Matthew Roy

It’s time to pick the candidates who will appear on major party lines in races this November. Vermont’s polling stations open at 7 a.m. today. Three ballots are available to voters, who must choose one: Democratic, Republican or Progressive. In statewide contests, Dems have several competitive races. Economist Amanda Janoo is running against Aly Richards, the former leader of Let’s Grow Kids, for the party’s gubernatorial nomination.

Prominent Burlington folk artist Douglas Knapp will appear in court next month to face a charge of negligent operation with death resulting for the Pine Street crash that fatally injured 16-year-old Shiloh Skalka. Knapp, 79, who paints under the moniker Dug Nap, was issued a citation to appear in court on August 27, Burlington police announced in a press release on Friday.

Vermont has issues. High property taxes led to an extensive effort to reform how public schools are funded and governed. Health care costs continue to climb, and more Vermonters are living without health insurance. Housing is so expensive that many communities are taking steps to preserve some reasonably-priced homes for workers who provide essential services. Rural Vermonters are incensed about property rights issues. In cities, homelessness and drug problems are pressing, persistent matters.