September 27, 2002 – News at a glance

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Gubernatorial debate
The Progesssive, Independent, Republican and Democratic candidates all agreed on support for alternative energy projects. But the debate highlighted their differences over the impact of the permit process on the state’s economy. The debate was sponsored by the Vermont Natural Resources Council, a statewide environmental group.

Interview: peace summit
Steve Delaney talks with Dr. Dorothy Maver, one of the organizers of the the peace summit at UVM. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)

Congressional resolution on Iraq
Senator Patrick Leahy says the Bush administration has not made a compelling case to invade Iraq to the American people. Leahy also says it’s mistake for Congress to vote on this issue until the United Nations sends weapons inspectors to Iraq. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

Environmental Board
As political candidates debate ways to reform the state’s permit process, Vermont’s Environmental Board has proposed its own changes. The Board oversees the Act 250 development review law. Its proposal could limit environmental groups from participating in Act 250 reviews. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

Cigarette tax
Last spring the Vermont Legislature approved a two-tiered increase in the state cigarette tax. The first hike went into effect July 1 and has had some impact on businesses, state revenues and smokers. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)

NH plane crash
An attorney from Newfane who helped investigate the assassination of President Kennedy is dead. Friends say 71-year-old Wesley Liebeler was the second person killed in a plane crash yesterday in New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. (AP)

Richmond shooting range
A shooting range in Richmond that has operated for at least 80 years is now causing a stir among neighbors. Neighbors say the shooting is louder and more persistent than it used to be. (AP)

MacArthur Genius grants
Paul Wennberg, originally of Waterbury, joins fellow Vermonter Karen Hesse in receiving the $500,000 grant for creative work. (AP)

Legislative vote for governor
If the races for governor and lieutenant governor have to be decided by the Legislature, a Vermont senator thinks Vermonters should know how their legislators voted. Windsor County Democrat Peter Welch plans to introduce a joint resolution in the opening minutes of the legislative session in January to force a public vote, rather than secret ballot. (AP)

Federal judge appointment
Vermont Republicans are joining the call of their Washington counterparts for Senator Patrick Leahy to support one of President Bush’s nominees to a federal appeals court. State GOP Chairman Joseph Acinapura says Miguel Estrada deserves a seat on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Leahy chief of staff Luke Albee says the senator is keeping an open mind on the nomination. (AP)

Arlington company expands
Mack Molding in southern Vermont is hiring 40 new employees at its Vermont plants. Most of the new workers will be hired at the two plants in Arlington. (AP)

State college enrollment
All five Vermont State Colleges had enrollment increases this fall, for the first time in about 20 years. Preliminary figures show an increase of 5% throughout the colleges, bringing total enrollment to 10,800. (AP)

Chittenden County planning commission
The regional planning commission in Chittenden County has selected a real estate agent as one of its commissioners. Sandy Wynne of J.L. Davis in Williston was chosen over a candidate who is against sprawl. Critics say the choice raises questions about the fairness of the 24-member Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. (AP)

Isidore brings rain
The remnants of Hurricane Isidore are spreading across the region today and that’s going to mean a lot of rain in Vermont. Forecasters say the storm is still carrying a lot of rain. (AP)

Dean campaign schedule
Governor Howard Dean is spending Friday in New Hampshire and Maine campaigning for president; this weekend he heads for Texas. On Monday Dean will be in South Carolina and by midweek he’ll be in New York. (AP)

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