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Thursday, August 31, 2017
Election 2018 Vermont Republicans Steer Clear of National Politics at Fundraiser
Posted
By Terri Hallenbeck
on Thu, Aug 31, 2017 at 11:42 PM
When Vermont Republicans gather to rally their troops and raise money for the 2018 election, you might wonder: How do they address the elephant in Washington who threatens to make this a dismal campaign cycle for them?
The answer: They don't.
Gov. Phil Scott, former governor Jim Douglas and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu addressed a crowd of about 150 at a Republican Party fundraiser Thursday evening at the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. They kept their politics as local as they could.
Jokes about New Hampshire vs. Vermont were big: Why is Vermont's maple syrup sweeter? You have more tree-huggers, Sununu quipped.
Sununu, the most loquacious speaker of the three, is the only one who mentioned the T-word: President Donald Trump. And that came during a half-hearted attempt at a joke about the three governors meeting in the basement of Trump Tower.
"I don't know where that joke would go," he safely declared.
The answer: They don't.
Gov. Phil Scott, former governor Jim Douglas and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu addressed a crowd of about 150 at a Republican Party fundraiser Thursday evening at the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. They kept their politics as local as they could.
Jokes about New Hampshire vs. Vermont were big: Why is Vermont's maple syrup sweeter? You have more tree-huggers, Sununu quipped.
Sununu, the most loquacious speaker of the three, is the only one who mentioned the T-word: President Donald Trump. And that came during a half-hearted attempt at a joke about the three governors meeting in the basement of Trump Tower.
"I don't know where that joke would go," he safely declared.
Elections / Statehouse
Dogged Leftist Candidate Peter Diamondstone Dies
Posted
By Mark Davis
on Thu, Aug 31, 2017 at 3:42 PM
Updated at 5:24 p.m.
Peter Diamondstone, a fiery socialist politician who founded the Liberty Union Party and was a mainstay on Election Day ballots in Vermont for four decades, died on Wednesday at his home in Dummerston, his wife confirmed to Seven Days. He was 82.
Diamondstone was suffering from a variety of ailments, Doris Lake said, including heart failure. He left the hospital several weeks ago to receive hospice care at home, Lake said. They had recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.
In recent years, Diamondstone was perhaps best known as a colorful character at debates and on the campaign trail for the various offices he sought. His name appeared on ballots in every statewide election since 1970, though he never came close to winning.
Peter Diamondstone, a fiery socialist politician who founded the Liberty Union Party and was a mainstay on Election Day ballots in Vermont for four decades, died on Wednesday at his home in Dummerston, his wife confirmed to Seven Days. He was 82.
Diamondstone was suffering from a variety of ailments, Doris Lake said, including heart failure. He left the hospital several weeks ago to receive hospice care at home, Lake said. They had recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.
In recent years, Diamondstone was perhaps best known as a colorful character at debates and on the campaign trail for the various offices he sought. His name appeared on ballots in every statewide election since 1970, though he never came close to winning.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
News Vermont Tax Department Sends Letters Seeking Unpaid Sales Tax
Posted
By Terri Hallenbeck
on Wed, Aug 30, 2017 at 6:00 PM
The state tax department is sending nearly 20,000 letters to Vermonters informing them that they may owe sales tax for online purchases. If so, they’ve got two months to pay up without interest or penalty.
The “Dear Taxpayer” letter reads, “Most Vermonters owe use tax, however many don’t fully understand what use tax is or how much they owe.”
Use tax is what Vermonters pay in lieu of a sales tax collected at the time of purchase — usually when buying something online, over the phone, in a state such as New Hampshire that doesn’t charge a sales tax, or by mail. The letter is meant to inform Vermonters that they are responsible for paying that use tax when filing their annual income tax form.
The “Dear Taxpayer” letter reads, “Most Vermonters owe use tax, however many don’t fully understand what use tax is or how much they owe.”
Use tax is what Vermonters pay in lieu of a sales tax collected at the time of purchase — usually when buying something online, over the phone, in a state such as New Hampshire that doesn’t charge a sales tax, or by mail. The letter is meant to inform Vermonters that they are responsible for paying that use tax when filing their annual income tax form.
Burlington / Crime Former Burlington Cop Charged With Lying About Drug Bust
Posted
By Mark Davis
on Wed, Aug 30, 2017 at 5:18 PM
A former Burlington police officer who left the force in February after he was accused of lying during a drug investigation will face a criminal charge, Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced Wednesday.
Christopher Lopez is scheduled to appear in Chittenden Superior Court on September 7 to answer to a charge of providing false information to a police officer, a misdemeanor.
Assistant Attorney General John Treadwell, who is handling the case, declined to comment.
Lopez wrote in a sworn affidavit that he could smell "the odor of fresh marijuana emitting" from a car driven by Burlington resident Michael Mullen, 25. He used that to justify a search in October during which he found drugs and paraphernalia.
But Lopez was captured on his body camera telling another officer on the scene that he couldn't smell marijuana and was trying to "get creative" to justify searching the car. Lopez appeared to try to turn off his camera.
Christopher Lopez is scheduled to appear in Chittenden Superior Court on September 7 to answer to a charge of providing false information to a police officer, a misdemeanor.
Assistant Attorney General John Treadwell, who is handling the case, declined to comment.
Lopez wrote in a sworn affidavit that he could smell "the odor of fresh marijuana emitting" from a car driven by Burlington resident Michael Mullen, 25. He used that to justify a search in October during which he found drugs and paraphernalia.
But Lopez was captured on his body camera telling another officer on the scene that he couldn't smell marijuana and was trying to "get creative" to justify searching the car. Lopez appeared to try to turn off his camera.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
News Long Trail and Burton Are Working Out 'Take a Hike' Trademark Dispute
Posted
By Sasha Goldstein
on Tue, Aug 29, 2017 at 12:22 PM
Long Trail Brewing is nearing an agreement to resolve a lawsuit that alleged Burton Snowboards infringed on its “Take a Hike” trademark.
“We’ve reached an agreement in principle and now we’re trying to document it,” Long Trail’s attorney, Kevin Henry of Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC, told Seven Days.
The news last week that the two Vermont-born companies were battling in court generated plenty of buzz. The Bridgewater Corners-based beer company alleged Burton used its motto on clothing in violation of a decades-old trademark it held. Burton’s website at the time sold at least two pieces of clothing, a hoodie and a T-shirt, with “Take a Hike” emblazoned across the bottom. The phrase was accompanied by an illustration of a tent with a person’s legs sticking out.
“We’ve reached an agreement in principle and now we’re trying to document it,” Long Trail’s attorney, Kevin Henry of Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC, told Seven Days.
The news last week that the two Vermont-born companies were battling in court generated plenty of buzz. The Bridgewater Corners-based beer company alleged Burton used its motto on clothing in violation of a decades-old trademark it held. Burton’s website at the time sold at least two pieces of clothing, a hoodie and a T-shirt, with “Take a Hike” emblazoned across the bottom. The phrase was accompanied by an illustration of a tent with a person’s legs sticking out.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Burlington Keep BT Local Faces Uphill Battle in Bid to Buy Burlington Telecom
Posted
By Katie Jickling
on Mon, Aug 28, 2017 at 11:29 PM
The Keep BT Local cooperative is facing an uphill battle in its bid to buy Burlington Telecom.
David Provost, the Burlington Telecom Advisory Board chair, offered strong signals Monday during a public update on the sale that the co-op may not make it to the final round of the selection process.
"BTAB unanimously expressed serious concerns about the sustainability of KBTL’s financing plan and lack of operating experience," Provost told the audience at a Burlington City Council meeting in Contois Auditorium, after the council spent more than an hour discussing the deal in executive session.
David Provost, the Burlington Telecom Advisory Board chair, offered strong signals Monday during a public update on the sale that the co-op may not make it to the final round of the selection process.
"BTAB unanimously expressed serious concerns about the sustainability of KBTL’s financing plan and lack of operating experience," Provost told the audience at a Burlington City Council meeting in Contois Auditorium, after the council spent more than an hour discussing the deal in executive session.
Friday, August 25, 2017
Burlington / Crime / Law Enforcement Advocate: Transient's Latest Arrest Exposes Holes in Social Safety Net
Posted
By Katie Jickling
on Fri, Aug 25, 2017 at 2:25 PM
The recent arrest of a mentally ill homeless man in Burlington has prompted questions about the resources available for the city's most vulnerable — and volatile — individuals.
Michael Reynolds was arrested Saturday after he allegedly punched a Burlington restaurant owner in the chest. Reynolds is a familiar face to law enforcement: the altercation at East West Café was Reynolds's 861st documented incident with police since 2011. The 40-year-old transient appeared in court and was back on the street this week.
Police publicized Reynolds' lengthy criminal record in a press release emailed to local media Wednesday with the subject line, "DRUNKEN MAN ASSAULTS BUSINESS OWNER." But the release left out the fact that Reynolds, who's been arrested 117 times, is schizophrenic, according to a relative who lives out of state.
Michael Reynolds was arrested Saturday after he allegedly punched a Burlington restaurant owner in the chest. Reynolds is a familiar face to law enforcement: the altercation at East West Café was Reynolds's 861st documented incident with police since 2011. The 40-year-old transient appeared in court and was back on the street this week.
Police publicized Reynolds' lengthy criminal record in a press release emailed to local media Wednesday with the subject line, "DRUNKEN MAN ASSAULTS BUSINESS OWNER." But the release left out the fact that Reynolds, who's been arrested 117 times, is schizophrenic, according to a relative who lives out of state.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
News Long Trail Sues Burton Over 'Take a Hike' Trademark
Posted
By Sasha Goldstein
on Thu, Aug 24, 2017 at 9:56 AM
It’s beer versus gear.
The Long Trail Brewing Company filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday alleging that Burton Snowboards infringed on its “Take a Hike” trademark.
“Long Trail is engaged in a variety of socially and environmentally conscious efforts in the Vermont community and has used its trademark ‘Take a Hike’ in support of those efforts,” the company writes in its suit, filed by Kevin Henry of Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC. “As a result, the trademark has achieved a high degree of recognition among consumers, especially in Vermont.”
The Long Trail Brewing Company filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday alleging that Burton Snowboards infringed on its “Take a Hike” trademark.
“Long Trail is engaged in a variety of socially and environmentally conscious efforts in the Vermont community and has used its trademark ‘Take a Hike’ in support of those efforts,” the company writes in its suit, filed by Kevin Henry of Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC. “As a result, the trademark has achieved a high degree of recognition among consumers, especially in Vermont.”
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Burlington / Crime / Law Enforcement Notorious Transient Accused of Assaulting Burlington Business Owner
Posted
By Sasha Goldstein
on Wed, Aug 23, 2017 at 1:33 PM
A drunken homeless man punched a Burlington restaurant owner in the chest after barging into the eatery and claiming he owned the place, according to police.
Michael Reynolds, 40, was arrested on a charge of simple assault after the incident Saturday at the East West Café at North Winooski Avenue and Pearl Street.
Reynolds also allegedly threatened to kill responding police officers and correctional officers at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility, Burlington police said in a news release.
Police have made contact with Reynolds nearly 900 times since 2011, including 117 arrests — eight for felony crimes — resulting in 31 criminal convictions. He's also been issued dozens of tickets for infractions such as public urination, trespassing and carrying an open container, according to police.
Burlington Police Chief Brandon del Pozo told Seven Days in a story published Wednesday that Reynolds owes the city nearly $12,000 in fines. The article examines a proposal to create a criminal penalty for those who repeatedly commit civil "quality of life" offenses such as "public drunkenness, fighting and public urination." 
Unpaid violations affect an individual's credit score — which is little deterrent for those with no income or assets.
"The lack of consequences is a root cause of what is an unfair burden on the rest of the community," del Pozo told Seven Days' Katie Jickling.
According to police, Reynolds was arraigned on the most recent charge and released on pre-trial conditions.
Michael Reynolds, 40, was arrested on a charge of simple assault after the incident Saturday at the East West Café at North Winooski Avenue and Pearl Street.
Reynolds also allegedly threatened to kill responding police officers and correctional officers at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility, Burlington police said in a news release.
Police have made contact with Reynolds nearly 900 times since 2011, including 117 arrests — eight for felony crimes — resulting in 31 criminal convictions. He's also been issued dozens of tickets for infractions such as public urination, trespassing and carrying an open container, according to police.
Burlington Police Chief Brandon del Pozo told Seven Days in a story published Wednesday that Reynolds owes the city nearly $12,000 in fines. The article examines a proposal to create a criminal penalty for those who repeatedly commit civil "quality of life" offenses such as "public drunkenness, fighting and public urination."
Related Begging for Change: Burlington Stabbings Prompt Proposed Penalties
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Crime
"The lack of consequences is a root cause of what is an unfair burden on the rest of the community," del Pozo told Seven Days' Katie Jickling.
According to police, Reynolds was arraigned on the most recent charge and released on pre-trial conditions.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Burlington Rutland's Cindi Wight Named New Burlington Parks and Rec Director
Posted
By Katie Jickling
on Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 3:07 PM
The Rutland Recreation and Parks Department director is moving north to the Queen City.
Cindi Wight will take over as director of the Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront department this fall, Mayor Miro Weinberger announced at a press conference Tuesday.
The city chose Wight because of her "deep experience in the field of parks and recreation," Weinberger said.
That's 24 years, to be precise. Wight's résumé includes time as a parks and rec director in the San Juan Islands of Washington State before she headed up the same department in Middlebury. She started in Rutland in 2013.
Wight will replace Jesse Bridges, who served for nearly five years* before stepping down in May to take a position at the United Way of Northwest Vermont.
Cindi Wight will take over as director of the Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront department this fall, Mayor Miro Weinberger announced at a press conference Tuesday.
The city chose Wight because of her "deep experience in the field of parks and recreation," Weinberger said.
That's 24 years, to be precise. Wight's résumé includes time as a parks and rec director in the San Juan Islands of Washington State before she headed up the same department in Middlebury. She started in Rutland in 2013.
Wight will replace Jesse Bridges, who served for nearly five years* before stepping down in May to take a position at the United Way of Northwest Vermont.
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