Madeline G. Arms

Eastes: bridging our local perspectives to find common ground

VERNON-Liberal, progressive, conservative, orthodox, right wing, left wing - descriptive words that we use to define people and their beliefs. Powerful language that sets up barriers instead of bridges and leads to awkward and sometimes confusing communications.

I have had the opportunity to speak at length with Zon Eastes. Our discussions covered our respective towns - mine Vernon, his Guilford - and the ways we've been trying to bridge our local perspectives to find common ground.

We've discussed combined efforts to seek economic prosperity, good social connections, and a brighter future for both towns that in the past were primarily agricultural, mountain towns with limited opportunities.

My perspective tends to be prudent. (I guess you could label it conservative.) I believe Zon tends to have a more relaxed view, but we both shared a solid hope for a more rational, down-to-earth approach to Vernon, Guilford, and Vermont's issues and for reality-based, considered legislation that serves Vermonters' best interests.

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