Thomas West
@thomaswest.co
Husband & Father | Army Veteran | Southwest Tech School Board Director | Planning Commissioner & Justice of the Peace in Manchester, Vermont
We’re always told “we can’t afford to pay workers more.”
But somehow there’s always room for another CEO bonus.
It’s not about money. It’s about priorities.
But somehow there’s always room for another CEO bonus.
It’s not about money. It’s about priorities.
July 7, 2025 at 7:48 AM
We’re always told “we can’t afford to pay workers more.”
But somehow there’s always room for another CEO bonus.
It’s not about money. It’s about priorities.
But somehow there’s always room for another CEO bonus.
It’s not about money. It’s about priorities.
The budget bill makes one thing painfully clear. They turned cruelty into policy, stripping care from families while handing out favors to the wealthy.
July 4, 2025 at 9:21 AM
The budget bill makes one thing painfully clear. They turned cruelty into policy, stripping care from families while handing out favors to the wealthy.
Vermont just took a big step for veterans.
S.51 exempts military retirement income up to $125K, covers survivor benefits, adds a $250 credit for low-income vets, and expands key tax credits.
It’s a start. But all veterans deserve dignity in retirement—no carve-outs, no income tests.
S.51 exempts military retirement income up to $125K, covers survivor benefits, adds a $250 credit for low-income vets, and expands key tax credits.
It’s a start. But all veterans deserve dignity in retirement—no carve-outs, no income tests.
July 1, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Vermont just took a big step for veterans.
S.51 exempts military retirement income up to $125K, covers survivor benefits, adds a $250 credit for low-income vets, and expands key tax credits.
It’s a start. But all veterans deserve dignity in retirement—no carve-outs, no income tests.
S.51 exempts military retirement income up to $125K, covers survivor benefits, adds a $250 credit for low-income vets, and expands key tax credits.
It’s a start. But all veterans deserve dignity in retirement—no carve-outs, no income tests.
As a veteran, I have seen what happens when leaders send others to fight wars they will never have to feel.
The US should not be dragged into another war. Escalating the Israel-Iran conflict would be devastating.
The Trump government is running the same playbook. #Israel #Iran
The US should not be dragged into another war. Escalating the Israel-Iran conflict would be devastating.
The Trump government is running the same playbook. #Israel #Iran
June 22, 2025 at 8:40 AM
What if local government was designed to help people thrive?
🏠 More housing.
👧🏼 More childcare.
📚 More access to opportunity.
We don’t need permission. We need vision. Let’s lead with #abundance.
🏠 More housing.
👧🏼 More childcare.
📚 More access to opportunity.
We don’t need permission. We need vision. Let’s lead with #abundance.
April 7, 2025 at 12:15 AM
What if local government was designed to help people thrive?
🏠 More housing.
👧🏼 More childcare.
📚 More access to opportunity.
We don’t need permission. We need vision. Let’s lead with #abundance.
🏠 More housing.
👧🏼 More childcare.
📚 More access to opportunity.
We don’t need permission. We need vision. Let’s lead with #abundance.
Parenting through a DEI lens means loving our kids for exactly who they are and teaching them to love themselves just as fiercely.
We are a transracial, adoptive, LGBTQ family. We talk about identity, race, and justice because our kids deserve truth and love in equal measure.
We are a transracial, adoptive, LGBTQ family. We talk about identity, race, and justice because our kids deserve truth and love in equal measure.
April 3, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Parenting through a DEI lens means loving our kids for exactly who they are and teaching them to love themselves just as fiercely.
We are a transracial, adoptive, LGBTQ family. We talk about identity, race, and justice because our kids deserve truth and love in equal measure.
We are a transracial, adoptive, LGBTQ family. We talk about identity, race, and justice because our kids deserve truth and love in equal measure.
It’s now harder to get into a Vermont tech center’s automotive program than UVM.
If we want our kids to build real futures, we need to invest in the people who build our workforce.
Raise the base to $70K. Pay trades educators what they’re worth.
www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2...
If we want our kids to build real futures, we need to invest in the people who build our workforce.
Raise the base to $70K. Pay trades educators what they’re worth.
www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2...
Declining enrollment? Not at Vermont’s tech centers, where waitlists are a mile long
The story of Vermont’s schools these days is largely defined by a declining number of school-aged kids. But the state’s 17 career and technical education centers are beating the odds — and seeing an i...
www.vermontpublic.org
April 1, 2025 at 4:59 PM
It’s now harder to get into a Vermont tech center’s automotive program than UVM.
If we want our kids to build real futures, we need to invest in the people who build our workforce.
Raise the base to $70K. Pay trades educators what they’re worth.
www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2...
If we want our kids to build real futures, we need to invest in the people who build our workforce.
Raise the base to $70K. Pay trades educators what they’re worth.
www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2...
Call your representatives and demand real change. Tell them symbolic protests are not enough. We need action. We need leaders who will fight for our kids, not just hold up paddles in performative outrage.
If shutting down the government is what it takes to protect our kids, then shut it down. #DOE
If shutting down the government is what it takes to protect our kids, then shut it down. #DOE
March 12, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Call your representatives and demand real change. Tell them symbolic protests are not enough. We need action. We need leaders who will fight for our kids, not just hold up paddles in performative outrage.
If shutting down the government is what it takes to protect our kids, then shut it down. #DOE
If shutting down the government is what it takes to protect our kids, then shut it down. #DOE
Some people talk. Others act.
We choose action. We choose commitment. We choose to be activists. And today, we choose to show up.
We choose action. We choose commitment. We choose to be activists. And today, we choose to show up.
March 4, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Some people talk. Others act.
We choose action. We choose commitment. We choose to be activists. And today, we choose to show up.
We choose action. We choose commitment. We choose to be activists. And today, we choose to show up.
I know the stigma firsthand. I remember having to enter a PIN on the days I was hungry enough to ask for food in high school. That is one of the few numbers I still have memorized, 050565.
vtdigger.org/2025/03/03/t...
vtdigger.org/2025/03/03/t...
Opinion — Thomas West: Gov. Phil Scott is wrong on universal school meals
At a time when working families are stretched thinner than ever, this program provides stability.
vtdigger.org
March 3, 2025 at 12:17 PM
I know the stigma firsthand. I remember having to enter a PIN on the days I was hungry enough to ask for food in high school. That is one of the few numbers I still have memorized, 050565.
vtdigger.org/2025/03/03/t...
vtdigger.org/2025/03/03/t...
He’s chosen loyalty and duty to himself over the American People and the Constitution.
“He said, ‘I’ll kill for you sir,” Trump said. “Then he puts on a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat.”
“He said, ‘I’ll kill for you sir,” Trump said. “Then he puts on a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat.”
Trump Makes MAGA Hat-Wearing ‘Killer’ Chairman of Joint Chiefs
Air Force Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine knew what he was doing when he told Trump: “I love you, sir. I think you’re great, sir. I’ll kill for you, sir.”
www.thedailybeast.com
February 23, 2025 at 2:12 PM
He’s chosen loyalty and duty to himself over the American People and the Constitution.
“He said, ‘I’ll kill for you sir,” Trump said. “Then he puts on a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat.”
“He said, ‘I’ll kill for you sir,” Trump said. “Then he puts on a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat.”
Just back from CADCA’s 35th Annual Leadership Forum in D.C. and connected with prevention leaders nationwide. Highlight? Meeting Vermont’s Congressional Delegation—Rep. Becca Balint, Sen. Peter Welch, and Sen. Bernie Sanders—to advocate for stronger prevention efforts in Southern Vermont!
February 9, 2025 at 6:03 AM
Just back from CADCA’s 35th Annual Leadership Forum in D.C. and connected with prevention leaders nationwide. Highlight? Meeting Vermont’s Congressional Delegation—Rep. Becca Balint, Sen. Peter Welch, and Sen. Bernie Sanders—to advocate for stronger prevention efforts in Southern Vermont!
Basketball w Bernie! Alas, I took the photo so I’m not IN the photo.
January 20, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Basketball w Bernie! Alas, I took the photo so I’m not IN the photo.
If only expensive cars were built, not everyone could afford to drive—many would be left without a vehicle. The same goes for housing: building only single-family homes leaves those who can’t afford them without stable housing, affecting the whole community. #housing #housingforall #vermont
January 3, 2025 at 4:42 AM
If only expensive cars were built, not everyone could afford to drive—many would be left without a vehicle. The same goes for housing: building only single-family homes leaves those who can’t afford them without stable housing, affecting the whole community. #housing #housingforall #vermont
“Whatever your family is, it is exactly right and not better or worse than any other family.” @thomaswest.co
December 15, 2024 at 6:20 AM
“Whatever your family is, it is exactly right and not better or worse than any other family.” @thomaswest.co
Serving on the Planning Commission has reminded me of the value of diversity. We may not always agree on the path forward, but I believe we share the same vision for our town's future. I hope this moment fosters connections that help us build a stronger community. www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWeQ...
Manchester Planning Commission 12.02.24
YouTube video by GNAT TV
www.youtube.com
December 4, 2024 at 2:05 AM
Serving on the Planning Commission has reminded me of the value of diversity. We may not always agree on the path forward, but I believe we share the same vision for our town's future. I hope this moment fosters connections that help us build a stronger community. www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWeQ...
I’m excited to share that the Manchester Planning Commission is hosting a public listening session to gather community input for our updated Town Plan. Info here: www.linkedin.com/events/publi...
Public Listening Sessions - Manchester Planning Commission | LinkedIn
I’m excited to share that the Manchester Planning Commission is hosting a public listening session to gather community input for our updated Town Plan. This session will be an opportunity to voice you...
www.linkedin.com
November 24, 2024 at 5:05 AM
I’m excited to share that the Manchester Planning Commission is hosting a public listening session to gather community input for our updated Town Plan. Info here: www.linkedin.com/events/publi...
The election season has concluded, and far too many of us are grappling with a complex mix of emotions—relief, disappointment, hope, fear, anger, and uncertainty. As I reflect on the results, I can't help but personally feel a deep sense of fear and disappointment. #VT
vtdigger.org/2024/11/13/t...
vtdigger.org/2024/11/13/t...
Opinion — Thomas West: Confronting our fears
I urge each of you to stand up and take action. Let's connect with our neighbors, engage in difficult conversations and work together to defend and uphold our shared values.
vtdigger.org
November 16, 2024 at 12:04 AM
The election season has concluded, and far too many of us are grappling with a complex mix of emotions—relief, disappointment, hope, fear, anger, and uncertainty. As I reflect on the results, I can't help but personally feel a deep sense of fear and disappointment. #VT
vtdigger.org/2024/11/13/t...
vtdigger.org/2024/11/13/t...