Electors, State Senator Claire Ayer, Euan Bear and Kevin Christie cast their votes for Barack Obama today, December 15th, 2008.

Stone Bridges

Letter to Editor:
Economic Opportunity, Building Better bridges.

The time to replace our steel and concrete bridges has come at a time when we have less money available for rebuilding them.  The current practice of building from steel and concrete needs to be reevaluated.
Here in New England we have an abundance of stone. Barre, Vermont is called the "Granite Capital of the World", but granite in quantity lies in many locations. From 1780 to about 1880 the best bridges along the Connecticut River were made of stone; they are still in use and in good repair.
It was J. P. Morgan who made cheap steel available, and soon steel and concrete bridges replaced stone as the preferred building materials. Morgan became a billionaire. It was quicker and cheaper to build, but unfortunately, bridges did not last very long.  Furthermore, concrete manufacturing is a major polluting industry, requiring enormous energy to cook limestone, releasing vast amounts of CO2 as greenhouse gas. Steel and concrete are sort of the fast foods of the construction industry.
New England is rich in fine stone.  Stone construction uses local materials and local labor.  Stone can be maintained and will last indefinitely. Initial construction may seem to cost more, but all the revenue is paid to the local economy and comes back many time over as people spend locally. A stone bridge, if small and can be built from rough stone,  will cost little,  or if from cut stone, may cost twice as much as a steel/concrete bridge, but will last at least 5 times as long. The savings over the life of a stone bridge is enormous. And stone bridges are beautiful.
It is unwise to buy steel from China when we have fine stone. We cannot afford to buy Chinese take-out when we live in an abundant garden. Penny wise and pound foolish.  What will it take to get the Department of Transportation to specify stone bridges, curbing, paving stone, etc. and build us a better New England and a promote a healthy economy?. Tell your legislators to build us stone bridges.

timothy k. price
fairlee, VT
802-333-4345

letter from Senator Leahy

U.S. SENATOR PATRICK LEAHY CONTACT: Office of Senator Leahy, 202-224-4242 VERMONT Vermont Delegation Seeks To Stimulate Economy With Transportation Waiver   WASHINGTON, DC, November 24 – In order to stimulate the economy and meet pressing infrastructure needs, the Vermont congressional delegation is seeking to waive the state and local match requirement for all federally-funded highway, transit and rail projects through September 2009.                                                                                           The move would give Vermont and other states facing tight budgets a much-needed boost to improve roads and bridges, support public transit agencies and upgrade rail lines at no additional cost to the federal government.    Transportation officials have reported that because of growing budget deficits at the state and local level, many ready-to-go projects simply cannot move forward without untying the strings of the required match. Under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act, states are typically required to meet a 10 or 20 percent match for federally funded projects.   By waiving the match requirements, states and municipalities will be able to continue upgrading the nation's crumbling infrastructure while stimulating the economy and quickly creating new jobs. Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch are drafting legislation they plan to introduce in the coming weeks that would grant this waiver through September 2009.   Leahy said, "It's clear that Vermont's infrastructure has suffered due to limited state funding.  By allowing the free flow of federal funds to these projects, Vermonters will see improved roads and bridges, as well as additional jobs. With tight state budgets all over the country, Congress has a responsibility to enable the completion of projects that are already lined up and ready to go."   Sanders said, "Any economic recovery package should first improve our crumbling infrastructure by improving our roads, bridges and public transportation.  The elimination of the state and local match would complement increased funding and heighten the effectiveness of economic recovery efforts.  Our nation's state and local governments are currently taking in far less revenue due to falling property values and reduced sales tax revenues, and also face higher borrowing costs in credit markets.  These cities and towns are on the front line of our economic crisis and they would be the first to benefit from reduced matching requirements."   Welch said, "Vermont's growing transportation budget shortfalls and lengthening project backlogs are bad news for our state's economy and worse news for the safety of its drivers. As our roads and bridges crumble and our economy falters, we must work hard to find common-sense solutions to both problems. This no-cost waiver is a solid first step on our road to recovery."

Chip picks up one more vote in re-count

Greetings all!
 
The recount is done and Chip has prevailed with a 34 vote margin!  We have a new State Representative.  Thanks to everyone for all the hard work and generous spirit!!
 
Peace,
Dave Nelson

 

Orange-Caledonia 1

CHIP CONQUEST

Newbury- Democratic

Nov 3^rd count:1034

Nov 24^th count:1035

 

HARVEY B. "BUD" OTTERMAN, JR

Topsham- Republican

Nov 3^rd count:1001

Nov 24^th count:1001

 

BOOTS WARDINSKI

Newbury- Liberty Union

Nov 3^rd count:72

Nov 24^th count:72

 

http://vermont-elections.org/2008GERecounts.xls