A project of the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.
All in Local Government
The Selectboard meeting on June 29 confronted decisions addressing changes in hours and pay rates for town employees for fiscal year 2021, reopening the Town Offices, requesting bids for the Town Link Trail, and an update on safe recreation in the heart of a pandemic.
For the first time in six years the legislative district that includes Waterbury will see some competition for its two seats in the Vermont House of Representatives in the upcoming November election.
As Winooski approaches the celebration of its 100th year, the city has successfully undergone a rebranding initiative and is currently preparing a Legacy Campaign to honor its residents and their heritage, according to Winooski’s Communications Coordinator Paul Sarne.
Winooski stands as the most diverse city in northern New England, a place that has long welcomed new residents of different races and ethnic backgrounds. Yet, many of the city’s residents can’t vote in state or local elections.
Looking down Main Street in Waterbury today, it takes some imagination to picture the future streetscape empty of the thick, black power lines criss-crossing the scene with flower baskets hanging from new street lamps, benches and bicycle racks conveniently located along fresh, smooth sidewalks.
Student reporters in the Community News Service interviewed 15 Vermont legislators to talk about the legislature’s response to the pandemic and what the future might look like.
Representative Hal Colston (D-Winooski) believes that Vermont has fallen short of achieving racial equity within the state.
Liz Edsell, the chair of the Winooski Charter Commission, talks about the role of the Charter, especially in regard to recent discussions surrounding the possibility of allowing all residents to vote in town elections.
Winooski City Manager Jessie Baker explains what her job entails, the importance of local government, and what makes Winooski a special community.
