Vermont lawmaker to introduce gay marriage bill
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Times Argus Staff - Published: November 19, 2008
MONTPELIER (AP) — Vermont state Sen. John Campbell says he's going to introduce a gay marriage bill when the Legislature convenes in January.
Campbell says gay marriage is an important issue for many Vermonters, but he calls it a political land mine.
Since 2000 Vermont has allowed same sex couples to be joined in civil unions.
In April, a commission of legislative leaders formed to study whether Vermont should go beyond civil unions and enact gay marriage issued a report supporting gay marriage, but stopped short of recommending such a step.
Campbell says a gay marriage bill probably wouldn't go far unless it was supported by Gov. Jim Douglas.
A Douglas spokesman didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.
Church plans Thanksgiving dinner despite burglary
BRATTLEBORO (AP) — The Agape Christian Fellowship of Brattleboro is planning to go forward with its annual Turkey Dinner despite the loss of $300 to $400 in cash stolen from a church safe.
Pastor Michael Gantt says when he arrived at the church on Monday he found that the office had been damaged and the safe was gone.
The church's 30-year-old annual Turkey Dinner usually attracts 500 to 700 people a year.
Gantt says most of what comes in isn't cash so he's going to be asking people who donated money to write a new check.
The dinner is still being planned for Saturday Nov. 22.
Burlington mayor's race shaping up
BURLINGTON (AP) — Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss is planning to run for a second term on Town Meeting Day in March.
Kiss is facing at least two opponents and a third city politician is considering a run.
Democratic City Councilor Andy Montroll will be making his third shot at becoming mayor of Vermont's largest city.
Independent Dan Smith is making his first run for mayor.
Republican Kurt Wright is also considering a run for mayor.
Montroll, Smith and Wright all say Burlington needs change. Kiss has said he would focus on pointing out his successes in managing the city's financial problems.
Danby fixture business lays off 57 of 90 workers
DANBY (AP) — The economic downturn is hitting a Danby business that makes fixtures for retail and grocery store chains.
The founder of the Vermont Store Fixture Corp. says 57 workers were laid off this month, leaving 30 workers at the company's Route 7 facility.
Founder Bob Sherman says the company's average employment earlier this year was 90 workers.
The 30-year-old Vermont State Fixture makes custom wooden counters, cabinets, mill work and displays.
Sherman founded the business in New Jersey in 1970 and moved to Danby eight years ago.
Sherman says he saw the slump coming and advised his workers earlier this year to make plans to look for other jobs.
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