vt.Buzz ~ a political blog

Political notes from Free Press staff writers Terri Hallenbeck, Sam Hemingway and Nancy Remsen

11.08.2006

Essex merger, Wednesday

It appears the village of Essex Junction and the town of Essex may have agreed to merge after all. I reported on the blog last night that the long-debated proposal had passed overwhelmingly in the village but failed by a big margin in the town. Here's what went wrong with our reporting, it appears: the village is a doughnut hole in the town. Residents of the village ALSO are residents of the town. So when town votes are totaled, the village must be added in. While Essex officials say they're still checking their numbers, it appears merger may have passed, 4376 to 4167.

Stay tuned to breaking news on the Free Press home page today for a definitive story.

In the meantime, my final thought: I never thought I live to see Essex adopt this sensible solution to double government in my lifetime!

-- Candace Page

posted by vt.Buzz | 11:36 AM |

Comments:

Wouldn't it be something if they saw their taxes drop as a result of less government. If this plays out well, it may become a model for other towns in Vermont.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 12:42 PM, November 08, 2006

Wow--surprising anyone wants to merge with the likes of you. Still, the village wisely overlooked the town's nasty attitude about their neighbors, and we'll all soon be one town with voting, taxes, etc. that actually make sense. I for one, and glad. I really didn't think it would happen this year, but I smile every time I drive by those stupid RIP signs along every street in my town. Good riddence!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 4:48 PM, November 08, 2006

The BFP and its staff were gracious in admitting the errors leading to the erroneous vote conclusion. As a resident of the village of EJ and of the town of E, I am proud that this issue is (hopefully) coming to a close.

The Hatfield vs. McCoy attitude of some parties will sadly persist until, somewhere down the line, the benefits of merger are felt by all. Can't we all just live together?

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 2:11 PM, November 14, 2006