The Vermont Political Observer is the political blog of John Walters, author, journalist, editor, and — well — observer of Vermont politics. Views and opinions entirely my own. I started writing this in 2014 after a few years as part of the “Green Mountain Daily” group blog. The VPO went into cold storage in late 2016 when Seven Days hired me as its “Fair Game” political columnist, a gig which concluded in August 2019. And now I’m back here.
My background is in journalism, mostly radio, and mostly public radio. I’ve been a working reporter in Michigan, New Hampshire, and Vermont. I’m the author of one book, Roads Less Traveled: Visionary New England Lives, published by Plaidswede Press. It’s a collection of life stories of some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. Not at all political. If you’re interested, drop me a line.
I can be reached via email at “jvwalt [at] myfairpoint [dot] net”.
The Vermont Political Observer. 
John Walters, story teller…. The next Mac Parker…
Ain’t tried to take nobody’s money yet.
I enjoy your site, John! Glad to include it as a regular feature of my day. I will also be linking to it on the Springfield Town Democratic committee’s Facebook page.
Who’s the guy in the photo on your home page? You should consider moving the image down or otherwise redesigning the page because it’s boring to see that kisser every time (daily) I open to VPO.
How DARE you refer to the great Warren Gamaliel Harding as “boring”? I like to think he classes up the joint, especially his pretending to type. (No paper in the machine.)
At first I thought that Mr. Harding was Izzy Stone! Both great journalists…
The best part of the Harding pic is that there’s no paper in the typewriter.
jvwalt! Smartest guy on GMD back in the day! Keep up the good work. — Nate Freeman, aka mydog.
Great post, John!
Don’t know how else to reach you. Here’s an image you might want to include on your J-related carousel, though there might be copyright issues:
http://artdaily.com/news/81877/-Norman-Rockwell-Visits-a-Country-Editor–highlights-Christie-s-American-Art-Sale#.Vg_NGlWrTIU
Good post, we need to start paying attention to what is happening due to the weather. The ski areas are losing millions during the holiday season Xmas-New Years. This is going to blow our tax revenues out of the water next year and where is Montpelier going to make it up? We are in for big problems in our state next year and the small towns which are already paying too high property taxes are going to really suffer.
noticed your piece about the Green Mountain Bathroom protest, I was proud to be the organizer of that protest. You rock dude
Aww, shucks.
Hey John, Nice job with your website/info/analysis.
Could you please post a list of Vermont GOP politicians that have endorsed Trump, or repudiated Trump, or are ignoring Trump (!!), or are “leading by waffling.” Thanks.
As far as I know, Brian Savage is the highest-ranking Republican who’s standing with Trump. It’d be tough to find out how all the Republican lawmakers stand. Beyond my (nonexistent) pay grade.
The St. Albans Messenger asked candidates that question some time ago but it might be hard to find. I believe Rep. Gamache was a Trumper but I think there are more FC republicans carrying his torch. Will look it up.
The comment option isn’t easy to use. After writing a reply and hitting “submit,” a writer is asked to log in, and it appears the comment then has to be written again from scratch. That may be the reason my Sept 22 reply to your Bernie post hasn’t appeared on the website. Am I doing something wrong, or is the process not user-friendly?
I’m a dunce when it comes to WordPress’ internal workings, so I can’t offer much help on the comment process. As for your 9/22 comment, I have to confess I got behind on comment moderation this week. Expect to see it pop up shortly.
It was Jean O’Sullivan that Emma beat.
Perhaps you could reach out to Christina Nolan – As I understand it, the USA in Ohio has committed to investigating and prosecuting if crimes are uncovered – for citizens of Ohio. Wonder if the same applies to USA Nolan in Vermont? I called the office – but was only able to leave a message. Cheers