A few Vermont media reported over the weekend on the growing demand for Section 8 housing vouchers.

The most extensive story appeared in the Rutland Herald.

"Local housing authorities are finding themselves caught in a balancing act as they try to accommodate the demand for the program — as the economy has faltered, more and more applications are being received," writes Stephanie Peters.

"The portion of the rent costs the housing authority pays for its voucher holders has also increased as voucher holders join the unemployment rolls"

Read the Herald story online.

Maryellen LaPerle is VHFA's top mortgage loan originator in Washington County for 2009.

Maryellen's a loan originator for Northfield Savings Bank in Montpelier. You can reach her at 802.229.4635.

We’ll be announcing the rest of our top originators throughout the summer. Stay tuned.

George Demas has been named VHFA's new General Counsel. He'll start Aug. 10.

George is currently the Assistant General Counsel with the Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration (BISHCA) in Montpelier.

Before that, he worked for Bombardier Capital as Assistant General Counsel and Vice President, Legal Services, for nine years.

We'll issue a more formal press release in the coming weeks.

Welcome, George!

As planners for the town of Wilmington consider the next scheduled revision to their town plan, our friends at Smart Growth Vermont are encouraging a plan for growth that preserves the character of the town.

During a presentation to the planning commission last night, Smart Growth Vermont Executive Director Noelle MacKay said the town should be encouraging people to agree they should have safe, decent housing people already living in their community can afford.

Read the Brattleboro Reformer's story about last night's meeting.