On June 9, 2016

The governor’s veto should be rebuked

Dear Editor,

Bill S. 230 — a bi-partisan piece of compromise legislation that empowers local communities when it comes to siting for energy projects and sets reasonable sound standards for industrial wind projects — was vetoed Monday, June 6, by Governor Shumlin. This bill had input from the governor’s office throughout the entire session, especially in the final hours of law-making, and the bill ultimately passed the house on a unanimous 142-0 vote.

I’m incredibly disappointed in the governor’s decision to veto this bill. I believe he has caved to a platoon of special interests that have, for one reason or another, been able to convince him that whatever specious reasons he might offer for this veto — they are worth overriding the unanimous will of Vermont’s elected representatives.

Attempts will be made this week to either adjust the legislation or (hopefully) override the Governor’s veto. This special session alone will cost taxpayers north of $50k and could open a Pandora’s box of issues that could keep the legislature in session for longer.

Our renewable economy is booming and Vermont should be proud that we have such a robust industry that it requires passionate debate. But I believe Mr. Shumlin is directly negating the will of Vermont(ers) with this action and I am eager to see the legislature use its constitutional authority to rebuke this veto for the obvious pandering to special interests that it is.

You can count on me,

Job Tate

State representative for Chittenden, Mendon, Killington and Bridgewater

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Before school budget talks turn to slashing expenses

November 20, 2024
By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the owner and publisher of the Addison Independent, a sister paper of the Mountain Times.  With 2024-25 education property tax rate hikes well into double digits last year, it’s little doubt school boards will be primed for holding costs to a minimum for their upcoming budgets. Already…

Keep pets safe this trapping season

November 20, 2024
Dear Editor, The recreational trapping season in Vermont begins on the fourth Saturday of October each year and lasts through March 31st. For some animals, like otters and beavers, this season lasts for five long months. There are no limits on the number of animals a trapper may kill or on the number of traps…

‘You belong here’

November 20, 2024
Dear Editor, A Latin teacher from junior high school once told me that the word “trivia” comes from roots, meaning three roads. The idea was that people would come together where roads meet to exchange small pieces of information — trivia. Here in Vermont, we certainly swap news on street corners, and I’ve had my…

Welcoming new Americans will strengthen Vt’s economy

November 20, 2024
By Mike Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer As Vermont’s Treasurer, I am committed to growing Vermont’s economy and building a more inclusive future for our state. To keep our economy on a positive track, we must address our demographic challenges and grow our workforce. I regularly hear from employers about the difficulty of finding workers —…