I think it’s relevant to post my POV regarding Libby’s revelations regarding our “plight” as a result of Vermont’s drought.
All animals are safe and secure with no deprivations whatever…
The State of Vermont cannot be responsible for private landholders’ issues
The major issue I have as a result of our 2-tile shallow well failure due to the drought is with insurance and that may resonate with others suffering the same fate.
All mortgage borrowers are required to carry satisfactory home insurances. Since purchasing my property in 2018 with a mortgage through a local bank, that mortgage has been transferred 3 times to other Mortgage Companies removing any personal relationship. Similarly, my home insurance has been transferred several times. Currently my insurance is with a well known carrier with offices in Oklahoma, but apparently is owned by an investment group in Switzerland! When our well went dry our jet pump was damaged, pressure tank failed, filter systems damaged etc.. We called a plumber who confirmed damage and estimated repairs which was presented to the insurance carrier. Claim was quickly denied with the explanation that we could not prove failures were related to the drought despite the fact there were no issues prior to well drying up during a declared Drought Emergency. When I relayed this to the plumber he responded that this was industry practice, and that insurance reps would zealously defend their denial even going so far as to sue any professionals who testified on our behalf. He said, short of clear evidence of a lightning strike on a well head all similar claims are routinely denied.
It seems to me that if a lender requires insurance and accepts a mortgage then they should at the very least make a loan at the original interest rate available for repairs or upgrades, and work it out with the insurer they required…
I don’t know how this would be implemented, and am loath to suggest state legislation because that would probably result in a committee being formed to study the problem, an out of state PHD “expert” hired at an outrageous cost, and eventual reports that require endless permitting.
In other words more needless costs to Vermont tax payers.
Any suggestions or similar experiences might be enlightening and should go to [email protected]. I am electronically challenged, belong to no social media, and rarely check email…
James Garnett
Vershire
In response to:
In Vershire, 76-year-old Vietnam vet still hauling water in midst of drought. In a letter to Gov. Phil Scott reprinted yesterday by the VT Daily Chronicle, Libby Moyer—who also lives in James Garnett’s home—writes that Garnett “is forced to break ice and carry heavy buckets along an icy driveway to flush toilets and meet basic needs, all while managing on a fixed income. I…have witnessed his unwavering resolve, but this situation is unsustainable and life-threatening in freezing conditions.” They rely on occasional water tank deliveries. Moyer contends the state has no idea how many Vermonters are in the same straits, and its process for helping has “alarming gaps.”