Guest Author
Dismayed by Barre Street Bike Path
To the Editor:
It is with disappointment and even sorrow that I watch the work continue on the Barre Street bike path. A couple of things stand out about this project.
The businesses on that street face both temporary and permanent damage from the loss of access and parking. Access to our church is made more difficult with the loss of parking spaces on Barre Street.
We are setting up a tragedy. In the emergency services, we look for possible dangers and then mitigate any identified hazard. As I watch construction proceed, it is clear that this project has one very significant hazard. A fundamental rule of bicycle riding is never ride against traffic. An accident in that situation becomes a head-on collision rather than a sideswipe or rear-end incident. Available reaction time and relative speeds make a head-on collision many times more serious. This project requires bicyclists to ride toward oncoming traffic, where one brief mistake by driver or cyclist will most likely be fatal.
I can only conclude that this project is driven by ideology, not a real need. It will prove to be an expensive and likely dangerous “solution” to a problem that doesn’t exist. A “solution” that will have a long-term drain on the city with limited or no benefit.
I will conclude by pointing out the obvious. If you are really proud of your city, don’t let the occasional cyclist just speed by unhindered. Don’t be afraid to tell him or her that it would be good to just get off the bike and admire the city as he or she walks the two short blocks.
Gesualdo Schneider, Middlesex
Vote Duval/McCann for House
To the Editor:
Kate McCann and Jared Duval will get my votes for Washington County State Representatives in the Aug. 11 primary election.
Kate has extensive experience in the Statehouse with her two terms and has proven herself time and time again, especially by helping re-shape our educational system to reduce costs and the same with the health care system. Jared has extensive experience on various statewide issues including energy, economics, housing, and progressive tax policies, among many topics — when we elect him he will represent not only each of us from Montpelier but he can also speak to the needs of people all over the state. Thank you to both Kate and Jared for dedicating so much time and energy to keeping Vermont a great place to live.
John Snell, Montpelier
Pelin Kohn Represents Us
To the Editor:
Pelin Kohn moved to Vermont from Türkiye in 2017. English is not her first language. Yet, despite these cultural and linguistic differences, she decided to get involved in our community soon after her arrival. Coming from another country, Pelin, like many other newcomers, recognized what America has to offer. It’s a perspective which, unfortunately, often escapes many of us (myself included). We tend to take for granted that which we grew up with and have always had. So, first and foremost, Pelin’s is an immigrant story.
As a member of the Montpelier City Council, Pelin Kohn has represented District 2 with distinction. Being one of her constituents, I’ve contacted her on many occasions about a variety of topics, and always without fail, Pelin has responded promptly and courteously to address my concerns.
I’ve attended several of Pelin’s weekend listening sessions, where anyone (not only those who live in District 2) can go to share their thoughts. During city council meetings, I often hear Commissioner Kohn say, “I’ve heard from a number of my neighbors on this topic.” Thus, her constituents know that their concerns and opinions have been heard and inform her vote. This is what democracy is supposed to be. It’s how it’s supposed to work.
I ask that you please vote for Pelin Kohn for Vermont House. She truly represents the best of us.
Christopher Therrien, Montpelier
Support Pelin for House
To the Editor:
I’ve served with Pelin Kohn on Montpelier’s City Council for the past three years. During that time, I’ve had a front-row seat to her approach to public service, and it’s one of the reasons I support her run for the Vermont House.
What many voters don’t see is the work that happens before decisions ever reach a public meeting. Pelin consistently comes prepared. She reads the materials, asks thoughtful questions, and follows up when something doesn’t make sense. And she always considers how a decision will affect residents. She never settles for the politically convenient decision; she decides based on what will best serve the community. Pelin also has a knack for organizing people around issues like childcare, economic development, housing, and accessibility. And when it comes to community engagement, she is both responsive and proactive. It was her idea for us to host monthly “listening sessions” — informal hour-long meetings during which we answer questions if we can but mainly listen to people’s concerns. Sometimes a couple dozen people attend, other times just a handful, but we always make a connection, and that’s what’s important to Pelin.
After serving alongside her, in both council meetings and smaller working groups, I can say Pelin is exactly the kind of person I want representing Montpelier in the Statehouse: Prepared, thoughtful, hardworking, and deeply invested in the future of our community.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting Pelin Kohn for Vermont House.
Sal Alfano, Montpelier City Councilor
Letters to the editor represent the opinions of the authors and do not reflect the opinions of The Bridge. Submit your letter by email to editor@montpelierbridge.com. Preference is given to submissions by those who live in central Vermont, should not exceed 300 words in length, and may be edited for brevity and accuracy.
