Archive
Besides his books, Bill has written a variety of poems, short stories, opinion pieces, and more.
Candidate Debates
I watched one democratic candidate debate. I was impressed with the production values, the awesome lighting, the game show sets and the technological wizardry. Ultimately my wife and I got...
Vermont is Not What You Think
In the 14 years before joining the original colonies in 1791, Vermont was a feisty, independent republic with allegiance only to itself and the motto “Freedom and Unity.” Today it...
A Strategic Overhaul of Government Agencies and the Tax code
Nothing works for ever. Things run down and need repair. Aspects lose their utility. Sometimes they must be overhauled. Vermont has reached that point in two critical areas. One is...
Vermont in 2019, A Look Back at Today
Ten years ago, Vermont’s largest employer with revenues in the low billions was having severe difficulties balancing its budget. The imbalance was in the tens of millions of dollars and...
The Budget Overide
The budget impasse is over. Governor Douglas’ plan to shrink government by reducing the budget was repudiated and replaced with a legislative budget which does not go as far. It’s...
The Price of Milk
Vermont agriculture is on a collision course with Vermonters’ expressed values. On July 24th , it was reported that the UVM extension service has set up a hotline for Vermont farmers...
Vermont’s Two Electoral Systems
Vermont has two electoral systems. The traditional one we all know and a shadow cabinet of older men who, over the years, have provided many great services to Vermont, but...
Governor Douglas Attacks Non-profit Salaries?
Burlington Free Press: My Turn Jan 31, 2009 So now we begin feeding on ourselves. Rep. Patty O’Donnell’s recent press conference calling for those in the non-profit sector earning over $60,000...
Vermont’s Sacred Cows
Just as Vermont farms are under threat from forces outside their control, so too are many of our sacred cows. Among them are post-employment benefits for teachers and state employees,...
When Elephants Grazed in Wolcott
It’s 1956 and we’re bouncing along route 15 in our ‘54 Ford wagon headed to Aunt Rose and Uncle Alcide’s farm in St Johnsbury for a late afternoon Thanksgiving feast....
UVM, Food Systems and Vermont Farms
The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College is the formal name of UVM. It has served Vermonters for two centuries and now faces difficult choices. The strategic ambiguity of...
Another Chance to Lead: Humane Slaughter
Bad incidents can teach us good things… if we’re willing to learn from them. We may believe that the horrific video of animal abuse shot undercover at the Bushway facility...
