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Charles Merriman seeks secretary of state office, not political win
MONTPELIER — It’s quite unusual for a candidate in a primary race to talk about how the office they are seeking should be nonpartisan, but Charles Merriman, one of two Democrats running to become secretary of state, does just that.
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A fresh face in statewide politics
Charles Merriman, a Democratic candidate for secretary of state, stopped by the Free Press this week for a get-to-know-you meeting. There’s a slow trickle of candidate coming in to meet with the Free Press edit board now, although the primary is still months away.
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Ask your Town Clerk about Charles Merriman
Vermont is a small, intimate state where a person’s reputation can be readily ascertained. Ask your town clerk about Charlie; there is a good chance he or she knows him, has worked with him, and can give you an idea of Charlie’s character and qualifications.
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My Turn: Vt. democracy defies moneyed interests
The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued a decision, Citizens United v. Federal Trade Commission, that struck down two limitations on corporate and union political spending in the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act
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Men and women of zeal
As fall gives way to the winter, the hills of Vermont are again visible to the naked eye. Now, perhaps, is a good time for us to revisit our societal commitment to transparency and openness in our public affairs. Three of our cities are facing public embarrassment, outcry and loss of trust as a result
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Let The Sun Shine
In recent years, Vermonters have become increasingly concerned about transparency in government, not only on the national but also the local level. We rightly want to know how our tax dollars are being spent and what decisions are being made on our behalf. Aside from town meetings,
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Presentation at Municipal Clerks’ and Treasurers’ Association
Just Where Do I Stand?
Reviewing the Authority of Town Clerks in Municipal Governance
Presented at the 2009 Vermont Municipal Clerks’ and
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Hearing and Deciding Zoning Appeals
Structuring a Balanced Decision, Block by Block
Serving on a ZBA or DRB is a humbling and thought-provoking experience. At its core, the job requires us to decide whether a neighbor can, or cannot, develop his property in the way he
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Why I’m Running for State Office
Voters have a right to know why someone wants their vote for elective office. There are many offices, many more candidates, and important decisions to make.
We make choices based on experience and character. Voters often choose incumbents because incumbents are known, and challengers are not. This year there is no incumbent in the race for [...]
