Letter to the Pownal Select Board: Please act

Something must be done to control the noise from the motocross track on Northwest Hill and the model airplanes at the former racetrack.

We live around a deep valley and the noise carries upward, affecting all residents on both sides of Route 7. Could we not have some courtesy and neighborly respect for the surrounding residents who are subjected to sometimes relentless noise? As taxpayers in a rural residential zone, we have the right to enjoy some peace and quiet on our country properties. Mr. Pollert’s permit application was denied by the Development Review Board in September 2011. Yet, he continues to operate with motorcycles arriving by truck from Vermont, Massachusetts and New York. We are requesting the zoning administrator enforce the bylaws and issue a cease and desist order to Mr. Pollert.

The model airplanes at the racetrack also create offensive noise and many times it continues until 7 or 8 p.m. We request to see the permit application for their recent air show for which they may have charged admission, entrance fees and sold refreshments. The noise disturbs everyone and the planes flying directly over Route 7 have actually frightened motorists. How can this be permitted?

We would gladly invite members of the board to visit our homes to experience a "quiet, peaceful" day and see if you would like this in your yard. Enclosed is a petition signed by affected residents.

PAMELA A.L. LYTTLE

Pownal

Support Illuzzi for Vermont auditor of accounts

In past years when I have canvassed door-to-door, I was taken aback by those who said, "I’m not voting; I don’t want to encourage either of them."

That’s clearly not a good option. This year there are a few primary decisions to be made. So, first, be informed and vote Aug. 28 or before at the clerk’s office.

This letter is about Essex-Orleans Sen. Vincent Illuzzi, who I met in March when he chaired a state Senate hearing in Brattleboro. He has served 31 years in the Vermont Senate. I was impressed by his interest, by his knowledge, his insight, by the fact that he really listened to people, and that he could take their ideas and put them into legislation.

I’ve since learned that, during his time in office, he has championed many programs throughout the state: preserving farmland, protecting affordable housing, including mobile home parks, sponsoring schools, theaters and police barracks. Now, Vincent Illuzzi wants to run for state auditor of accounts. I think his experience in getting things done will go a long way toward his understanding of how things work in his new role.

As for the partisan business, Vince is classified as "an independent, moderate Republican," and he has worked well and effectively with Democrats and Progressives. A Democrat recently told me that Vince could usually find a way to get his colleagues on the right to listen and come to agreement. There are some campaigns that are not about party affiliation but about what a candidate has done for the community and what knowledge and skills that candidate can bring to the office.

Proof of Vince’s bipartisan appeal is that he received the Democratic nomination for state senator in no less than six elections from write in votes on the Democratic Party primary ballot. In my opinion, we extend that bipartsan level of support to a statewide office: If you are voting in the Democratic Primary, write in "Vincent Illuzzi" for auditor of accounts.

DAVID A. OESER

Brattleboro