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Burlingtonians had a chance to share their opinions and concerns on a host of issues around livability in a citywide survey conducted by AARP Vermont and released today. AARP Vermont held a briefing for Burlington officials, stakeholder groups and the press today to share these research findings from the household survey of 500 residents over age 45. The report is entitled The Path to Livability: A Citizen Survey of Burlington, VT.

Most Vermonters feel that ratepayers should not bear the costs of a gas pipeline nor be subject to higher rates to fund Vermont Gas System’s (VGS) Adison Natural Gas Project, according to a recent survey by AARP Vermont of registered voters across the state. Furthermore, most of those surveyed said they would be more likely to support a candidate who committed to ensuring that regulators advocated for affordable residential utility rates. Most felt they needed better representation from regulators at the state level regarding utility costs and that there should have been far more transparency on the increasing costs of the VGS pipeline project.

Every 2 seconds someone's identity is stolen!!

Congratulations go out to Doug Masson of Cambridge who was recently recognized as Volunteer of the Year for the Northeast region of the AARP Driver Safety Program. Doug is well deserving of the award and is an example of the kind of volunteer who routinely goes above and beyond -- for both his students and in supporting the statewide program. Dave Peters, former state coordinator for Vermont shared the following upon nominating Doug for this recognition:

Take a father, grandfather or grandchild out to the ballpark on Father's Day! AARP has made 100 free tickets available for the June 21 game against the Lowell Spinners! Tickets are available only after June 1. Call 802-655-6611 or stop by the box office at Centennial Field in Burlington -- after June 1.

Witho ut a doubt, the Vermont Gas pipeline project has stirred up plenty of controversy. There’s environmental impact challenges, troubling property rights issues and even the fracking debate, but little has been said about who is paying the freight on this monumental undertaking. Current ratepayers! Over the next 35 years, ratepayers will have to pony up over $270 million in additional rates to pay for what is now at least a $153 million endeavor. All of this is justified by a claim that the overall public good is being served. That rationale is questionable at best.

Free Shredding Day In South Burlington:

Nearly 700 residents of Orleans County, including over 300 from Newport, responded to a citywide survey of livability needs and issues spotlighting a number of key findings as the city works towards becoming more “age friendly”. The findings will help inform the work of the Newport Age Friendly Advisory Council as they formulate recommendations and develop an action plan moving forward. The areas of focus in the survey centered on the following:

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