Many thanks to the 289 citizens of Northfield who responded to the Town Meeting Survey. Northfield supported minimum wage increase and statewide cell and broadband, and expressed concern about opiates. Comments are as follows.

Cell Phones

“I’ve had more people head for me when coming in the opposite direction, only because they are talking on the cell phone while driving. I hate it.”

Technology

“One of the important contributors to the prolonged period of inflation has been substantial advances in technology and automation.”

Wind

“Wind energy determination needs to be in local control. The state should not mandate this issue.”

Taxes

“Property taxes are much too high and need to be re-evaluated and reduced in order to attract individuals to own property in the state. A single tax rate for both in-state and out-of-state owners should be applied.”

Affordable Education

“Vermont is not an affordable or attractive place to live or to raise a family. Our public education is not meeting the needs of our children. College education costs must also be reined in. Far too often it’s more affordable to attend out-of-state than to pay in-state; when our “kids” leave, they never intend to return. Montpelier has got to do a better job!”

Cell Towers

“It’s sad enough to see cameras and cell towers pop up on our pristine mountains and farms.”

Minimum Wage

“I make $12.00 plus per hour and that’s only enough to barely make some ends meet. I still have to rely on the food shelf twice a month.”

Senator Bill Doyle serves on the Senate Education Committee and Senate Economic Affairs Committee, and is the Senate Assistant Minority Leader. He teaches government history at Johnson State College. He can be reached at 186 Murray Road, Montpelier, VT 05602; e-mail wdoyle@leg.state.vt.us; or call 223-2851.