This is the letter the Islander paper couldn't print because it was "more than one letter on the same topic".
Dear Editor,
I’m very thankful to VTran’s Secretary Neale Lunderville and Senator Dick Mazza for answering the questions I posed. It was refreshing to see government officials take time to inform the Grand Isle County community about what is going on with their drawbridge. I sincerely hope this openness and dialogue continue into the future.
I was glad to hear “there are no plans at this time, so there is nothing as of yet to report.” This means with things in the early stages, there is plenty of opportunity to involve the islands community in the planning process. After all, who knows their bridge better than the residents of Grand Isle County? County residents see beyond the structure of the bridge, to all that it represents and could be.
I personally feel that if there is to be a reconstruction, some sort of handicapped fishing access would be a good addition. With the little access road on the north side this would not be a far stretch, and surely help some good folks out. I’m sure Island residents have other insightful ideas of what could be done to the drawbridge during reconstruction. That’s why VTrans needs to have their engineers and planners hear Islanders speak before planning begins. Then good ideas can be incorporated into the plans from the start, not worked out as revisions, or worse too late.
The next ten to twenty years leave plenty of time to involve the residents of Grand Isle County in the future of their bridge. Engaging communities is what democracy is all about. I implore all members of the Grand Isle County community to contact VTrans immediately, and ask them to sponsor meetings for public input prior to planning. Talk to your governor, neighbors, selectboard members, and state representatives. Contact Secretary Lunderville and Senator Mazza, and hold them to their pledge that “as engineers concept what might be next for this bridge, Islanders and their local government officials will certainly be involved.”
Best regards,
Jason M. Brisson
North Hero, VT
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Must've Struck A Nerve Somewhere
Crossposted @ http://www.greenmountaindaily.com/
This letter was in response to a previous post/letter to editor by yours truly about the Grand Isle Drawbridge. It was in the local Islander paper. Must've struck a nerve if I elicited a response from Neale Lunderville, Douglas's Campaign Manager, I mean The Secretary of Transportation. Even more interesting that Senator Mazza a democrat also put his name on the letter. Don't worry boy's, you'll have my response coming your way soon enough!
"To the Editor,
Work to rehabilitate the North Hero/Grand Isle Draw bridge is now complete. On behalf of everyone involved, we want to thank Islanders for their patience and cooperation during the past several months as crews worked on this important project.
We also want to thank Jason Brisson for his kind words in a recent letter to the editor regarding the men and women who worked on the bridge. Their efforts were indeed exemplary. Unfortunately the letter distorted the process by which the Agency of Transportation will plan future bridge work, and we would like to take a moment to set the record straight.
Throughout the process that led to the recent emergency repair, the local Select Boards and town managers were kept in the loop. Agency of Transportation engineers offered to travel to the islands to meet with selectmen during public meetings, but the boards instead elected to be kept abreast through phone calls, letters and e-mails. There was always a standing offer to attend a public meeting if selectmen believed that necessary.
Mr. Brisson's letter asked what's next? He then questioned why he has yet to hear about future bridge repairs, and why there have been no public meetings to inform Islanders about the Agency's plans.
The answer is simple: there are no plans at this time so there is nothing as of yet to report. The rehabilitation that was just completed will keep traffic moving safely over this important bridge for the next decade or two.
VTran's staff put significant time and resources into the bridge rehabilitation that was just completed. The work was done during one of the most difficult winters in memory and completed in time for the upcoming nautical season. The paint is barely dry. As engineers concept what might be next for this bridge, Islanders and their local government officials will certainly be involved.
Neale Lunderville,
Secretary Agency of Transportation
Dick Mazza,
Senator Grand Isle"
This letter was in response to a previous post/letter to editor by yours truly about the Grand Isle Drawbridge. It was in the local Islander paper. Must've struck a nerve if I elicited a response from Neale Lunderville, Douglas's Campaign Manager, I mean The Secretary of Transportation. Even more interesting that Senator Mazza a democrat also put his name on the letter. Don't worry boy's, you'll have my response coming your way soon enough!
"To the Editor,
Work to rehabilitate the North Hero/Grand Isle Draw bridge is now complete. On behalf of everyone involved, we want to thank Islanders for their patience and cooperation during the past several months as crews worked on this important project.
We also want to thank Jason Brisson for his kind words in a recent letter to the editor regarding the men and women who worked on the bridge. Their efforts were indeed exemplary. Unfortunately the letter distorted the process by which the Agency of Transportation will plan future bridge work, and we would like to take a moment to set the record straight.
Throughout the process that led to the recent emergency repair, the local Select Boards and town managers were kept in the loop. Agency of Transportation engineers offered to travel to the islands to meet with selectmen during public meetings, but the boards instead elected to be kept abreast through phone calls, letters and e-mails. There was always a standing offer to attend a public meeting if selectmen believed that necessary.
Mr. Brisson's letter asked what's next? He then questioned why he has yet to hear about future bridge repairs, and why there have been no public meetings to inform Islanders about the Agency's plans.
The answer is simple: there are no plans at this time so there is nothing as of yet to report. The rehabilitation that was just completed will keep traffic moving safely over this important bridge for the next decade or two.
VTran's staff put significant time and resources into the bridge rehabilitation that was just completed. The work was done during one of the most difficult winters in memory and completed in time for the upcoming nautical season. The paint is barely dry. As engineers concept what might be next for this bridge, Islanders and their local government officials will certainly be involved.
Neale Lunderville,
Secretary Agency of Transportation
Dick Mazza,
Senator Grand Isle"
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Spring Blitzkrieg
Spring came into full force this week. Wow. The daily commute brings me past Sandbar Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, and it's a hopping place. Every piece of open water is chock full of ducks. I've seen so much waterfowl between ducks and geese so far. Everything is ready for spring.
Saw a Great Blue Heron hunting open water from the edge of the ice. Saw Osprey bringing sticks to the nest platforms above power lines. Saw some Wood ducks paddling around. My wife swears she saw a Pintail (I'm jealous, still never seen one). The ice on Lake Champlain is looking particularly ready to break up. Though I do note there are some fools who still insist on going out on it. At least they're being smart and staying next to shore!
The downside is all the leaves covering flower beds are still wet and heavy. They're hiding the best signs of spring, all the new plants looking for sunshine. Tulips poking skyward. The sedum looking for some light. It's all a matter of time. I looked at the buds on some apple trees, and elderberry yesterday, and they were looking ready. Pretty soon the buds will pop out on the Maples and sugaring will come to an end. Spring's just around the corner now.
Saw a Great Blue Heron hunting open water from the edge of the ice. Saw Osprey bringing sticks to the nest platforms above power lines. Saw some Wood ducks paddling around. My wife swears she saw a Pintail (I'm jealous, still never seen one). The ice on Lake Champlain is looking particularly ready to break up. Though I do note there are some fools who still insist on going out on it. At least they're being smart and staying next to shore!
The downside is all the leaves covering flower beds are still wet and heavy. They're hiding the best signs of spring, all the new plants looking for sunshine. Tulips poking skyward. The sedum looking for some light. It's all a matter of time. I looked at the buds on some apple trees, and elderberry yesterday, and they were looking ready. Pretty soon the buds will pop out on the Maples and sugaring will come to an end. Spring's just around the corner now.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Perennial Loser Or Vermont's Great Hope?
crossposted @ www.greenmountaindaily.com
So I talk a lot of crap about Pollina running for governor against Douglas. This will be my last swipe until November when I post a big I told you so. Yep, 6 months of no Pollina bashing from me. Why? I actually like the guy, I'd even go so far as to describe myself a fan. I love everything that Pollina stands for, his heart is in the right place. He's the Bernie Sanders of Middlesex. However, because I like the guy, it makes me one of his biggest and most vocal critics.
I voted for Pollina to help make a point in 2000, and again in 2002. Where did it get me? I feel like my vote was wasted. I'd even go so far as to say counterproductive in 2002. I feel like I was burned by Pollina, for giving me false hope. Hope that he would get elected. Hope that all the great things he talked about would really make a difference when he got into office. Hope that he would help make Vermont a better place.
Perceptions are everything in politics. Pollina is a great speaker, but he needs to up the energy and charisma. He has a great, and good natured personality, but he needs to share it more with people. Show his vulnerable side, his hobbies, what he does for fun. He needs to relate more to your average working Vermonter. He needs to relay the message that he is the best choice because he will affect positively Vermonter's lives when they vote for him.
Going beyond that though, he needs to run an effective campaign. Progressives are good at running Chittenden County campaigns, but haven't really grasped the concept of a Vermont campaign. The Republicans and Democrats are much better equiped, and entrenched. The heart of a Vermont campaign lies within the county caucuses and town committees. In the small towns of Vermont everyone knows who's voting which way and why. That's where campaigns are really won and lost.
You can run all the TV ads and radio spots you want. But until neighbors begin talking to neighbors about Pollina and how good he'd be for Vermont, its all for nothing. Until people see their fellow townsfolk going door to door, knocking. Unless they're convinced that Pollina is a safe person to entrust their hopes and dreams to, he's a risk, a liability. He is as yet untested in statewide office.
Pollina is not just the underdog, he has three strikes already against him in the eyes of Vermonters. He lost the bid for congress as a Democrat to Jim Jeffords in 1984. In 2000 he was the candidate that was neither for or against civil unions, a safe place to be. In 2002 his last bid for statewide office, he was the spoiler candidate that gave us Dubie as Lt. Governor. That's a tough history to overcome, three times a loser doesn't inspire confidence the fourth time around.
So when I criticize Anthony Pollina, it's not because I don't think he'd be good for Vermont. It's not because I don't like him or his politics. It's because I'm afraid to build up hope again. I'm afraid that he won't run a Vermont campaign, and bring his message to the "you can't get there from here" villages and hamlets scattered throughout the Green Mountains.
So I talk a lot of crap about Pollina running for governor against Douglas. This will be my last swipe until November when I post a big I told you so. Yep, 6 months of no Pollina bashing from me. Why? I actually like the guy, I'd even go so far as to describe myself a fan. I love everything that Pollina stands for, his heart is in the right place. He's the Bernie Sanders of Middlesex. However, because I like the guy, it makes me one of his biggest and most vocal critics.
I voted for Pollina to help make a point in 2000, and again in 2002. Where did it get me? I feel like my vote was wasted. I'd even go so far as to say counterproductive in 2002. I feel like I was burned by Pollina, for giving me false hope. Hope that he would get elected. Hope that all the great things he talked about would really make a difference when he got into office. Hope that he would help make Vermont a better place.
Perceptions are everything in politics. Pollina is a great speaker, but he needs to up the energy and charisma. He has a great, and good natured personality, but he needs to share it more with people. Show his vulnerable side, his hobbies, what he does for fun. He needs to relate more to your average working Vermonter. He needs to relay the message that he is the best choice because he will affect positively Vermonter's lives when they vote for him.
Going beyond that though, he needs to run an effective campaign. Progressives are good at running Chittenden County campaigns, but haven't really grasped the concept of a Vermont campaign. The Republicans and Democrats are much better equiped, and entrenched. The heart of a Vermont campaign lies within the county caucuses and town committees. In the small towns of Vermont everyone knows who's voting which way and why. That's where campaigns are really won and lost.
You can run all the TV ads and radio spots you want. But until neighbors begin talking to neighbors about Pollina and how good he'd be for Vermont, its all for nothing. Until people see their fellow townsfolk going door to door, knocking. Unless they're convinced that Pollina is a safe person to entrust their hopes and dreams to, he's a risk, a liability. He is as yet untested in statewide office.
Pollina is not just the underdog, he has three strikes already against him in the eyes of Vermonters. He lost the bid for congress as a Democrat to Jim Jeffords in 1984. In 2000 he was the candidate that was neither for or against civil unions, a safe place to be. In 2002 his last bid for statewide office, he was the spoiler candidate that gave us Dubie as Lt. Governor. That's a tough history to overcome, three times a loser doesn't inspire confidence the fourth time around.
So when I criticize Anthony Pollina, it's not because I don't think he'd be good for Vermont. It's not because I don't like him or his politics. It's because I'm afraid to build up hope again. I'm afraid that he won't run a Vermont campaign, and bring his message to the "you can't get there from here" villages and hamlets scattered throughout the Green Mountains.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Breaking News; Earth's Axis Off Kilter
crossposted at www.greenmountaindaily.com
Breaking news just came over the wire, Earth's axis is off kilter. Scientists studying global climate change have discovered earth's axis is fluctuating, this they say explains the odd weather as of late. The earth instead of it normal rotation, is fluctuating like a spinning top. The reason, the northern hemishere is top heavy!
The earth has experienced such tremendous human population growth in the northern hemisphere that the planet has become top-heavy. Instead of a steady rotation it weebles, wobbles, and pitches forward. It has created an interesting phenomenon. As greenhouse gases are put in motion and slammed against the atmosphere, their density increases. When mixed with carbon dioxide it forms an odd liquid mixture. This pollution solution then runs down the inside of the atmoshere and falls out the hole in the ozone layer above Antrctica.
Scientists estimate in 50 years time all the pollution and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will fall out and no longer be a problem. They are concerned however about the fluctuating rotation. They expect that unless large numbers of people move to the southern hemisphere, the planet will be condemned to a day of summer. followed by a day of winter, continuing year round.
Global crop production is expected to be interupted bringing famine and hunger. Because of the adverse weather patterns, green energy production is also in danger. Only those countries able to power entirely on nuclear and coal will be able to survive. Already nations have mobilized their armies and called up reserve troops to quell riots and looters. Stores have closed their doors, as well as banks and schools.
Aren't you glad its just April Foools Day!!
Breaking news just came over the wire, Earth's axis is off kilter. Scientists studying global climate change have discovered earth's axis is fluctuating, this they say explains the odd weather as of late. The earth instead of it normal rotation, is fluctuating like a spinning top. The reason, the northern hemishere is top heavy!
The earth has experienced such tremendous human population growth in the northern hemisphere that the planet has become top-heavy. Instead of a steady rotation it weebles, wobbles, and pitches forward. It has created an interesting phenomenon. As greenhouse gases are put in motion and slammed against the atmosphere, their density increases. When mixed with carbon dioxide it forms an odd liquid mixture. This pollution solution then runs down the inside of the atmoshere and falls out the hole in the ozone layer above Antrctica.
Scientists estimate in 50 years time all the pollution and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will fall out and no longer be a problem. They are concerned however about the fluctuating rotation. They expect that unless large numbers of people move to the southern hemisphere, the planet will be condemned to a day of summer. followed by a day of winter, continuing year round.
Global crop production is expected to be interupted bringing famine and hunger. Because of the adverse weather patterns, green energy production is also in danger. Only those countries able to power entirely on nuclear and coal will be able to survive. Already nations have mobilized their armies and called up reserve troops to quell riots and looters. Stores have closed their doors, as well as banks and schools.
Aren't you glad its just April Foools Day!!
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