John Walters
@thevpo.bsky.social
Blogger about Vermont politics, keeper of house rabbits, Detroit sports and #ncfc fan
I think @thepressbox.bsky.social just came up with the best possible title for the inevitable film treatment of the Nuzzi/Lizza/RFK/et al saga: “Love Rhombus”
November 25, 2025 at 8:37 PM
I think @thepressbox.bsky.social just came up with the best possible title for the inevitable film treatment of the Nuzzi/Lizza/RFK/et al saga: “Love Rhombus”
Tidbit buried deep in the administration's response to Doug Hoffer's latest audit: The audited program is operating with two-thirds of the recommended number of inspectors. Gee, I wonder why they can't handle the work.
thevpo.org/2025/11/24/j...
thevpo.org/2025/11/24/j...
Just Another Sad Example of Scott Administration Fecklessness
This isn’t a big deal. It’s not nearly as consequential as the Scott administration’s fumbling (and/or deliberately sabotagey) response to widespread homelessness or its stubborn …
thevpo.org
November 24, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Tidbit buried deep in the administration's response to Doug Hoffer's latest audit: The audited program is operating with two-thirds of the recommended number of inspectors. Gee, I wonder why they can't handle the work.
thevpo.org/2025/11/24/j...
thevpo.org/2025/11/24/j...
Those directly benefiting from Gov. Phil Scott's back-to-commute order have given more than $41,000 to Scott and other Republicans. It's not a direct quid pro quo, but it does reflect Scott's membership in, and identification with, the interests of the moneyed class.
thevpo.org/2015/12/02/w...
thevpo.org/2015/12/02/w...
Wait, was that Vermont or Texas?
Imagine, if you will, a high-profile statewide campaign launch held in the ballroom of a semi-swanky hotel. In addition to the usual banners, balloons, etc., the room also contains four gas-powered…
thevpo.org
November 20, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Those directly benefiting from Gov. Phil Scott's back-to-commute order have given more than $41,000 to Scott and other Republicans. It's not a direct quid pro quo, but it does reflect Scott's membership in, and identification with, the interests of the moneyed class.
thevpo.org/2015/12/02/w...
thevpo.org/2015/12/02/w...
This hits different in a deep blue state where the ballot initiative process DOESN'T EXIST. Only the Legislature can put a question before the voters. It's anti-democratic, but we accept it as a given.
A win for democracy advocates in Arkansas:
This spring, I wrote the GOP had passed a real barrage of laws there to effectively kill the ballot initiative process. See below.
A federal judge yesterday granted a preliminary injunction against many of the laws: arkansasadvocate.com/2025/11/19/j...
This spring, I wrote the GOP had passed a real barrage of laws there to effectively kill the ballot initiative process. See below.
A federal judge yesterday granted a preliminary injunction against many of the laws: arkansasadvocate.com/2025/11/19/j...
“It Just Feels Like Death”: Barrage of New Rules Target Arkansas Ballot Initiatives - Bolts
It’s a familiar sight in Arkansas: Canvassers stop passersby in front of a local grocery store or town library and ask them if they’d be willing to sign a petition... Read More
boltsmag.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:32 PM
This hits different in a deep blue state where the ballot initiative process DOESN'T EXIST. Only the Legislature can put a question before the voters. It's anti-democratic, but we accept it as a given.
Joe Biden attending Dick Cheney's funeral is the most Joe Biden thing ever.
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Biden plans to attend Dick Cheney's funeral
Cheney's funeral is slated to take place at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington on Nov. 20.
www.usatoday.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Joe Biden attending Dick Cheney's funeral is the most Joe Biden thing ever.
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
@thepressbox.bsky.social Am I right in understanding that Olivia Nuzzi claims to be uniquely qualified to tell her story BECAUSE of her sleazy, unprofessional behavior? I mean, I don't care how good a writer she is. There's something ethically and morally bankrupt at the center of this.
November 19, 2025 at 8:08 PM
@thepressbox.bsky.social Am I right in understanding that Olivia Nuzzi claims to be uniquely qualified to tell her story BECAUSE of her sleazy, unprofessional behavior? I mean, I don't care how good a writer she is. There's something ethically and morally bankrupt at the center of this.
The Chittenden Central Senate district could see a stunning seven names on the Democratic primary ballot, including the three incumbents and as many as four challengers. It would be one for the history books.
thevpo.org/2025/11/19/t...
thevpo.org/2025/11/19/t...
‘Tis the Season for Strained Racing Analogies
Looks like a real contest is developing in the Chittenden Central state Senate district, where three seats will be up for grabs in 2026. The three sitting solons, who seem likely to run for re-elec…
thevpo.org
November 19, 2025 at 8:05 PM
The Chittenden Central Senate district could see a stunning seven names on the Democratic primary ballot, including the three incumbents and as many as four challengers. It would be one for the history books.
thevpo.org/2025/11/19/t...
thevpo.org/2025/11/19/t...
Gov. Phil Scott claims the School District Redistricting Task Force "failed" to accomplish its mission. He's factually wrong, as it happens. But he also ignores the real culprit: himself.
thevpo.org/2025/11/17/t...
thevpo.org/2025/11/17/t...
They Didn’t Fail, Governor. You Did.
After the School District Redistricting Task Force* recommended a voluntary plan instead of new district maps, Gov. Phil Scott responded with guns a-blazin’. And as is often the case when you…
thevpo.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Gov. Phil Scott claims the School District Redistricting Task Force "failed" to accomplish its mission. He's factually wrong, as it happens. But he also ignores the real culprit: himself.
thevpo.org/2025/11/17/t...
thevpo.org/2025/11/17/t...
I realize we all gotta make a buck however we can, but this seems a bit egregious. Story about downtown "brought to you by Pomerleau Real Estate." I guess it's okay because it's labeled PAID POST in little tiny print.
November 13, 2025 at 10:14 PM
I realize we all gotta make a buck however we can, but this seems a bit egregious. Story about downtown "brought to you by Pomerleau Real Estate." I guess it's okay because it's labeled PAID POST in little tiny print.
The panel tasked with redrawing school district boundaries just told the governor and Legislature, in so many words, that the task was impossible in the time given.
thevpo.org/2025/11/13/t...
thevpo.org/2025/11/13/t...
This Is How a Bunch of Distinguished Vermonters Tells the Governor and Legislature to Go Fuck Themselves
Well, the panel tasked with drawing new school district maps for the entire state has essentially turned down the assignment and tossed the whole mess back into the laps of Our Political Betters. I…
thevpo.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:36 PM
The panel tasked with redrawing school district boundaries just told the governor and Legislature, in so many words, that the task was impossible in the time given.
thevpo.org/2025/11/13/t...
thevpo.org/2025/11/13/t...
My latest media roundup includes two very different stories about immigration, two devastating accounts of the school redistricting process, a pianist's remembrance of his father, and a strained pun headline for the ages.
thevpo.org/2025/11/11/n...
thevpo.org/2025/11/11/n...
News You Should View: Support Your Local Newsroom Edition
Before we get to the best of Vermont media, a reminder that many organizations have begun their end-of-year fundraising campaigns. In these uncertain times there are numerous causes clamoring for a…
thevpo.org
November 11, 2025 at 7:04 PM
My latest media roundup includes two very different stories about immigration, two devastating accounts of the school redistricting process, a pianist's remembrance of his father, and a strained pun headline for the ages.
thevpo.org/2025/11/11/n...
thevpo.org/2025/11/11/n...
Paul Dame barely survived a challenge to his leadership of the Vermont Republican Party. His prospects for future success are questionable at best.
thevpo.org/2025/11/10/t...
thevpo.org/2025/11/10/t...
There Is Nothing Like a Dame
Congratulations, I guess? to Paul Dame for his re-election as Vermont Republican Party chair. He overcame a challenge by state Sen. Russ Ingalls in a 50-47 vote at the party’s convention on S…
thevpo.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Paul Dame barely survived a challenge to his leadership of the Vermont Republican Party. His prospects for future success are questionable at best.
thevpo.org/2025/11/10/t...
thevpo.org/2025/11/10/t...
Vermont Democrats and Republicans are about to elect party chairs. The Dem contest features two young men conducting polite campaigns, while the VTGOP race borrows heavily from "Lord of the Flies."
thevpo.org/2025/11/06/i...
thevpo.org/2025/11/06/i...
It’d Be More Fun If the Party Conventions Looked Like This
Hey, time for an update on the races for state party chairs! Feel the excitement! The Vermont Democratic and Republican parties are electing chairs this month. Both races are contested, but that…
thevpo.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Vermont Democrats and Republicans are about to elect party chairs. The Dem contest features two young men conducting polite campaigns, while the VTGOP race borrows heavily from "Lord of the Flies."
thevpo.org/2025/11/06/i...
thevpo.org/2025/11/06/i...
Sen. Peter Welch is one of eight "moderate Democratic Senators" actively trying to bargain an end to the government shutdown. To put it another way, surrender. Not exactly in tune with his constituents.
thevpo.org/2025/11/05/h...
thevpo.org/2025/11/05/h...
Hey Look, Peter Welch Is a “Moderate,” Says So Right There
The calculus may have changed given the Democratic sweep of Tuesday’s elections, but according to a story published Monday by The Hill, a group of “at least eight moderate Senate Democr…
thevpo.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Sen. Peter Welch is one of eight "moderate Democratic Senators" actively trying to bargain an end to the government shutdown. To put it another way, surrender. Not exactly in tune with his constituents.
thevpo.org/2025/11/05/h...
thevpo.org/2025/11/05/h...
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
(Yet another Famous Quotation apparently never said by the attributee)
(Yet another Famous Quotation apparently never said by the attributee)
im not mad. please dont put in the newspaper that i got mad.
November 5, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
(Yet another Famous Quotation apparently never said by the attributee)
(Yet another Famous Quotation apparently never said by the attributee)
Oh look, former VTDigger journalist speaking at VTGOP convention, telling attendees about "important Republican Party objectives."
(And yes, VTGOP spelled her name wrong.)
(And yes, VTGOP spelled her name wrong.)
November 5, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Oh look, former VTDigger journalist speaking at VTGOP convention, telling attendees about "important Republican Party objectives."
(And yes, VTGOP spelled her name wrong.)
(And yes, VTGOP spelled her name wrong.)
Outgoing state senator Larry Hart, Sr. would like to ban those not born in Vermont from holding elective office here. WHAAT?
thevpo.org/2025/11/05/y...
thevpo.org/2025/11/05/y...
You Know, Maybe We’re Better Off Without Larry Hart
Seven Days’ legislative reporter Hannah Bassett is out with a short piece about Larry Hart’s resignation as state senator from the Orange district, not named in honor of Donald Trump…
thevpo.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Outgoing state senator Larry Hart, Sr. would like to ban those not born in Vermont from holding elective office here. WHAAT?
thevpo.org/2025/11/05/y...
thevpo.org/2025/11/05/y...
Is it just me, or is it noteworthy that Phil Scott's top environmental official has come out with guns a-blazing in an op-ed aimed squarely at Vermont's environmental community?
thevpo.org/2025/11/03/j...
thevpo.org/2025/11/03/j...
Julie Moore, Off the Top Rope
I don’t know whose idea it was to make Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore the lead signatory on an opinion essay aimed squarely at Vermont’s environmental community, but… it&…
thevpo.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:08 AM
Is it just me, or is it noteworthy that Phil Scott's top environmental official has come out with guns a-blazing in an op-ed aimed squarely at Vermont's environmental community?
thevpo.org/2025/11/03/j...
thevpo.org/2025/11/03/j...
Phil Scott's back-to-the-office order may or may not result in leasing office space owned by his friends and political supporters, but it will definitely cost something -- at a time of tremendous fiscal uncertainty for state government.
thevpo.org/2025/11/03/p...
thevpo.org/2025/11/03/p...
Phil Scott’s Back-to-the-Office Order Is Going to Cost Something, Whether He Wants to Admit It or Not
There are questions circulating in legislative circles about the potential cost of Gov. Phil Scott’s return-to-office mandate, which takes effect on December 1 and requires at least three day…
thevpo.org
November 3, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Phil Scott's back-to-the-office order may or may not result in leasing office space owned by his friends and political supporters, but it will definitely cost something -- at a time of tremendous fiscal uncertainty for state government.
thevpo.org/2025/11/03/p...
thevpo.org/2025/11/03/p...
Resigning state Sen. Larry Hart is disappointed that he couldn't waltz into the Statehouse and immediately accomplish his major priorities. It's a common theme among Republican lawmakers of the current generation.
thevpo.org/2025/11/01/t...
thevpo.org/2025/11/01/t...
Turns Out, Lawmaking is Hard
Vermont Sen. Larry Hart, Sr. has become the second rookie Republican state senator to tender his resignation less than a year after voters chose him to represent their interests. Hart’s reaso…
thevpo.org
November 1, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Resigning state Sen. Larry Hart is disappointed that he couldn't waltz into the Statehouse and immediately accomplish his major priorities. It's a common theme among Republican lawmakers of the current generation.
thevpo.org/2025/11/01/t...
thevpo.org/2025/11/01/t...
More evidence that Nicholas Deml left no positive impact on the Department of Corrections: The state of Vermont's employee engagement survey shows a staff that's disaffected and aggrieved, and see their workplace as unhealthy.
thevpo.org/2025/10/30/m...
thevpo.org/2025/10/30/m...
More Evidence That Nicholas Deml Was a Failure
It’s been a minute since I wrote about the disastrous tenure of Nicholas Deml as corrections commissioner. To recap, he was on the job for the better part of five years and during that time, …
thevpo.org
October 30, 2025 at 5:23 PM
More evidence that Nicholas Deml left no positive impact on the Department of Corrections: The state of Vermont's employee engagement survey shows a staff that's disaffected and aggrieved, and see their workplace as unhealthy.
thevpo.org/2025/10/30/m...
thevpo.org/2025/10/30/m...
I sat in on a recent economic forecast tailored for the investor class. Bottom line: The economy is doing just fine.
In the aggregate, that is. All the growth is going to top earners and investors, while the poor and working class are taking it in the shorts.
thevpo.org/2025/10/28/g...
In the aggregate, that is. All the growth is going to top earners and investors, while the poor and working class are taking it in the shorts.
thevpo.org/2025/10/28/g...
Greetings From Elysium. How’s the Weather Down There?
Recently I had the opportunity to sit in on an update and short-term forecast of the economy and the markets. It was an exercise in what they call “wealth management” — stewardship on b…
thevpo.org
October 29, 2025 at 1:38 AM
I sat in on a recent economic forecast tailored for the investor class. Bottom line: The economy is doing just fine.
In the aggregate, that is. All the growth is going to top earners and investors, while the poor and working class are taking it in the shorts.
thevpo.org/2025/10/28/g...
In the aggregate, that is. All the growth is going to top earners and investors, while the poor and working class are taking it in the shorts.
thevpo.org/2025/10/28/g...
@thepressbox.bsky.social "Podcaster" is the new "blogger in Mom's basement"
awfulannouncing.com/college-foot...
awfulannouncing.com/college-foot...
Tim Brando dismisses 'podcasters' criticizing Luke Fickell
Tim Brando dismissed criticism of Luke Fickell's high school coach relationships as coming from podcasters who don't know much.
awfulannouncing.com
October 26, 2025 at 6:36 PM
@thepressbox.bsky.social "Podcaster" is the new "blogger in Mom's basement"
awfulannouncing.com/college-foot...
awfulannouncing.com/college-foot...
Gov. Phil Scott's Burlington action plan is "a combo platter of disappointing, punitive, and cheap." Did we really expect anything more?
thevpo.org/2025/10/26/a...
thevpo.org/2025/10/26/a...
A Band-Aid on a Broken Arm
Welp, Gov. Phil Scott has unveiled his 14-point “short-term action plan” (his words, underlining the lack of sustained commitment) to improve public safety in Burlington. And, unsurpris…
thevpo.org
October 26, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Gov. Phil Scott's Burlington action plan is "a combo platter of disappointing, punitive, and cheap." Did we really expect anything more?
thevpo.org/2025/10/26/a...
thevpo.org/2025/10/26/a...
@thepressbox.bsky.social Now taking bets on the intentionality of this headline
www.timesargus.com/news/local/c...
www.timesargus.com/news/local/c...
Conn. man pleads not guilty to defrauding State Treasurer's office
BURLINGTON — A Connecticut man pleaded not guilty in federal court in Burlington this week to defrauding the office of the Vermont State Treasurer out of nearly $475,000.
www.timesargus.com
October 25, 2025 at 8:38 PM
@thepressbox.bsky.social Now taking bets on the intentionality of this headline
www.timesargus.com/news/local/c...
www.timesargus.com/news/local/c...