Vermont Viewpoint

Vermont House Minority Leader Pattie McCoy joins the show to recap the 2026 Vermont legislative session and discuss why affordability remained such a major issue. The conversation will cover property taxes, education spending, health care costs, and legislation Republicans proposed to address rising costs.

Shella Alcabes, Deputy Head of Litigation, Freedom Foundation discusses the Freedom Foundation’s federal lawsuit challenging New York’s newly enacted Section 216 civil service law. She will explain why the organization halted its New York outreach, how the law could affect efforts to educate public employees about their union membership rights, and why the case could have broader First Amendment implications beyond New York. 

Sofia Hamilton, Health Care Policy Analyst, AFP will talk about the new proposed rules by the VT Department of Health to essentially eliminate the birthing center law passed in 2025. The discussion will examine what is driving health care costs, how mandates and regulations can affect premiums and consumer choice, and policy reforms that could give patients more options, greater control, and more affordable coverage. 



and Vermont State Representative Rob North, Addison-3 discusses what happened during the 2026 legislative session on education, housing, land use, and environmental policy—and why major affordability concerns remain unresolved. North represents Addison-3 and serves on the House Committee on Environment and the Joint Legislative Environmental Oversight Committee.

Chairman Dame is joined by two Democrats who lost their primary but now appear on the General Election ballot as Republicans. During the first hour we’ll hear from elder law attorney Jim Dingley, running for Bennington County Probate judge and discuss some of the issues facing Vermont seniors. Then to close out the show Paul McMannus of the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department talks about the role of High Bailiff.

https://www.dingleylaw.org/

https://www.mcmanus4bailiff.com/

Miriam Boyle -Director of Family Programs -deployment reintegration and new Family Readiness Center

The Vermont National Guard Joint Readiness Program provides education, support, and resources to help service members, veterans, and their families maintain physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual well-being.

https://www.ngfamily.vt.gov/

Lynn LaFleur - Candidate for Vermont State Treasurer (R)

The Vermont State Treasurer serves as the state’s chief banker and investment officer, responsible for managing public funds, state investments, and financial services.

https://lafleur4vttreasurer.com › meet-lafleur

Matt Cota with Meadow Bill Consulting warns about higher home heating prices for fuel this winter

https://www.meadowhillvt.com/

Originally broadcast - Friday, September 25th

Guest: Vermont Gas CEO Neale Lunderville

David is joined by Filmmaker Bess O’Brien to talk about her inspiring new documentary on neighbors helping neighbors across Vermont. These short vignettes show some of the many ways that folks everyday acts across Vermont, weave our communities together.

Later, David will interview Rutland County Senate candidate Dave Wolk. David has a 50 year history of public service in Rutland County from being a teacher, up through every level of education, culminating with nearly two decades as the President of Castleton State College.

Zach Dora, Advocacy Director for Jersey 1st, joins the show to discuss how a new independent contractor rule could impact gig workers, why New Jerseyans and Americans should be free to pursue employment that works best for them, why Vermonters should care, and the final America 250 celebrations.

Clara Morrison, Executive Director of the Right for Vermont Foundation, informs listeners about Proposition 3, what it would do, and the potential economic impacts.

James Morrone, Policy Analyst with Americans for Prosperity, breaks down how energy policy is a top concern for voters in the midterms.  What is causing energy spikes across New England and nationally, and what policy solutions voters should be looking for from candidates to solve the issue.

Chris Maidment, New Hampshire political strategist, updates listeners about the proposal to cap property taxes in New Hampshire, what it would do, how it would restrain local tax increases and local spending, why holding the vote during a general election increases public participation, and why VT should consider a similar proposal.

Representative Richard Bailey (R-Lamoille-2) is a member of the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee.

Mac Teale is a candidate in the Lamoille-2 House District (Belvidere, Hyde Park, Johnson, and Wolcott)

http://www.lamoillerepublicans.com

and Doug Wood is running for a House seat in Chittenden-20 (Colchester Village)

http://dougwoodforvthouse.org

Meghan Sullivan is the Vice President of the Vermont Chamberm, talking about

the 2026 election cycle, and chamber initiatives

Matt Cota with Meadow Hill Consulting will discuss, tax and spending policy in Montpelier, and how Rising fuel prices may affect the agenda, as the U.S.-Iran conflict and disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz have led to sharp changes in the market, including the cost of heating fuel as we head into the colder months.

and Denise Smith- Executive Director -- Vermont council on Rural Development

discusses the Village Trust Initiative (VTI): A partnership with the Preservation Trust of Vermont and the Vermont Community Foundation that helps rural towns build community trusts and fund transformational revitalization projects in historic villages, such as converting general stores or community centers.

Climate Economy Initiative & Model Communities Program: Helps rural towns build economic vitality while cutting emissions through energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and business incubation.

Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund: Offers small grants ranging from $500 to $4,000 for local organizations, municipalities, and businesses implementing local energy and climate solutions.

Town-by-Town Strategic Planning: Facilitates local democratic engagement processes, bringing residents together in community forums to identify local needs, set priorities, and build concrete action plans.

Working Lands Partnership: Supports local farm, food, and forest-based enterprises to strengthen the backbone of Vermont's rural economy. 

In this extended episode, Myers Mermel & Friday Viewpoint host Lachlan Francis discuss the topics of the day live from Tunbridge World's Fair.

Later, Myers Mermel interviews Republican Congressional candidate Gerald Malloy.

Independent Vermont Gubernatorial candidate Brian Judd

Originally broadcast Thursday, September 17, 2026

Brad Ferland & David Zuckerman have gubernatorial candidate Amanda Janoo as their guest from Tunbridge World's Fair