John Clifford Journalist Profile

Articles

VIDEO: Demolition of the former St. Mary's of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Rome

Jan 14, 2025 | romesentinel.com | John Clifford

Previous UTICA — The Mohawk Valley Health System has announced the ad… Next Up WHITESBORO — After having shelved its Warrior nickname as a … Video Player is loading. Current Time 0:00Duration -:-Remaining Time -0:00Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. End of dialog window. Demolition is underway of the former St. Mary's of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Rome, which was damaged by the July 16 tornado.
New conservative voices may shift education talks

Nov 22, 2024 | vtcng.com | John Clifford

To the Editor:The recent national electoral wave for more conservative governance has resulted in alarming changes, and the same general sentiment will also shape the next Vermont legislative session. Conservatives were able to flip 18 House seats and six Senate seats, and elect a new lieutenant governor, reshaping the conversation and direction in Montpelier next year. Sen.
Will we face another 20 percent tax hike?

Oct 24, 2024 | vtcng.com | John Clifford

To the Editor:Here’s an update regarding education spending for this next fiscal year. First, as far as the legislative commission tasked with studying changes to education law in Vermont is concerned, it’s a mixed bag. There has been a total of 13 meetings, several reports and data presentations by the Agency of Education, some public input and several jam board ideas. I have attended every session.
Why suddenly conservative voices make sense

Oct 3, 2024 | vtcng.com | John Clifford

To the Editor:By any measure, I have existed for the past 60 or more years as a moderate Democrat with some progressive leanings. I believe the government should tax and spend when it makes sense, hate corporate greed and believe no CEO should make more than 200 percent of the lowest paid worker. How is it then that I suddenly this year find myself listening to so many conservative voices when it comes to affordability and spending? Because they are making sense.
School committee unlikely to fix spending problem

Sep 12, 2024 | vtcng.com | John Clifford

To the Editor:Sept. 4 was the kickoff meeting of Legislature’s Finance Study Subcommittee, part of the 13-member larger Education Study Commission of Act 183 enacted in June. If the appointed members of this committee didn’t give you pause, then the results of the first meeting should. In its first act, the decision was made to appoint Rep. Emilie Kornheiser of Brattleboro as chair.
New chief takes helm in Hinesburg

Sep 5, 2024 | vtcng.com | John Clifford

I met with Hinesburg town manager Todd Odit recently to discuss the selection of our newly minted fire chief, and he told me that there were a total of seven candidates for the position. Five were interviewed and two became finalists. Odit ultimately selected Prescott Nadeau to fill the position based on his credentials, extensive background, reputation by other fire departments and high-level of professionalism.
Hinesburg man to form citizens group aimed at school spending

Aug 29, 2024 | vtcng.com | John Clifford

At some point all Vermonters come to realize the unique hardships associated with life in beautiful Vermont. That our little state is one of the most expensive in the country to live, work and play. For a variety of similar reasons, big employers like the University of Vermont Medical Center are having trouble attracting and keeping new employees. A lot centers around housing and costs of living.
School spending needs a legislative fix

Aug 1, 2024 | vtcng.com | John Clifford

To the Editor:Here are some recent articles that I found enlightening: “Vermont’s education property tax system is not broken,” Rob Roper, Vermont Daily Chronicle; “Setting the record straight on education funding in Vermont,” Pattie McCoy, Mountain Times; and “Lack of transparency means unchecked tax increases, school bills,” Ben Kinsley, The Citizen. Roper points out that in 1997 when Act 60 became law, Vermont had 106,000 students and a state school budget of $840 million.
Severe Weather New York

Jul 17, 2024 | buffalonews.com | John Clifford

The B-52 that is on display outside of the Griffiss Business Park was blown off its moorings by a tornado, in Rome, N.Y., Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Much of the U.S. and Canada is cleaning up or still dealing with a new wave of severe storms that have caused deaths and damage this week from the Plains to New England.
Severe Weather New York

Jul 17, 2024 | djournal.com | John Clifford