Around the NEK

A Conversation with Rep. Marty Feltus

Details: Created on Wednesday, 06 November 2013 19:58; Written by Daniel Weiner

AROUND THE NEK: Marty Feltus is a first term Representative from Caledonia County's fourth district, covering Burke, Sutton, and Lyndon. Feltus, a Republican, has just completed her first year in office, and has already dealt with some interesting issues.

She's dealt with issues such as the decriminalization of marijuana, which she voted in favor of, and also she sits on the Natural Resources & Energy committee. We had some questions for her about what's she's learned in the state house her first session, what she plans to do in the next year, and whether or not she will be seeking re-election next fall.

Q: How was your first year in office?

A: It went well. I was pleased with the way things turned out. As a freshman being the first year there, obviously it was kind of overwhelming in the beginning. After awhile when my committee began actually working on things I thought 'Oh, we're actually productive, we're actually doing something.' Then towards the end, there was just all kinds of things happening very quickly and that was a little difficult to get used to and to understand what was going on. But overall, it was a pleasant experience and I enjoyed it.

Q: What are you going to be doing in your second year?

A: The committee I'm on is Natural Resources & Energy and I know we're going to be looking at some of the issues we've studied over the summer like sighting of electric generation plants.

I'd like to look at the energy goals we have, to determine whether they are appropriate or if they need to be modifed a bit looking at current consumption.

I expect we'll be looking at thermal efficiency again, we did very heavily last year and we came up with some proposals for it but we couldn't come up with a lot of money to support it, and whether we'll be able to come up with the money this year I don't know, but nevertheless I think what we want to do is improve the cultural acceptance of trying to make each home thermally efficient and get individuals to get involved and to take care of that responsibility.

Q: What did you learn in the first legislative session?

A: I wasn't quite sure how the committee system worked, and so I learned that. Understanding that if you're not on a particular committee, you don't have a lot of clout. Certainly you can talk to your colleagues who are, for instance, on the education committee. If I had concerns about the education process, or I had constituents that were concerned about the process then I personally don't have any influence on that but I could talk to other people I know on that committee. Understanding that division of labor was interesting, and the structure of how the committees work.

Q: What about Vermont's political system as a whole?

A: I think I've learned it's far more complex than I thought it was. It's not quite so simplistic to sit at home and listen to the news and say "Oh! That's a dumb idea, why'd those people do that?!"

At first blush it might be a dumb idea, or someone may say that, but then you look into things and you discover "Oh well, if you do this, then that happens, if you do that, this happens." It becomes far more complex.

I think that's an issue that many lament don't understand, that there's so many factors that go into each issue that you really need to understand as many of them as you can so you try and balance them and come up with a reasonable solution.

Q: What's it like being a republican in Vermont?

A: It's a little frustrating. One will vote a particular way, you think that's the right way to go, and you know you will not win the vote, because the numbers are far too great on the other side, that you know will oppose that particular position.

It's more a matter of 'Well, this is what I believe and that's what I'll stand for and I'm going to say so anyway' even though I know it will not carry the day.

Q: How are republicans in Vermont different?

A: Vermonter's tend to be far more practical. To respect other peoples moral beliefs and religious beliefs. Among the Vermont Republicans there's not a division over abortion issues, gay marriage or things like that. Certainly some persons feel very strongly one way or another on that and they vote with their conscience, but it's not issues that they bring to the forefront, that they say "I'm going to vote this way because I'm a republican." or "I'm going to vote this way because that's the way I personally feel on a particular topic"

I think Vermont Republicans tend to not side with those particular side issues quite so much, and they're looking at broader, more practical issues like as few taxes as possible, growth of the economy, those kinds of issues that override certain personal and moral issues.

Q: Are you running for re-election?

A: I haven't decided yet, but I've had a good experience so far and I certainly would tend toward running again.

Q: What are your free-time activities?

A: I like to walk a lot, I like to read, I like to get together with my grandchildren who don't live here so I visit them in Massachusetts or Colorado.

Q: What's your favorite pizza topping?

A: Pepperoni. I don't eat it often and it solves that salt craving.

Dairy Farmer Problems

Details: Created on Thursday, 31 October 2013 14:58; Written by Cody Gage

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Denis Ward of North Haverhill has a very strong opinion on the state's proposals to label genetically modified food. The dairy farmer says "The labeling... it shouldn't be done... it shouldn't be done at the state level at least, and I don't see any reason for it at the national level either."

Investigative and Inquisitive

Details: Created on Friday, 25 October 2013 19:13; Written by John Kazar

bethkanell Vermont- Beth Kanell is the independent author of six published books based in Vermont and other New England states. She recently held a book signing event at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum featuring her fictional novel "Cold Midnight", which centers around a historic murder of a Chinese laundry owner in St. Johnsbury.

Pajamas For Awareness

Details: Created on Wednesday, 23 October 2013 17:57; Written by Kevin Kelleher

pajamas October is nationally known for being bully awareness month. Although awareness events are not common here in the Northeast Kingdom, one student believes it's only right to take a stand. Ally Brink, an eighth grader from the Barnet School, had the idea that on October 16th the students should wear pajamas to show that they are in support of those who have been victims of bullying, and to continue spreading awareness on the effects bullying has. With Barnet School Principal Shawn Gonyaw backing Ally, the day went as planned.

Got tires?

Details: Created on Friday, 18 October 2013 20:10; Written by Kelly O'Brien

VERMONT- For 9 years now, Vermonters have been collecting and donating old tires to the state wide program Wheels for Warmth. Initiated by Lieutentant Governor Phil Scott, the program has collected over 25,000 tires. However, they must undergo a state inspection prior to resale.

U.S. Government Shutdown Woes

Details: Created on Wednesday, 16 October 2013 20:35; Written by Daniel Weiner

capitol hill VERMONT- Senator Bernie Sanders spoke on the senate floor Wednesday Afternoon and pleaded to the floor that his fellow Senators and House Representatives' needed to come together as one and find some common ground to pass a budget bill to take the Government out of a shutdown and a potential default on its loans.

A Safe Halloween In Barnet

Details: Created on Wednesday, 16 October 2013 00:00; Written by Kevin Kelleher

BARNET- With Halloween just around the corner, many residents in the North East Kingdom are decorating their homes, preparing costumes for their families and purchasing plenty of candy. However, the children in Barnet do not do a door to do door trick or treat, instead they celebrate a safe trunk or treat.

Getting Reel in the NEK

Details: Created on Tuesday, 15 October 2013 21:22; Written by Diana Cogger

Get Reel

EAST BURKE- The North East Kingdom Travel and Tourism Association (NEKTTA) is Reaching out to visitors and residents alike for their new marketing campaign. They are looking for video that illustrates what people love about the kingdom. NEKTTA Director Gloria Bruce believes that potential guests value what other visitors have to say over what a normal marketing campaign might tell them.

A Helping Hand Keeps Us Open

Details: Created on Monday, 14 October 2013 19:53; Written by Diana Cogger

cat ST.JOHNSBURY- Helen Morrison gave an inside look to the Kingdom Animal Shelter in St. Johnsbury. KAS is a no-kill shleter that is entirely volunteer run. As a member of the Board of Directors for the shelter, as well as a volunteer, Morrison shared her unique view on lending a helping hand.

Apple Picking Season

Details: Created on Monday, 14 October 2013 13:24; Written by Alex Shea

NORTHEAST KINGDOM- Fall is in full swing and with it comes a chill in the air, a change in the leaves and plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy. One of the most popular is apple picking, and lucky for us here in the Northeast Kingdom, this season was great for growing, despite the early frost

Barnet School Embraces Digital Age

Details: Created on Wednesday, 02 October 2013 21:49; Written by Kevin Kelleher

BARNET - Equal opportunity for our youth in an educational setting is a goal that both parents and teachers should strive for. With technology on the rise, and the economy struggling to make a come back, student’s families may not have the funds to provide their children with the technology they might need.

Government Shutdown Effects on NEK

Details: Created on Monday, 30 September 2013 21:03; Written by Daniel Weiner

AROUND THE NEK - With a government shutdown taking effect Tuesday at 12:00 AM in the United States, the Northeast Kingdom may see some changes of it’s own if Washington doesn’t come to an agreement tonight.

Locals Respond to D.C. Shooting

Details: Created on Thursday, 26 September 2013 00:00; Written by Kevin Kelleher

St. Johnsbury-After the Navy Yard shootings that took place in Washington D.C. on August 16 of last month, both federal and state government are still trying to decide how to respond and what actions they should take.

Newport Standoff Ends

Details: Created on Wednesday, 25 September 2013 13:58; Written by Julianne Walshaw

NEWPORT - Two gunmen have been charged with disorderly conduct, reckless endangerment, and one could be looking at a probation violation charge after their lengthy standoff with police in Newport today.

The Barn Is Up

Details: Created on Tuesday, 24 September 2013 20:35; Written by Diana Cogger

LYNDON- It took all summer, but the Riverside School finally has the new barn they have been working for. Students got to explore and use the space for the first time this past Monday.

Over the past summer the Riverside School campus has been transformed.

NEK: There Will Be an App For That

Details: Created on Wednesday, 18 September 2013 17:29; Written by Kevin Kelleher

EAST BURKE - The Northeast Kingdom not only has a new logo, but will soon have its own mobile app.

The Northeast Kingdom Travel and Tourism Association along with the Newport Renaissance Corporation held an open meeting at Burke Mountain earlier this month to discus how the new logo and app could benifit the local area.

Hunters Making a Choice

Details: Created on Friday, 10 May 2013 15:25; Written by Sean Siciliano

ST. JOHNSBURY - Many people from all over the state get into hunting every year. Some people do not feel comfortable with handling guns but Derek Murphy a hunter safety instructor said "there is nothing to be afraid of, it is a tool and if the tool is handled properly its going to be a fun opportunity for them."

Sutton School Unfazed by Unsafe Water

Details: Created on Friday, 10 May 2013 14:04; Written by Joseph Peters

watercrisis SUTTON - When select board members first realized that Sutton's water had unacceptably high nitrate levels, they made sure to inform the public quickly. Now, tap water is only to be used for laundry and cleaning, and it definitely should not be used for drinking or cooking. For the Sutton school, that could've posed a major problem.

'Tis the Season for Yard Sales

Details: Created on Friday, 10 May 2013 13:59; Written by Joseph Peters

yardsales LYNDON - With good weather and green grass comes the start of yard sale season, and early spring in the Northeast Kingdom is no different. As any good yard saler knows, April, May and June are the prime months for spectacular deals. Unfortunately, given the frigid weather for much of April, yard sale season got a late start this year. After the recent run of warm weather, though, yard sale season has hit its peak.

Renewable Energy Projects

Details: Created on Thursday, 09 May 2013 16:32; Written by Courtland Hanley

NORTHEAST KINDGOM - Sustainability and renewable energy are both features of an emerging eco-friendly lifestyle. The Sustainably Price Energy Enterprise Development (SPEED) program is one specifically designed to create and fund renewable energy projects around the state, including the NEK.

Fire Weather

Details: Created on Thursday, 09 May 2013 16:26; Written by Catherine Vitale

NORTHEAST KINGDOM - Recent weather conditions have been warmer and dryer than average.

Those dry conditions have resulted in a busy month for local firefighters.

Jason Shafer, an Associate Professor of Meteorology at Lyndon State College explained that this long of a period under these conditions isn't normal for the area.

Boulders Blocks Route 5-A

Details: Created on Wednesday, 08 May 2013 18:55; Written by Kevin Lessard

WESTMORE - Drivers on Route 5-A may be a little be more cautious now, after large boulders rolled into the lane of traffic.

The twelve-foot wide, twenty foot tall boulder took a tumble from some high up ledges, before making it’s entrance onto the road.

Down & Dirty

Details: Created on Tuesday, 07 May 2013 22:56; Written by Brian Stone

ST. JOHNSBURY - Over the guard rail of 91 and through the dust you might be able to catch a glimpse of Jake Mudge, but odds are you will hear him first. Over the past 10 years or so Mudge and his family has expanded their hobby of motocross into a 1.2 mile course in their field.

Long Putters May Leave Golf

Details: Created on Tuesday, 07 May 2013 14:48; Written by Kevin Lessard

ST. JOHNSBURY - A potential rule change in the game of golf is being discussed by the United States Golf Association and the Professional Golf Association Tour.

This potential change would have had an affect on the outcome on the Masters Golf Tournament.

Daisy Dazy

Details: Created on Monday, 06 May 2013 18:41; Written by Samantha Knight

daisy daze LYNDONVILLE- With businesses all around the Northeast Kingdom shutting down, how is the government saying that the Vermont economy is on a positive incline? Big companies have come in and taken profit from small businesses, but for one small flower shop they have figured out the key, no employees.

Subcategories

Page 27 of 102