While Vermonters debate school budgets and whether to spend money on equipment on Town Meeting Day, some communities also will take up resolutions opposing the transport of tar sands oil through Vermont and recommending a ban on assault weapons.
The resolutions are nonbinding but petitioners hope they send a message.
Portland Pipe Line Corp CEO Larry Wilson told lawmakers this week that his company is willing to move tar sands oil from Canada across northern New England but has no plans to do so.
Environmentalists are concerned about potential spills and that burning the oil will worsen climate change.
Six towns also will consider recommending a ban on assault weapons and requiring universal background checks for gun sales in the wake of the December school shooting in Connecticut.