Updated city regulations turn down construction noise →
At a time when democratic norms are eroding at the federal level, I’ve taken comfort in the strength of our local democracy here in Vermont — especially in our city’s commitment to civil, respectful and thoughtful civic discourse. That’s why I was disheartened to read recent claims that the City Council has “stripped (noise) protection from the public” and attempted to “cover it up.” (read more →)

City budget accomplishes much, even with steadily rising costs for service→
At its Jan. 13 meeting, the South Burlington City Council unanimously advanced the proposed FY26 budget to voters. This year’s municipal budget limits the municipal property tax rate increase to the anticipated change in the consumer price index… (read more →)

South Burlington makes progress getting people out of their cars →
Spring is in the air, and it is wonderful to see folks getting outside to jog, take a walk or ride a bike. Today, South Burlington has 22 miles of shared use paths and over 50 miles of sidewalks. (read more →)

City council tackles ARPA funds, wetlands, climate →
I am excited to submit my inaugural Councilor’s Corner article. It has been a busy and productive few months. (read more →)

The Climate Crisis is Real →
I would implore VTDigger to refuse to publish commentaries with dangerous misinformation like the one written by Meg Hansen (“Bad policy begets worse; repeal Global Warming Solutions Act”). Meg says “Serious critics … believe that Earth’s complex dynamical system of temperature is influenced by multiple factors rather than controlled by CO2 alone.” It is true that, over short time spans, multiple factors influence temperature and climate… (read more →)

Urge your Senators to Pass Climate Package →
Congress must act now on the climate package in the Build Back Better bill. The Senate was warned of the danger of climate change in June 1988 by NASA climate scientist James Hansen. Thirty-four years have passed since that Senate hearing. (read more →)

Thoughts on what is Needed to Make Open Space Decisions →
In response to “A Deeper Dig on Housing and Open Space” by John Simson in the Jan. 28 edition of The Other Paper: From my work with him on the transfer of development rights interim zoning committee, I believe his heart is in the right place… (read more →)