The Future of Vermont’s Elections and Democracy

Apr 22, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, Legislative Session

Photo: Williston polling place (courtesy of Vermont Business Magazine) Guests: Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, State Treasurer Mike Pieciak On this week’s episode of Democracy Dispatch, we welcome back to the podcast two statewide elected officials....

Cleaning Up Our Act

Apr 15, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, Legislative Session, Toxics

Photo: landfill in Coventry, VT (photo by CSWD) Guests: Gretchen Salter, Anthony Iarrapino Between Big Oil and toxic chemicals, it’s time we clean up our act! Just as the Vermont House passes S.25, a bill that would ban PFAS and other harmful “forever” chemicals...

Silver Bullet or Piece of the Puzzle? Act 250’s Impact on Affordable Housing

Apr 8, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, Legislative Session

Photo: Howard Block in Bellows Falls, VT Guests: Kathy Beyer, Cora Smith, Rep. Jonathan Williams On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I’m joined by our 2024 legislative intern, Cora Smith. We talked about her role and the interests that emerged...

Act 250 Floor Discussion + Vote; Recapping the AV State Summit

Apr 1, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, Legislative Session

Photo: America Votes State Summit 2024 Guests: Rep. Amy Sheldon On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I recap my time in Washington, D.C. last week attending the America Votes State Summit. I give an overview of my time there, some initiatives...

An Inside Look at Proposed Act 250 Legislation

Mar 25, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, Legislative Session, Toxics

Photo: South Burlington housing development (Glenn Russell) Guests: Kati Gallagher, Catherine Dimitruk, Attorney General Charity Clark On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I’m joined by Kati Gallagher, Sustainable Communities Program Director at...

What Happens When Businesses Get Political?

Mar 18, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, Legislative Session, Toxics

Guest: Seventh Generation participate in a climate protest outside of Burlington City Hall Guests: Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Kristin Warner, Kate Ogden, Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I’m joined by Senator Kesha Ram...