08.17.2010 - Matt Dunne Candidate For Vermont Governor
Dear Friends:
I am happy and honored to write this letter of support regarding Vermont Governor Candidate Matt Dunne. My awareness of Matt goes back to his early childhood as a friend of his mother and father. He has always been energetic, thoughtful and responsible. At age 22 his neighbors elected him to the Vermont House of Representatives, where he served for seven years. It was no surprise when he was selected by President Clinton to run AmeriCorps Vista. Matt's leadership ability allowed AmeriCorps Vista to become a national model. He came home from Washington, upon the passing of his mother, to live on the family homestead. Again it was not a surprise when he decided to run for the Vermont Senate.
During his tenure in the legislature he has championed, equity for all Vermonters, health care, support for the resurgence of downtown Vermont, creation of new jobs and support for new and emerging new business. I had the opportunity to work directly with him on the Harassment in Schools Bill.
In 2006 he left the Senate and his position of Associate Director at Dartmouth College’s, Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy, to run for Vermont’s Lieutenant Governor. Matt brought high energy and organization to that campaign. That campaign experience and knowledge has positioned him extremely well for his run for Governor of the State of Vermont.
Matt has promised that he will work tirelessly for us as Vermont’s Governor, and that you can count on. If you would like to learn more about Matt’s plans call (802)478-0858 or log on to his website www.mattdunne. com. I’m voting for him because I believe we deserve a Governor who works hard for us every day. Matt is a life long Vermonter who lives with his wife and three children, in his boyhood home in Hartland. If you want a positive change in Vermont's executive branch your support for Matt Dunne will be appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin "Coach" Christie
07.21.2010 - VSEA (Vermont State Employees Association) Endorses Christie Campaign!!
Wed. June 16,
Hi Coach,
Congrats!
Our Board and Council voted to give you a tier 1 endorsement for your House race.
04.02.2010 - The Future of Education in Hartford
The Future of Education in Hartford
We stand at a crossroads in Hartford. Over the last several months, we have attempted to generate an education budget for the Hartford School District that recognizes the dire economic realities confronting citizens throughout the country and our region while maintaining the high quality of educational outcomes that we’ve become accustomed to in Hartford. Vermont is a nationally recognized leader in educational achievement, and our district’s recent successes in scholarship, athletics, the fine arts and career and technology education are a tribute to our teachers and students. Due to a variety of factors including a continuing freeze on state contributions to educational funding and rising expenses, we produced a budget representing a $700,000 decrease in spending from a level that would have allowed us to have the same level of educational services as the previous year. This budget was defeated by voters on March 2 during Australian balloting. We returned to the drawing board and have proposed an additional $644,217 in cuts to the budget. The teachers of the district, in response to voters’ concerns, agreed to a wage freeze and increased contributions to their health insurance that will result in over $276,000 in savings. The Hartford Education Association showed courage and leadership in taking this action.
We will now go before the community on April 5 (7:00 p.m. at the Hartford High School gymnasium) with a budget that we feel strikes a fair balance between maintaining high educational standards and recognizing economic realities. The proposed $1.34 million in reduced spending for the Hartford School District will have a profound impact on the educational services provided to children in Hartford. These reductions include: 6 teacher positions, 11 instructional support and administrative positions, freezes on new educational supplies, reduced co-curricular opportunities, reductions in special education spending, loss of many services to students, and the list goes on. We feel strongly that additional cuts in our budget will result in a catastrophic decline in the quality of the educational experience for our children—these are our daughters and sons, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and, most importantly the future of Hartford. This process has not been easy, and we are thankful for the hard work and thoughtful input of the district’s staff and community members. We as a community must come to a broader understanding of the value of education, constructive deliberation and civic engagement. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for the future of education in Hartford to attend Monday’s meeting, listen to the information presented, and vote on the district budget.
The Hartford School Board
Kevin Christie, Chair
Tim Fariel, Clerk
Jeff Arnold
Phil Bouthillier
Chris Sneddon
03.05.2010 - CENSUS JOBS -- PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
CENSUS JOBS
The US Census Bureau is recruiting in the central Vermont area for census workers.
These are temporary, part-time jobs paying $13.50 per hour plus mileage, paid weekly.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver’s license and have a reliable vehicle.
Census takers work in their communities locating households, explaining the purpose of the Census, conducting personal interviews with respondents who failed to return their 2010 Census Questionnaire and, recording their responses on paper forms.
Hours are flexible.
Successful candidates will receive up to four days of paid training.
Applicants must take a written test for basic skills.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHERE AND WHEN TO APPLY.
CALL 1-866-861-2010
01.17.2010 - Child Access Protection (CAP) Law
Child Access Protection (CAP) Law
Friends,
On Tuesday, Jan. 12th, the Vermont House Judiciary Committee heard testimony from Ge Wu and Shuwan Xue, asking for a Child Access Protection (CAP) law this year. Such a law would require that firearms in the home be secured away from children. Ge's and Shuwan's 15-year-old son Aaron killed himself last April with a handgun not his own nor his parents (they don't own firearms). I support this, as do Judiciary Committee members Kathy Pellet (who would sponsor a CAP law bill) and Cynthia Martin, but the other committee members are undecided and need to hear from us.
Please email/phone them, using the contact information below. The same lethal factors that led to Aaron's death are still in place.
It's up to all of us to fix this.
I can think of no better way to observe Martin Luther King Day than to make our children safer from gunfire.
Thank you.
The Vermont State House Judiciary Committee Members are:
Chair William Lippert...wlippert@leg.state.vt.us...(802) 482-3528.
Willem Jewet...wjewet@leg.state.vt.us...(802) 388-0320.
Following up on my last post, you can learn more about each of the candidates from the Vermont Democratic Party website. Click on an image below and a new window will open with information about that candidate.
Best!
Coach
01.13.2010 - Five Democratic Candidates Speak in Hartland!
Published 1/12/2010
Five Democratic Candidates Speak in Hartland
By John P. Gregg
Valley News Staff Writer
Hartland -- Two years ago at this time, Vermont Democrats were struggling to line up a candidate to run against Republican Gov. Jim Douglas.
Now, with Douglas having decided to retire after eight years in the corner office, Democrats face a bounty of candidates, all of whom spoke last night at Damon Hall in Hartland.
The five Democrats running for governor sought to introduce themselves -- and press their case -- at a Windsor County Democrats candidates forum attended by nearly 200 Upper Valley residents.
Senate President Pro Tempore Peter Shumlin, a Putney Democrat, said he'd shown political courage in pushing the gay marriage bill through the Legislature last year and that Democrats need to winnow their field and make conclusions soon "about who is best suited" to defeat Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie, likely to win his party's nod to succeed Douglas.
"We will not beat Brian Dubie by throwing darts. We will beat Brian Dubie by articulating a vision for the state" and demonstrating how Democrats can help with job creation and ease the fiscal crisis, Shumlin said.
Former state Sen. Matt Dunne, a Hartland native, recalled how the community rallied around his family when his father died when Dunne was 13. He also stressed Vermont values and the state's history of innovation.
Dunne twice said extending high-speed Internet service to every community in the state was equivalent to bringing electricity to rural areas generations ago.
"Today, if you do not have high-speed Internet running to the barn and the garage, you are not going to be creating jobs," said Dunne, who is head of community affairs for Google.
State Sen. Susan Bartlett, a Lamoille County Democrat, repeatedly stressed her experience as chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and said she wants to bring a "value of tolerance" while also emphasizing the need to restructure state government.
Along with some of the other candidates, she took a direct shot at Douglas, saying, "I don't particularly care for the way he handles state government ... it's a very exclusive, top-down type of management."
Secretary of State Deb Markowitz also faulted Douglas, saying she entered the race last year, before he announced his intentions to retire, and said he had hired "political cronies." "I'm running for governor because I believe something has to change in Montpelier," said Markowitz, who said she would focus on job creation and protecting the quality of life in Vermont.
State Sen. Doug Racine, a Chittenden County Democrat who narrowly lost to Douglas in 2002, said the Republican governor, and Dubie by extension, were responsible for "the failed policies of the last seven years."
"He promised jobs in this state, and it hasn't happened," Racine said of Douglas. "He had no economic development strategy."
While the candidates all supported single-payer health care and the importance of creating jobs in the renewable energy field, Racine was the only one to put new taxes on the table in discussing how to close the state's $150 million deficit.
Saying the state should take a "balanced approach," Racine said the state has the capacity to raise taxes on "the people who can afford it" and added, "I believe we should do that because we cannot abandon our commitment to social and economic justice."
The forum was billed as "Meet Your New Governor," and Democrats were energized by the size of the crowd.
"I think it's very clear we have not had positive leadership for the past eight years," said Norwich resident Irv Thomae, who said he felt any of the five candidates offered a strong choice for voters.
The Windsor County forum was the first of several such events around the state. "I think it's a very important county, because it's a very Democratic county compared to many of the others, so I imagine a lot of primary votes are going to come from this county," said Linda Weiss, a Corinth resident and secretary of the state Democratic Party. "It also has a very active and involved Democratic community."
John P. Gregg can be reached at 603-727-3213 or at jgregg @vnews.com
08.18.2009 - Update! CONSTITUTION DAY IS COMING SEPTEMBER 17
Update! CONSTITUTION DAY IS COMING SEPTEMBER 17,
"THE LOCATION"
Friends,
The celebration will take place in " the Well of the House " at the State House, 5 - 6:30 PM on Thursday, September 17th.
Professor Sheldon Novick will be our featured speaker. During his long association with the Vermont Law School, Professor Novick has taught Constitutional Law and American Legal History, among other courses. Among his major publications are a highly acclaimed biography of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes and a three volume Collected Works of Justice Holmes.
We will have a display with handouts; pocket Constitutions, and our posters.
The Secretary of State's office will have the student handout, "Vermont Constitution for Kids", available to copy from their web site this fall.
This link will give you access to information regarding Constitution Day!LINK.
PLEASE RSVP Sherry Merrick at sherryocdc@live.com .
Thank you all in advance for your interest and support,
Kevin
08.14.2009 - CONSTITUTION DAY IS COMING SEPTEMBER 17
CONSTITUTION DAY IS COMING SEPTEMBER 17,
Friends,
The CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the law of the land. On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by thirty-nine brave men who changed the course of history. Now Constitution Day is a time for us to continue their legacy and develop habits of citizenship in a new generation of Americans.
The, Vermont Democratic State Committee, Civil Liberties Sub Committee is planning a Celebration of Constitution Day
The celebration will take place in " the Well of the House " at the State House, 5 - 6:30 PM on Thursday, September 17th.
Professor Sheldon Novick will be our featured speaker. During his long association with the Vermont Law School, Professor Novick has taught Constitutional Law and American Legal History, among other courses. Among his major publications are a highly acclaimed biography of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes and a three volume Collected Works of Justice Holmes.
We will have a display with handouts; pocket Constitutions, and our posters.
The Secretary of State's office will have the student handout, "Vermont Constitution for Kids", available to copy from their web site this fall.
This link will give you access to information regarding Constitution Day!LINK.
PLEASE RSVP Sherry Merrick at sherryocdc@live.com .
Thank you all in advance for your interest and support,
Kevin
06.16.2009 - Help for the Automotive Do It Yourselfer!
Help for the Car & Truck Do It Yourselfer!
Friends,
Over the years a number of people have asked; how do I get access to quality auto repair manual information? Well here it is! eAUTOREPAIR by Mitchell1 manuals.
This link will give you access to eAUTOREPAIR,your 1st repair or recall notice saving will cover the cost.
Click here!
I hope you find this link as helpful as I do, as you work on your vehicle,
To Cool!
Kevin
04.11.2009 - The Time Has Come!!
Friends,
There has been a dialogue going on for the past ten years if not longer. The topic being, how can we support, the transition needs of the 16 to 23 year olds in need of help. I have had the opportunity to participate in this discussion with a dedicated group of service providers and citizens, representing the communities of Brattleboro, Springfield and White River Junction. The consensus is that these communities could use access to a Spectrum Youth Services type program for their youth. Spectrum’s program has been very successful and many of us have either placed or attempted to place youth there. Our problem getting youth into that program is they are always full and with a substantial wait list.
As our President has said it is time for change!
The solution is at hand, Transitions Unlimited.!
Please keep an eye on this site and the news for updates!
This link will give you access to information regarding Transitions Unlimited!here.
Thank you all in advance for your interest and support,
Kevin
04.07.2009 - Windsor County makes us proud again!
Dottie & Ann,
GREAT JOB!
Special Thanks and Kudos to our favorite son Senator John Campbell for his Courage, Conviction and Leadership!!
Kevin
03.26.2009 - The Carbon Neutral Curtis Awards Dinner!
The Carbon Neutral Curtis Awards Dinner!
Dear Windsor County folks!
Come and greet Howard Dean and celebrate his 50-State Strategy ,be Carbon Neutral travel together, Saturday night, 3/28/09, 7 pm at the Hilton Hotel in Burlington!!!
Help Windsor County be the top Carbon Neutral County in the State!
Let's Go Let's Win!!
See you there,
Kevin
03.25.2009 - Curtis Awards Dinner!
Curtis Awards Dinner!
Dear Windsor County folks!
Come and greet Howard Dean and celebrate his 50-State Strategy, Saturday night, 3/28/09, 7 pm at the Hilton Hotel in Burlington!!!
We have a WINDSOR COUNTY table and still have room for a couple more folks, with an auxiliary table semi-reserved for more.
Contact: Dottie Deans at DotsVT@gmail.com.
SEE YOU THERE!
Kevin
03.18.2009 - Interesting phone call!
Hi Everyone,
I'd like to share a humbling and cool experience with you.
It was Sunday (3/15/09) about 9:00 PM, my cell phone rang and I wondered who was calling, Mary was home, Angie was home Amber was out. I picked up the phone and it said Unavailable, I said hello and the person said "this is Bobby Schmuck, I am calling from the White House, and The President would like you to attend his Vermont Health Care Forum, in Burlington VT, on Tuesday 3/17, at 1:00 pm." After quickly regaining my composure I, of course, said yes and he said thank you on behalf of the President and he would forward my invitation by email.
As some of you know I have been working on a new Transitional Living (housing) project for youth 16 through 23, homeless, disenfranchised or just in need of support. I mentioned it to Bobby and he said if I forwarded him the proposal he would make sure the appropriate staff member gets it.
I attended the event, hosted by Governors, Jim Douglas, of VT and Duval Patrick of MA. Being that both Vermont and Massachusetts have pioneering Health Care programs, it only stands to reason we would host one on the National Forums. It was successful, in that the ideas and concerns expressed will help the President and his Team, in the formulation of the National policy.
The saga continues!
I am so blessed!
03.05.2009 - Witness to History
This is a short video I produced and sung "The Impossible Dream" as background. I hope you enjoy it!
Kevin
02.12.2009 - The Upper Valley Aquatic Center!
The Upper Valley Aquatic Center - Hartford's Best New Asset!
To link to The Upper Valley Aquatic Center's, You Tube video, click here.
For more information here is a link to the complete detailed web site of The Upper Valley Aquatic Center, click here.
I hope this is helpful,
Kevin
02.07.2009 - Together Yes We Can!
Together Yes We Can!
Friends,
Over the past few days a number of people I have spoken to have asked; how do I get in contact with the President and our congressional delegation to share their thoughts regarding the current legislation and other concerns
This link will give you access to the Office of the President.
I hope you find this helpful as we work on our Countries next chapter,
Only in America!
Kevin
01.31.2009 - JANUARY 20, 2009!
Friends,
I have been asked by a number of folks about the trip to the inauguration. I am taking time to prepare those thoughts, which I hope to have ready soon. Below is a copy of the formal invitation, picture with Congressman Peter Welch and the tickets used and the map showing the location of our seats:
This day is a historic chapter in American History. There was not a dry eye at the ceremony, around the country and the world. An interesting fact of the day was, that there was not one arrest posted with upwards of three million people in the Capital. It was a proud day to be an American. I am proud and humbled to have been able to represent so many at this momentous event. Thank you,
- Kevin
01.17.2009 - Inauguration Day is almost here!
Only 3 days until January 20, 2009, Inauguration Day.
Friends,
Over the past few days I have been asked for information about the Inaugural Ceremony and Memorabilia. This link will give you access to all the information regarding the ceremonies including a link to a computer video feed!
01.12.2009 - Helpful links for getting around DC on Inauguration Day!
Here are some quick links to getting around and to the Inauguration.
To link to the color coded map of the Swearing in Ceremony site click here.
For a link to commemorative metro tickets click here.
One more travel aide can be found here!!
I hope this is helpful,
Kevin
12.20.2008 - A Great Day To Be An American 12/15/08!
My thoughts on being part of history.
Dr King had a dream, "that all God's children"........."will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.",
What a day! At 10:00 am yesterday history was made in Vermont, again. Vermont's 3 electoral votes were cast by a women senator, a gay women and lastly an afro American.
"I have seen the promised land"
What a great day to be an American!
Thank you all for giving me this opportunity,
Kevin
It is with a great deal of gratitude and humility that I would like to extend an invitation to all of you who may be able to attend, the casting of the Presidential Electoral College Vote, On December 15th at the State House in Room 11 at 10AM.
Thank you,
Kevin
12.01.2008 - Final Day to Request Inauguration Tickets!!!
Friends,
Today is it! This is final day you can request Inauguration Ceremony tickets. These tickets are only available by request from a member of our state's Congressional Delegation; that is Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Peter Welch.
Due to the overwhelming interest in tickets for this Inauguration Ceremony, Senator Leahy, Senator Sanders and Congressman Welch have decided to conduct a Vermont lottery for 250 tickets. The names of Vermonters who already have contacted their offices, or who still wish to, by 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1 (today!), will be entered into the pool, and names will be drawn early this week (after eliminating duplicate requests).
As you may know, on December 15th, 2008, I have the honor and the privilege of casting an Electoral College vote representing our state’s selection for President of the United States of America, President Elect, Barack Obama. I will be chronicling this experience through updates on this site. Please be sure to visit the site as we get closer to that date.
A couple weeks ago, the Valley News ran a cover story featuring all of the Electors from both Vermont and New Hampshire. James Patterson, Staff Photographer for the Valley News, compiled much of the content into a brief video. You can find it here.
Best,
Kevin
11.29.2008 - Update on Requests for Inauguration Tickets
Friends,
All three members of Vermont's Congressional Delegation Senator Leahy, Senator Sanders, and Congressman Welch will receive the same number of Inaugural tickets for President-elect Obama's Inaugural Ceremony as have been made available by the Inaugural planning committee for past ceremonies. Nearly all of the tickets are for standing room on the Capitol grounds. After trying to accommodate as many Vermonters' requests for tickets as possible, it has become clear that the unprecedented interest in this Inaugural will far outstrip the available tickets, unlike in earlier years.
Senator Leahy, Senator Sanders and Congressman Welch therefore have decided to conduct a Vermont lottery for 250 tickets. The names of Vermonters who already have contacted their offices, or who still wish to, by 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, will be entered into the pool, and names will be drawn early that week (after eliminating duplicate requests).
The Vermont Delegation will continue to post Inaugural information on their websites in the weeks ahead.
Best,
Kevin
11.28.2008 - Official Inauguration Day Website
Friends,
For more information about the event check out the official website here.
Of particular note, please be aware that tickets to the inauguration event are FREE and can only be distributed by Members of the 111th Congress. Here is more from the site...
"The public should also be aware that no website or other ticket outlet actually has inaugural swearing-in tickets to sell, regardless of what they may claim. Tickets will not be distributed to Congressional offices until the week before the inauguration and will require in-person pick-up."
Best,
Kevin
11.24.2008 - Heating Fuel Assistance Fundraiser Party
Friends
The Chester Town Democratic Committee invites you to attend or contribute to the annual Chester Housewarming Party, which will be held on December 11, 2008 between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm at Chester Town Hall.
Refreshments will be served and the glow from the November 4 election results will be maintained.
This annual event is a fundraiser for heating fuel assistance for residents in the Chester, Andover, Baltimore and Springfield area. All of the funds raised are donated to the Share Heat program sponsored by Central Vermont Public Service Corp. (CVPSC). The contributions are then matched by CVPSC for distribution in our local communities.
Last year the Chester Housewarming Party raised about $1,500 which resulted in approximately $3,000. being distributed for home heating needs to eligible people in the area.
We applaud the involvement of CVPSC in matching donations to the Share Heat program. And we invite you to attend our Housewarming Party to share in the joy of the holiday season, and to make a donation to the Chester Housewarming Fund at a time when home heating fuel assistance is needed more than ever.
If you are unable to attend, but would like to participate, please make your donation to Chester Housewarming Fund and mail it to:
Bill Dakin
P.O. Box 499
Chester, VT 05143
For further information, contact Bill Dakin, Chair, Chester Town Democratic Committee, 802 875-4000
11.20.2008 - Senator Leahy Presidential Inauguration Ticket Request Form
Friends,
To link to Senator Leahy's request site click here.
Best,
Kevin
11.17.2008 - Senator Sanders Presidential Inauguration Ticket Request Form
Hello Friends,
Here is another opportunity to request tickets to what is likely going to be the most attended Inauguration Ceremony in history. This opportunity is made available by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Click here, a new window will open with the request form.
Best,
Kevin
11.12.2008 - Inauguration Tickets Request Form
Friends!
If you're interested in requesting tickets to attend the inauguration ceremony of the next President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, you may follow this link to our Congressman Peter Welch's website to apply. Due to high demand, Congressman Welch can not guarantee every one who requests tickets will receive them, but if you're interested it is well worth the minute or two it takes to fill out the request form.
To Hartford Voters, and all my other supporters; Thank You!
Thank You 1,782 times!
I stand humbled and honored to have gone through this journey as I sought to
represent you in our Capitol Building. I am excited for what the future can bring us and I look forward to being able to continue serving you in the capacities that I currently do, as well as in those still yet to be determined.
As we awake to one of the most historic events in our country's history, our future is so bright. I say... Yes we can!
With Sincere Gratitude,
Kevin
11.02.2008 - Valley News Front Page
Friends,
I hope you had a chance to see the Valley News today. If you haven't yet, here is a quick look:
I was featured in an article because of my being an Elector for the state's Electoral College representation. I hope you get a chance to take a closer look and have the opportunity to read the article.
- Kevin
11.02.2008 - On a Lighter Note
A call to action by famous writer/director/actor Ron Howard:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support for my campaign.
As we approach the end of our journey I need to ask one more favor.
We have a few more yard signs that need to be hosted. If you
know someone or would like to host one yourself they can be picked up at the Democratic head quarters on Main St. W.R.Jct. If you can't just drop in, please feel free to call or email to make arrangements. Special thanks to Rachael and Eric.
If we don't have enough, please leave your name with Jules Early, our local Field Organizer. We will get one to you or at least call.
PS - There are also buttons and stickers available at the office as well!
These items and others were sponsored by you, the State Committee, and:
Senator John Campbell, Majority Leader
Vermont State Employees' Association
Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont
Vermont Chapter of the National
Association of Social Workers
Vermont - National Education Association
Teamsters Local Union No. 597
10.29.2008 - New Endorsements
Greetings friends,
I have recently received the endorsement of my candidacy for VT State Representative by both the Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont and the Vermont Police Association. It is with humility and great respect that I accept these endorsements. I am honored to have received such recognition by the men and women who dedicate their lives to the health and safety of all of us.
- Kevin
10.26.2008 - A Message From Lynn Bohi
To any Democrat with a favorite candidate:
My husband Chuck has organized a Honk and Wave for Tuesday, October 28 from 4:00 to 6:00pm. We will have Bohi signs, but we would like to have many Democrats represented. There are lots of signs at the Dem head quarters in White River Jct. I bet you could borrow something to wave around. We will NOT be at the 5 & 14 corner- too much construction. We WILL be at the corner just south of that. It's in front of the Bugbee Senior Center. The light where you can go straight into White River Jct or you can cross the river to the P & C. Plenty of parking at the Senior Center or across the street from there- just above the White River Coop. If it's raining, don't come- come on Thursday instead.
Lynn
10.12.2008 - First Release of My New Website
Welcome to the new site. Please use the contact form to send any questions or comments you have for me. I would love to hear from you. Also be sure to check back often in the final three weeks of the campaign season to be sure to catch all of the new and informative content to come.
Best,
Kevin
09.05.2008 - Another Denver Update!
Hello again everyone!
The rest of the story! Wednesday was a day you could all be very proud of your Vermont delegation. There was a community service project in which several States participated, even California; we sent the largest group near 30 while California and others sent 5-10. Yeah VT!
The day continued with Caucus meetings and culminated with a speech from President Bill Clinton. As you may know, hr gave one of his most electrifying and energizing speeches ever, as noted by over eleven minutes of applause. After President Clinton, Senator Biden's son Beau the Attorney General of Delaware and National Guardsmen, being deployed to Iraqi, introduced his father moved us all especially his dad. With a tear in his eye our Vice presidential candidate delivered a great speech. We were introduced to his family and then to our surprise Barack came out and congratulated the Senator and his family.
Our last day started with breakfast and presentations by Senator Sanders who put Senator McCain's record into perspective and Jeffery Wolfe, CEO of groSolar. Jeff's company is helping Vermont lead the charge in the development of the energy alternative revolution. His business has gained national acclaim and it is based in White River Junction, Vermont. We took our delegation picture and went off to more Caucuses and then worked our way to INVESCO Mile High Stadium. To help clarify the stage design, that was criticized by many, it was designed to represent the backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. Martin Luther King gave his memorable "I have a Dream Speech" forty five years ago today. (August 28, 1963). Dr Martin Luther King III spoke to us and then a number of regular people spoke one of my favorites was by an Indiana factory worker Barney Smith, a life long Republican, who was laid off after 31 years when his job was shipped overseas. He made a fantastic statement:"We need a president who puts Barney Smith before Smith Barney," and the whole audience of 80,000 plus went into thunderous applause. Our friend Jamie Hess, OBAMA Fellow, from Norwich Vermont ran into Barney on the convention floor, wearing the unmistakable red checkered shirt.
"Where did you get that line about Smith Barney?" Jamie asked him. "Well," he said, "My brother called me this morning and told me, 'Barney, have I got a line for you!' I had to call the speechwriter and ask if it was OK, but he said 'Go for it Barney!'"
The star studded lineup from the presentation of the colors, Pledge of Allegiance, National anthem and time with Stevie Wonder Came the Brass. Just before Barack Came to the stage one after another 22 retired Generals and Admirals came to the stage, three women, also including general Westmorland. The message they shared with all present and viewing on TV was that they could serve under Barack as there Commander in Chief. Then came Barack!! He did great as always. After the speech came the grand finale, confetti, streamers and impressive fireworks. I wore my regalia home on the plane and it was a great experience sharing the energy of the convention with so many people on the way back to Vermont.
What an honor to be part of history and represent Hartford, Vermont and my family WOW. Thank you for the opportunity.
Kevin
PS - As I get some pictures from some of the professional photographers and bloggers, I will pass them on.
08.27.2008 - From Denver - The Convention!
Hello everyone!
It has been an incredible last few days of meeting people from other States and all walks of life. First timers like me and people who have attend many conventions. I got here late Sunday night and have tried to acclimate to the new environment.
We started Monday with a presentation from a high level Obama Energy Specialist and received our credentials for the 1st day. My 1st Caucus was the African American caucus. En-route I observed and later encountered an incredible level of security. There was a Local and Federal presence that made a clear statement that any, and I repeat any, unruly behavior would not be tolerated. During that first caucus at about an hour into the program a heckler stood up and started to defame Barack. The speaker was not able to quiet the heckler and requested security. Within minutes the heckler was removed from the hall. The presentation was continued and within another half-hour a second heckler stood up and made remarks and security removed him more expeditiously than the first. With the large number of dignitaries in town the security presence at this level was expected. The speakers were incredible finishing with a Mayor from New Jersey telling a story of community organizing and the role of service and commitment to an honorable goal being one of service to your community. Lunch was sponsored by AT&T. They are interested in moving into Vermont and some of our questions were completing total broad band access to all Vermont communities. The next stage was getting to the Pepsi Center for Michelle Obama's presentation and, come to find out later, the personal appearance of Ted Kennedy. As some of you saw the Vermont Delegation has seats in the front row next to the podium. Both the speeches of Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama were inspirational and motivational. The overall experience was incredible. I was interviewed by The Arizona Republic German TV and a host of national and international media. Being interested in many things the security process and shuttling of people is amazing. To think they are processing in the neighborhood of 30,000 plus people each day with different levels of clearances etc, etc. There have been events all through out the day and night, sponsored by a wide variety of people and organizations.
Tuesday started of with a breakfast hosted by Senator Leahy. Some of the guests included Gaye Symington, Peter Welch, Howard Dean, Al Frankin, a member of the "Grateful Dead" who will be performing at some point as a fundraiser for Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders and more. From there it was off to the convention Center. I did not go to the Congressman Barney Frank and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin Luncheon due to the long lines and security check in process but I headed for the Pepsi Center to hear our own Senator Pat Leahy speak to the convention and later Hillary. Senator Leahy spoke about and to the issues of not abandoning rural states from Vermont to Colorado. Hillary did a good job shifting her yet to convert supporters to Barack and the cause of America. During the evening I had a solo shot on the "Jumbo Tron" and was interviewed by a number of media including Italian TV.
All of the personal attention is very humbling. My hope is that I represented my family, community, county, state and self well. I hope to post pictures on a number of locations.
Thanks again to everyone for your support in this adventure to Denver.
