(Host) Some of the stories in the news this week included questions about cellular phone service in Vermont, consolidation of small school districts, continued concerns about health problems in a Bennington office building, and the lighting of a Vermont Christmas tree at the U.S. Capitol.
Here’s a listen back to some of the voices in the news this week:
Racine says he’s considering another race for governor
(State Sen. Doug Racine) "I ran a close race in 2002, and while it’s discouraging to lose, I was encouraged enough by coming close to want to try again. So as people are suggesting that I think about it this year, and think that it could be an interesting race, and winnable race, I said I would think about it. So it’s the very early part of a thought process, and it’s got a long way to go."
Cate says Vermont needs fewer school districts
(Education Commissioner Richard Cate) "Today, you have a lot of small schools who, especially with declining enrollment, they are struggling to continue programs that students need and in some cases they’re struggling to stay open."
Bennington workers leery of returning to state office complex
(Acting Health Commissioner Sharon Moffatt) "We would not be sitting here before you with the information that we have and ask you to take a risk. We are telling you that with this remediation that you will be walking into a safe building."
Brattleboro man walks for impeachment
(John Nirenberg) "This march is to draw attention to what I see as a constitutional crisis and unfortunately I don’t see the political courage to take it on."
Consumer advocates concerned about wireless swap
(Paul Burns, VPIRG) "With AT&T and Verizon wireless we have two companies with vast resources. And Vermonters have a right to expect that that those two corporate giants will be required to guarantee cell phone service throughout the state at a reasonable cost.”
U.S. House approves legislation to make major change in fuel mileage standards
(Congressman Peter Welch) "This energy bill turns the page from a country that has been excessively dependent on oil consumption, to a country that is going to be self confident in its people, in its resources and its ingenuity to take on the energy challenge and turn it into energy opportunity."
Vermont tree lights up Capitol
(House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you. Thank you, Vermont!" (Crowd cheers)