Let’s take it to the next level

Claudia Marshall, Board of Directors and John Quinney, Publisher and Board Chair

People sometimes ask us what makes The Charlotte News different? Great question! Because yes, we are all aware that there is more than one paper in town. So, what’s the deal?

The thing that really sets us apart is that The Charlotte News is devoted to the good of this community. It’s in our mission statement and strategic plan.

Yes, we are also the only paper devoted exclusively to Charlotte, the only paper that is a community endeavor, that’s for the people, by the people. And as a nonprofit, we truly answer to our readers, who supply most of our funding. Oh, and we’ve been at it for more than 65 years.

Lately, we’ve been looking for new and significant ways to amp up our public service. But we can only do it with your support. And our winter fund drive is falling behind right now, so we’re asking you to take two minutes and a few bucks to do your part to ensure that this paper — and website — are here for you in the future.

Here’s the really good news: Thanks to a $10,000 challenge from six friends of The Charlotte News, plus our NewsMatch grant, all gifts will be triple matched — for a limited time only. For every dollar you give, the newspaper receives three. It’s an amazing opportunity.

Will your donation make a difference?

Listen, this outfit runs on a shoestring budget, so every dollar counts. Plus, we are planning an expansion of our coverage of Charlotte.

Next year, The Charlotte News expects to run several online surveys so that both decision-makers and town residents can learn more about how our friends and neighbors feel about issues that will impact the future of Charlotte.

For example, the town manager question will be on the ballot on Town Meeting Day, Tuesday, March 5. Over the past nine months, there have been several selectboard meetings on the subject, dozens of conversations among those for and against and several reports published in this newspaper, as well. But we can only guess how Charlotters feel on the issue. A survey might make a difference in shaping the conversation.

And that’s just for starters. Other hot-button topics that deserve some scrutiny include development, property taxes, fire and rescue and the town plan.

The Charlotte News specializes in public service journalism, and this is merely a new wrinkle, but one we believe is worth your support. Please make your tax-deductible gift — of any amount — today. We literally can’t do this without you. And since donations are a little slow right now, it’s particularly critical for you to step up.

We need to raise another $6,000 between now and the end of the year to stay on track. Can you help?

In asking for your gift, we want to express our gratitude to the 270 folks who have already made gifts this year. If you’re not yet among them, now’s the time to make your gift on our website at or with a check mailed to us at P.O. Box 251, Charlotte VT 05445.