel 17 also hosts the monthly Chittenden County Democrats show on the first Monday of each month at 5:25 PM. This show is also rebroadcast several times during subsequent weeks. Plans are in the works to also have the show rebroadcast on LCATV Channel 16, serving northern Chittenden County including Colchester, Milton and Westford, as well as on VCAM Channel 15, serving southern Chittenden County including Shelburne, Hinesburg and parts of Charlotte. Rebroadcast times will be posted at this website as they are received.

Bill Mares to Speak in Charlotte

The Charlotte, Shelburne and Hinesburg Democratic Committees are hosting an Evening with Bill Mares this coming Thursday on the topic American Foreign Policy: How Do We Look AT, and TO, the Rest of the World?

Local author, marathon runner, former legislator and CVU teacher, Bill Mares, will share some of his thoughts and lead discussion about ways to understand American foreign policy. So mark your calendars. This should be a thought-provoking, informative, and fun evening, and a good opportunity to catch up with neighbors and meet new friends.

St. George Reorganization Caucus Held

St. George Democrats got together for a reorganization caucus on November 1st and elected the following officers:
Chair: George Young
Vice-Chair: Tom Carlson
Secretary: Tom Carlson
Treasurer: Steve Faust
Asst Treasurer: Mary Alice Favro
County Committee Delegates: Tom Carlson and Steve Faust

Democrats in St. George who would like to get involved are encouraged to contact Chairman George Young via email: gyoung20@aol.com.

A Commentary

I have no formal training in International Relations or Foreign Policy, and I admit to being bored and inattentive in Sociology.

We know now that Mr. Musharaf is nothing but a lousy dictator. He seemed to be OK as long as he was OUR chosen dictator. We supported the Shah in Iran, Saddam Hussein in Iraq, numerous South American and African yahoos, and the really expensive one: South Vietnam. We even had the CIA assassinate some of these guys opponents. Did these guys become dictators BECAUSE of our support, or did we support them BECAUSE they were already dictators? Are there any other choices here?

Was there a Foreign Policy shift right after WW2? If there WAS NOT, why didn't we support Hitler & Mussolini?

Since I have none of the aforementioned training or experience, I humbly ask the question: Why do the majority of citizens in these countries apparently dislike us and exercise ill will towards us? After all, we are only being consistent.

The older I get, the less I seem to know, or is it the less I understand?
Art Ridge
Charlotte Democratic Committee Treasurer

House Campaign Fundraiser Held

The Vermont Democratic House Campaign made its way into southern Chittenden County this week. Charlotte Democratic Committee Vice-Chair Ron Miller and his wife, Jill Wolcott, hosted Speaker Gaye Symington (Jericho) and Representatives Joan Lenes (Shelburne), Bill Lippert (Hinesburg), and Scott Orr (Charlotte), along with dozens of local supporters at their McNeil Cove home. Speaker Symington spoke about the landmark legislation that was passed this past year in the areas of education, child sex-abuse prevention, global warming, and campaign finance reform among others. She contrasted the cooperation the legislature got from the Douglas administration on some of the bills with its resistance on others.

Rep. Orr described the big difference between the Governor's rhetoric and his actions. For example, the Governor failed to fund Children's Services in its budget presented to the legislature, but then took credit for it in a big signing ceremony after the legislature restored the funds. Similarly, the Douglas has been quick to praise the Vermont Energy Efficiency Corporation when speaking to out-of-state groups, but worked against its expansion to include all fuels. Reps. Lippert and Lenes also spoke of their work on the Judiciary and Institutions committees, respectively.

The audience was engaged and asked many questions of and offered varied opinions to the legislators after their initial comments. Reps. Helen Head (So. Burlington) and Floyd Nease (Johnson) also attended the gathering. Money raised during the evening will be used during the 2008 election to expand the Democratic majority in the House.

County Reorg Caucus Results

The caucus held on Wednesday evening at Contois Auditorium was well attended and ended early enough for attendees to catch the opening pitch of Boston Red Sox-Colorado Rockies World Series on TV. The election of officers resulted in the following:

• Chair: Mike Yantachka (Charlotte)
• Vice-Chair: Robert Ready (Colchester)
• Secretary: Thomas Walsh (South Burlington)
• Treasurer: Ken Brown (Hinesburg)
• Asst. Treasurer: Wendy Patterson (Hinesburg)
• State Committeewoman: Marcella Chiarello (Shelburne)
• State Committeeman: Tom Obbagy (Jericho)
• Alternate State Committee Delegates: Mary Sullivan, Steve Boyan, Joanna Cole (all Burlington)

The keynote speaker of the evening was Jill Krowinski, Executive Director of the Vermont Democratic Party. She encouraged everyone to get actively involved with the various opportunities to further the message and goals of the VDP. These opportunities include the Media Corps, which informs participants about important issues for letters to the editor, the Douglas-watch project, and the voter file project.

A fund-raiser raffle was held for a bottle of Charlotte Village Winery Merlot, a huge jar of Coyote Ridge Apiary honey, and 20% of the take of raffle ticket sales.

We need you to help with several "task-forces" or subcommittees, including planning, fund-raising, and voter file coordination. So, contact Chairman Mike Yantachka or Vice Chair Robert Ready if you would like to help in any of these ways.

COUNTY REORGANIZATION CAUCUS

When: Wed, Oct 24, 2007, 7PM
Where: Contois Auditorium in City Hall, 149 Church Street, Burlington map

Our biennial reorganization caucus will be held at Contois Auditorium, City Hall, Burlington, VT, at 7:00 PM. County Committee Delegates elected at the local caucuses will elect officers for the next two years. While a number of officers are running again, there are some vacancies. If you have an interest in becoming an officer, I would be happy to hear from you ahead of time. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor. If you are interested in being considered for an officer position, please come to the meeting prepared with a person to nominate you and another person to second the nomination. We welcome your participation in this process.

We will also have the privilege of hearing from both the VDP Executive Director, Jill Krowinski, and the current State Committee Chairman, Ian Carleton, during the meeting. Although only delegates will have voting privileges at the caucus, everyone is welcome to attend and become involved in the work of the Democratic Party at the county level.

For more information, contact me, County Chair Mike Yantachka, at miyantach@hotmail.com or 425-3960.

Chittenden County Democrats Talk about Cervical Cancer on Ch 17

On October 1, 2007, the Chittenden County Democrats call-in show on Channel 17 featured Rep. Denise Barnard of Richmond, who spoke about her efforts to obtain state funding for an HPV immunization program. Human Pappiloma Virus (HPV) affects women by causing cervical cancer. The pharmaceutical company Merck has developed a vaccine called Gardasil that can be administered to non-pregnant girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 as prevention against 4 different types of HPV.

While the show was taped on October 1st, it will be rebroadcast at the following dates and times in Burlington, South Burlington, Winooski and Essex:
Mon, Oct 15, 2007 at 9:30:00 PM
Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 2:30:00 AM
Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 8:30:00 AM
Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 2:30:00 PM.

Our next show, which will be broadcast live at 5:25 PM on November 5th, will feature Chittenden County State's Attorney Thomas J. Donovan.

THE VERMONT DEMOCRATIC PARTY NEEDS YOUR HELP

Autumn Harvest Rally Phonebanks -
We need help to turn out folks for the Vermont Democrats' big Fall rally. We are having a phone bank in South Burlington on Thursday, October 4th, from 5:30-8PM at 38 Eastwood Drive, Suite 300.

These are easy calls to friendly people. Please email Linda Weiss (lweiss@vtdemocrats.org) if you can help.

Thursday October 4
5:30-8pm

Stand with the Burmese People!

After decades of military dictatorship, the people of Burma are rising – and they need our help. Marches begun by monks and nuns snowballed, bringing hundreds of thousands to the streets. Now the crackdown has begun, but the protests are spreading...When the Burmese last marched in 1988, the military massacred thousands. If the world stands up and supports their struggle, this time they could win.

In a race against time, Avaaz.org has created an online petition that targets the dictatorship's main backer, China, in a global advertising campaign, delivering the petition to the UN Secretary-General, advertising it in newspapers around the world, and broadcasting it to the Burmese people via radio. You can sign the petition here: http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/tf.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

County Reorganization to Take Place October 24th

Now that the town and city caucuses have been held, it's time to get ready for the county reorganization meeting. It will be held on Wednesday, October 24th, 7:00PM, at the Contois Auditorium, City Hall, in Burlington. Delegates to the County Democratic Committee elected at the various local caucuses should plan to attend this first important meeting of the biennium to elect County Committee officers and delegates to the Vermont Democratic Committee. We also hope to organize a number of subcommittees to assist with planning the budget, organizing events, and media communications. Keep an eye on this website for further information.

We're "famous"

Peter Freyne of Seven Days posted a "story" on his blog about the Democratic reorganization caucus in Burlington last night. Congratulations to new Chairman Jake Perkinson, Vice Chair Elisa Nelson and Secretary Eli Lesser-Goldsmith. Dare I call it a Dream Team? So far so good in the process of party reorganization in Chittenden County. If you have any stories or news, please share.

Jericho Caucus Scheduled

The Jericho Democratic reorganization caucus will be Tuesday, September 25 at 6:30 pm in the Jericho Town Clerk's office, 67 Vermont Route 15, Jericho. For more information, contact Town Chair Deb Fitzgerald, 899-4965.

Williston and Westford Caucuses Scheduled

The Williston Democratic reorganization caucus will be Tuesday, September 18 at 7 pm in the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 21 Library Lane, Williston. Contact Town Chair Ted Kenney for more info - 878-0238.

The Westford Democratic reorganization caucus will be Thursday, September 20 at 7 pm in the Westford Town Clerk's office, 1713 Vt Rte 128, Westford. Contact Town Chair Chris O'Donnel for more info - 878-2302.

Milton Caucus Scheduled - 9/18, 7:00 PM - Milton Jr/Sr High School Library

The Milton Democratic caucus reorganization will be Tuesday, September 18 at 7 pm in the Milton Junior/Senior High School library. TJ Donovan will be our guest at 7:30 pm and will provide an update on programs and initiatives implemented by his office.

Reorganization Caucuses Update

This month, towns all over Vermont are working on reorganizing their own town Democratic committee. Please attend your town's caucus, encourage your neighbors to attend, and maybe even consider running for a leadership position.Here's the list of town caucuses scheduled right now.

If you do NOT see your town on this, please contact County Chair Mike Yantachka. We may be working to schedule the time & place and will update this post once that is complete, or we are looking for someone to take a lead on scheduling the caucus.

Sept. 4th, 7 pm - Richmond, Richmond Library
Sept. 10th, 7 pm - South Burlington, Sonny Audette Public Works Building, Patchen Rd
Sept. 11th, 7 pm - Shelburne, Shelburne Town Offices
Sept. 18th, 6 pm - Winooski Senior Center
Sept. 18th, 7 pm - Underhill, Underhill Town Hall
Sept. 18th, 7 pm - Charlotte, Charlotte Town Office
Sept. 18th, 7 pm - Meeting House Downstairs, Main St.
Sept. 19th, 7 pm - Burlington, Contois Auditorium in Town Hall
Sept. 19th, 7:30 pm - Hinesburg, Hinesburg Town Clerk's Office
Sept. 20th, 7 pm - Essex, Essex Free Library

Please keep an eye on the county party calendar for more updates on these caucus and information about other local events. Please contact us if you have any events you would like publicized.

Re-organization caucuses

This month, towns all over Vermont are working on reorganizing their own town Democratic committee. Please attend your town's caucus, encourage your neighbors to attend, and maybe even consider running for a leadership position.

Here's the list of town caucuses scheduled right now. If you do NOT see your town on this, we may be working to schedule the time & place and will update this post once that is complete, or we are looking for someone to take a lead on scheduling the caucus.

• Sept. 5th, 7pm - Richmond
• Sept. 10th, 7pm - South Burlington
• Sept. 11th, 7pm - Shelburne
  
• Sept. 18th, 7pm - Underhill
• Sept. 18th, 7:30pm - Hinesburg
• Sept. 18th, 7pm - Charlotte
  
• Sept. 19th, 7pm - Burlington
• Sept. 20th, 7pm - Essex

Please keep an eye on the county party calendar for more updates on these caucus and information about other local events. Please contact us if you have any events you would like publicized.

Presidential campaigns in Vermont

The recent fundraiser in Norwich, VT for Senator Barack Obama has me thinking a bit more about the presidential primary, the historical significance of this election cycle, and Vermonters' potential role it it all. First, I want to remind people that this election is different. "Frontrunners" this time are not like frontrunners previous years. There is not a sitting vice president running (thank god). There isn't an incumbent president running (ditto). It's an open field and we should approach it that way. I hope that the media will also start giving some air time to some of the "second tier" candidates who nonetheless are very qualified.

Second, Vermonters should take an active role this time around. If we can volunteer in NH and make a palpable impact, campaigns will start to understand the sway Vermont can have in the primary. While we do not have much influence with our own votes, we can be a power knocking on doors across the CT river. So, if you are committed to a certain candidate, try to get involved. Try to get others involved. Maybe we can have a proxy debate in Chitt. County?

Here's what I know about the Democratic campaigns' presence in Vermont:
Vermonters for Obama
Vermonters for Bill Richardson (headed by our Colchester Representative Jim Condon)

Let me know if you have any other groups going for the other candidates. Clinton? Kucinich? Anyone.

-Will

County Democrats Meeting - Monday, 8/13/07

The Chittenden County Democrats will meet on Monday, August 13, 2007, at 7:00 PM, in the IBEW Union Training Hall, 3 Gregory Drive, South Burlington.

The meeting will be devoted to how to organize a Democratic Party reorganization caucus in your town. The major political parties are required by Vermont statute to reorganize during every odd-numbered year. Town and city caucuses are scheduled in September, county caucuses in October and the state caucus in November.

The reorg caucus elects local Democratic Committee officers and delegates to the County Democratic Committee. The caucuses are open to all registered voters in the municipality who identify with the Democratic Party.

We will also discuss a possible FUN-draising event for November, based on a number of ideas provided by the VDP staff.

Please join us as we lay the groundwork for a Democratic victory in 2008.
Mike Yantachka, County Chair

Your Town's Democratic Committee

We continue to work on the reorganization of town Democratic committees throughout Chittenden County. This is a statutory obligation of Vermont's major political parties. We still need your help. Please keep track of this web site so you don't miss out on when and where your town's caucus is. We'll post that info as soon as we have it. It should be on or around September 18th, so get ready.

In the meantime, we will meet briefly on Monday, August 13th at the IBEW meeting hall on 3 Gregory Drive in South Burlington at 7pm. Please show up. We will discuss progress on reorg. and field questions about the process, along with any other topics that might come up.

Channel 17 Chittenden County Democrats Show - Aug 6, 2007

The Chittenden County Democrats host a live call-in show the first Monday of every month. The latest show, recorded on August 6th, featured County Chair Mike Yantachka as host and State Rep. Jason Lorber (D-Burlington) and County Vice-Chair Will Wiquist. The topics discussed included the legislature's work on Institutions and Corrections as well as the upcoming Democratic Party re-organization caucuses. The program is recorded live with an opportunity for viewers to call in. We had several calls that pertained to the featured topics as well as to the new method for property tax rebates. The show will be re-broadcast several times during the month as follows:
Wed, Aug 8, 2007 at 4:15:00 PM
Fri, Aug 10, 2007 at 9:50:00 PM
Sat, Aug 11, 2007 at 2:50:00 AM
Sat, Aug 11, 2007 at 8:50:00 AM
Sat, Aug 11, 2007 at 2:50:00 PM
Unfortunately, the show is available only in Burlington, South Burlington, Winooski and Essex Town/Junction. So, tune in if you can and check it out.

Re-Org Training Session

Making sure your town has an organized Democratic committee is the foundation of Democratic involvement in Vermont. The first step, and arguably the most important, is organizing your town. Vermont political parties "reorganize" themselves every other year. If you have any interest in being town chair, vice chair or even just understanding and participating in this process, please plan to attend the reorganization/caucusing training session

What: Chittenden County Democrats Reorganization/Causing Training
Who: anyone interested
When: Thursday, July 26th at 7pm
Where: Friends' Meeting House on 173 North Prospect Street in Burlington.

Vermont Democratic Party Organizing Director Linda Weiss will lead the training. Everyone is welcome to attend. Again, I strongly encourage anyone interested in participating in this process to attend this training. It is very important.

The reorganization/caucusing date is fast approaching. Town Democratic Committees will meet on or around September 18th. Get your neighbors and help your town.

Join your town Democratic committee

That's right, it's that time again. Vermont's political parties are required by law to "reorganize" once every two years. Basically, on or around Sept. 18th, each town will have a caucus to organize its town Democratic committee. This is the chance to get involved on the most fundamental level, run for an office on your town committee (if you're willing to put in the time!) or just sit in on the meeting. We will post more details later on this website. If you forget to check that out, you will also be able to find out the information in the obligatory posting in your town offices prior to the meeting.

We really hope to see you there. If you'd like more information about town offices, please contact the County Vice Chair Will Wiquist

Thank you Tom!

State Auditor Tom Salmon was nice enough to sit down with the Chittenden County Democrats yesterday evening. He answered a variety of questions and showed he's no slouch when it comes to the accounting profession. The weather was terrible, so we'll forgive those who didn't make it. But please join us on August 13th for our next get together.

Wait... we won? Go Vermont!

It was just announced: Vermont's very own little Springfield will play host to the national premier of the Simpson's Movie. Yes, our springfield will have the makers of the movie in-town, the yellow carpet (I stole that pun from the A.P.) and all the other trappings of fame. One step closer to being the east coast's Beverly Hills. Granted, that starts of the movie are cartoon characters so it's not quite Johnny Depp on the red carpet, but it should be a lot of fun. Congratulations Springfield VERMONT and thank you to all the people who put in so much time on putting together the great video that won it.

Meet Tom Salmon on Monday

Last election, Tom Salmon was the only candidate in Vermont to beat an incumbent for state-wide office. Tom won one of the closest races in Vermont's history, including the first statewide recount in many years.

Tom is now 6 months into his first term as State Auditor of Accounts and, by all accounts, he is doing a great job. Tom will visit with the Chittenden County Democrats this Monday, July 9th, at the IBEW meeting hall on 3 Gregory Drive in South Burlington. The meeting and discussion with begin at 7pm. Be sure to come around back to enter the building. Tom will discuss what he has been up to since being sworn in, issues that are on his plate, and what needs to be done to be sure he wins more easily next time.

Vote for OUR Springfield

Come on Vermont: let's bring the Simpsons Movie to Springfield, VERMONT. Go to the web site, watch the great video and vote for our very own Springfield. Note: I had to use Internet Explorer rather than Mozilla.

Ok, I admit this is not politics and has nothing to do with either party. I just thought this was a lot of fun and it would be great to get some attention nationally for Springfield. No doubt it's the underdog in the race, and who doesn't love an underdog!

Support your Local AND State Democrats TODAY

If you would like to support the Vermont Democratic Party AND the Chittenden County Democrats by making small monthly contributions, you can do so by making a People Powered Pledge. During the month of June, 25% of what you donate to the VDP through the People Powered Pledge will be set aside for the county of your choice -- hopefully Chittenden. Click here to make a pledge.

Ankeney picnic wrap-up

The Chittenden County Democrats enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at the Ankeney farm in St. George last Saturday. Speaker Symington gave a funny, interesting, and short (!!!) speech. Peter Freyne had a nice write-up about our event.

Mike Strizki, Chief Technology Officer of Renewable Energy International, drove up from New Jersey to talk with local Dems about the technology he has developed and its ramifications for our country's energy future. His demonstration with his hydrogen-powered toys and his presentation on how he developed his H2/Solar system to power his own home gave us an insight into the possibilities for our energy future. It was certainly an eye-opener considering that all we’ve heard about H2 technology until now was that it is impractical. Mike effectively demonstrated that is indeed practical if we could only turn our focus on making it affordable through mass production.

We were excited to also see Treasurer Jeb Spaulding, Senators Jim Condos, Ginny Lyons and Hinda Miller, and Representatives Helen Head, Jim Condon, Reg Godin, Joan Lenes and Scott Orr. See more photos at Chittenden Dems Ankeney Picnic 2007 .

We are grateful for the support that Cyndi Bingham, Jean Ankeney’s daughter, and her husband, Web, have given us in putting on this annual event.

If you couldn't make it, we'd love to see you at our next event - and we'd love your help with a contribution through the People Powered Pledge program.

Ankeney Picnic with Speaker Gaye Symington & energy innovator

For years, the Chittenden County Democrats have hosted a fundraiser at the St. George farm of former State Senator Jean Ankeney. This year, we are honored to have the Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives Gaye Symington of Jericho as our guest of honor. Also attending with be energy innovator Mike Strizki, the engineer and inhabitant of America's first hydrogen-solar powered home.

Speaker Symington has again in 2007 displayed remarkable leadership. The Legislature has worked hard this session to address global issues like climate change, national issues like a resolution calling for the end to the war in Iraq, state issues like Vermonters' access to broadband and cellular service, local issues like South Burlington's revised charter, human rights issues like the anti-discrimination bill (despite the Governor's inexplicable veto last session), and pocketbook issues working towards solutions in our school budget system.

What: the Ankeney Picnic with Speaker Gaye Symington
When: Saturday, June 16th, 1-4pm
Where: Willow Brook Ln./Ayer Road, St. George, VT (directions below)

We hope you can join us for this great tradition, meet you legislators and community leaders, enjoy the Vermont summer, have a hot dog and listen to the music of Bill Myregaard & the Willoughbys.

This is a fundraiser, so we are asking for $15 per person or $25 for a family - though of course we welcome all comers.

Directions:
From I-89 South: Take Exit 12 off I-89 and
travel south for 4 miles on Route 2A. Turn
LEFT on Ayer Road and travel 1 mile to the
top of the hill. The Ankeney home is the
second on the LEFT after the top of the hill.

From I-89 North: Take Exit 11 off I-89 and
travel west for 2 miles on Route 2. Turn LEFT
at the white church onto Oak Hill Road and
travel south for 4 miles. Turn RIGHT on
Willow Brook Lane. The farm farm is .7 miles
ahead on the RIGHT.

Parking: Please park on the north side of the road, leaving enough room for cars to pass.

Legislators and County Dems discuss H.520

Chittenden County Democrats enjoyed another great discussion with key policy makers from our area on Monday night. County Democrats heard from Chairs of the Senate and House Energy and Natural Resources Committees, Senator Ginny Lyons and Rep. Robert Dostis (he represents Buels Gore as well as Waterbury, so we'll count him as a Chittenden County Democrat). Senator Lyons and Rep. Dostis lead an informative discussion of the issues and process surrounding H.520, the climate change legislation recently vetoed by the Governor.

The packed room was also happy to hear from other legislators (seven in total) in attendence. Included among these were two local legislators who voted against the bill originally: Rep. Jim Condon (Colchester) and Rep. Tim Jerman (Essex). They were willing to voice their opinions and listen to the opinions of others. Thank you to Tim, Jim and the other legislators - Lenes, Weston, and Zenie - for attending and given their constituents a chance to discuss the important issue of climate change and the landmark legislation recently passed.

Join us next month to hear from State Auditor Tom Salmon, July 9th at 7pm. He won one of the closest statewide races in Vermont's history; come and ask him what he's been up to since the recount.

BREAKING NEWS: Special Guest for the Ankeney Picnic

We are very pleased to announce that Michael Strizki will attend this year's Ankeney picnic. Mr. Strizki is a civil engineer from New Jersey who lives in America's first solar-hydrogen house. He was recently profiled in both the Christian Science Monitor and the New York Times Magazine.

The New York Times Magazine wrote, "Perhaps most important, Strizki's system can be adapted to existing homes… The Strizki home offers a greener world and the continued pursuit of happiness. Indeed, its premise and secret promise is to recommend two things that are dear to many Americans anyway: energy independence and the permission to keep all one's toys."

The Christian Science Monitor wrote, "Mr. Strizki's monthly utility bill is zero – he's off the power grid – and his system creates no carbon-dioxide emissions. Neither does the fuel-cell car parked in his garage, which runs off the hydrogen his system creates."

Please join us for the 7th annual Ankeney picnic at 1pm, on Saturday June 16th on Ayer Rd. in St. George. This is a fundraiser so we are asking for $15 per person 0r $25 per family.

Global Warming legislation forum (note the change of location)

Our Governor plans to veto the global warming legislation, H.520, crafted by our legislature. So, we decided to hold a forum on this issue - after a bit of brief committee business.

We will hear from Senate Natural Resources Chairwoman Ginny Lyons of Williston, House Natural Resources Chairman Robert Dostis of Waterbury and other local legislative leaders are invited join the discussion - including those members of the Chittenden County delegation who opposed the legislation. Come with your questions (and of course keep it civil).

Join us to share your thoughts. Listen to the conclusions reached by our legislative representatives. Judge the facts against the Governor's spin.

Last month's meeting with T.J. Donovan was very interesting and had a great discussion of the issues he deals with. We hope to keep that momentum going.

Where: IBEW Union Hall, 3 Gregory Drive, South Burlington
When: 7pm, Monday, June 11th
Why: because it matters

What do you think of this bill? Is global warming a problem for today or something we can put off another year? Should Vermont Yankee pay the same tax rate as our other power companies (wind) or not? Submit a comment below...

O'Reilly's Vermont Vendetta

If you haven't been paying attention to the Bill O'Reilly's attack on a respected committee chairman, you probably should be. It's been a very interesting back and forth. Of course, O'Reilly didn't ask informed questions. He didn't do any research. He didn't ask for an interview. Instead, he sent a "producer" to the statehouse cafeteria to interrupt Rep. Lippert's breakfast. Good journalism.

Anyway, Bill Lofy wrote an interesting op-ed in the Rutland Herald this week. If you haven't read it, check it out here. Let's show our support and respect for the great job Rep. Lippert does for us every year in Montpelier. Thank you Bill!

-Will

May Meeting with T.J. Donovan

Join us Monday night at the IBEW Union hall at 3 Gregory Drive in South Burlington. The meeting will begin at 7pm. This month's guest speaker is Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan. We hope to see you there.

T.J. was recently elected to this very important position in the county. He has a great deal of experience and energy. His deep roots in our community and his wealth of talents and experience should serve him well in this roll.

-Will

Welcome

Welcome to the new blog and web site for the Chittenden County Democratic Party. Our aim is to support strong Democratic candidates in Chittenden County Vermont. This is the home county of the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, former Vermont Governor, Howard Dean, M.D. Following the Governor's example, we know we must continue to fight for what we believe in and field strong candidates up and down the ballot every year, because, who knows, some day they might run for President of the United States.

-Will Wiquist, Chittenden County Democratic Committee Vice-Chair