Since I began my quest for the office of state representative, hundreds of people in my district have encouraged me to continue with their firm support. I have also received the endorsement of the National Educational Association and the National Rifle Association.

I believe that the citizens of House District 2-1 and these two very different organizations have reached out to my campaign because of my flexibility, my commitment to fiscal responsibility, my belief in the liberty of all, and my understanding of the need for a high quality educational system. All of these ideas are currently in danger.

My idea of choice and balance stems from my years of experience as a teacher and as principal. The Vermont Legislature will need to face both of these concepts in the next session. Let me give you some facts:

The state and teachers retirement funds have been underfunded to the tune of $1.2 billion.

The 2014 budget already faces a $55 million shortfall due to the loss of stimulus money and a smaller contribution from the state General Fund. The current laws governing education alone fills a book almost 600 pages long.

Our personal liberty is under attack as we face more and more mandates from the federal government.

We face a single-payer health system that will increase taxes, reduce individual choices and fails to provide transparency about where the money will come from to pay the bill.

The damage from Hurricane Irene has been costly to repair.

Our state government will somehow need to balance all of these needs and many more in its next session. I believe I can provide a fresh voice in this debate and promise to use balance as we make the necessary choices to move a forward.

WARREN ROAF

Bennington

The Eagles are seeking your help to provide annual Thanksgiving dinners

Things are getting very busy at the Bennington Eagles as once again it's that time of year when we, the Bennington Fraternal Order of Eagles are eagerly getting ready for our annual free Thanksgiving Dinner for Senior Citizens, those that are shut in and the needy in Bennington County. This is a one-day event to be held the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, Nov. 21, this year. Anyone who needs a dinner can contact BROC, Bennington Council on Aging, or BPI. We are doing many fundraisers to help with this big event, and we are again looking for your help for donations to support this worthy cause.

We look forward to this event every year and without your help, it would not be possible. We thank you in advance for any donation (money, food, paper products, etc.) that you maybe able to help us out with.

Please make any checks payable to: F.O.E. Aerie #1861.

We also need volunteer drivers that day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to get our dinners delivered. If you are available and can drive between those hours, please call 802-442-9780 and leave your name and telephone number with the bartender. Also if you have any questions or concerns about this event, please feel free to call our Aerie.

WILLIAM BRUSO

Worthy Secretary

Fraternal Order of Eagles

Bennington Aerie #1861