WEDNESDAY'S HUM ( 10-18-06 )

DUNNE BELL
Just as we criticized Gov Douglas for his misguided campaign strategy against Scudder Parker, we also criticize Lt. Gov candidate Matt Dunne for his silly attacks on Brian Dubie's work habits. In a radio debate on WDEV, Dunne took exception to Dubie being out of his office so much, and said Dubie wasn't earning his 61K Lt. Gov salary. Dubie said he doesn't have to sit at a desk in Montpelier to work hard, which he has stated before. He is proud of his travels around the state and abroad, and feels much can be done being 'on the road'. Dubie later leveled Dunne, stating that Dunne has missed 36 per cent of his legislative votes.
Dunne, who has won many supporters with his fresh approach to campaigning, is seen as a good guy with smart ideas and bountiful energy. The Hum applauds his ' service campaign', in which he and his staff work on volunteer projects as they tour the state. The last thing Dunne should be doing is getting into a pissing contest with Dubie about the Lt. Gov's office attendance. Dubie is basically seen as a nice guy, a patriot and a diplomat proud of his travels as an ambassador for Vermont.
Dunne would be well-advised to keep it clean, keep hammering home his service politics philosophy and keep smiling. He's got great teeth!
For additional reading, link to this solid article by Darren Allen and the Rutland Herald.

FIVE CORNERS UPDATE
Thank goodness for the Essex Junction Five Corners Light. I was at home yesterday looking for a quiet place to study the Essex merger plans. I would need a couple of hours, at least. Hmmm. Where could I go? Then it hit me! I could get in my car and study the plans while I was waiting for the light to change. Perfect! That would give me a few hours without ringing phones, blaring tvs, etc.
I was able to digest the complicated merger plans, and still had time left over to read the new Vermont Maturity from cover to cover. It was grand!
Submitted by Brian McClintock.