On February 5, 2020

Woodstock resident named Windsor County state’s attorney

By Virginia Dean

Woodstock resident Ward Goodenough is an archetypal product of Windsor County, not only because he simply loves it, but because he is determined to maintain its safety and protect its victims.

After all, his mother is Vermont state Sen. Alison Clarkson (D-Woodstock) and his father is Oliver Goodenough, a professor of law at the Vermont Law School and the Executive Director of its Center for Legal Innovation.

But, perhaps more than that, it is his steadfast resolve that has just landed Goodenough the position of Windsor County state’s attorney, following David Cahill’s resignation last month. Ward was sworn in Feb.  3. The term will expire November 2022.

“Growing up in Windsor County gives me a unique perspective on its criminal cases,” said Goodenough. ”I consider myself very lucky to have been raised here and feel a deep sense of obligation to serve this county and protect it from threats to public safety. I am deeply committed to protecting our communities and have seen the destructive ripple effects that violence and crime can have on our families and towns.”

Witnessing individuals who have struggled with substance abuse or mental health issues for years, for example, has provided Goodenough with a “never-ending motivation to work with our community partners and lawmakers to make affordable and comprehensive treatment options available,”  he said.

Goodenough has served as a deputy state’s attorney in Rutland and Windsor counties since 2015 with an annual caseload of over 300. He was also a Woodstock Village Trustee.

“As a deputy state’s attorney, some degree of triage was always going to be necessary,” said Goodenough. “On any given day, there might have been 20 or 30 cases being heard at court. Emergencies and serious public safety issues are always going to take precedence but to balance those with the rest of our regular workday required good teamwork within the office and strong organizational tools.”

Goodenough’s caseload ranged from disorderly conduct to kidnapping and aggravated domestic assault. He is currently responsible for prosecuting cases in the northern half of Windsor County.

The route to Goodenough’s new position came about as a result of Gov. Phil Scott receiving nominations from the Windsor County Democratic Committee to fill the vacancy.

“Vermont’s states attorneys play a critical role in our justice system,” said Scott, “and Vermonters look to them to ensure our communities are kept safe and people are prosecuted fairly. Ward made clear he would hold criminals fully accountable. His experience as a deputy state’s attorney, perspective as a volunteer firefighter and relationships with local law enforcement will also serve him well.”

The Windsor County state’s attorney salary is $116,500.

Goodenough recently expressed his gratitude to the governor.

“I want to thank governor Scott for this appointment,” said Goodenough. “I look forward to working to achieve outcomes that protect victims, reduce recidivism and curb the cycle of violence. I look forward to working with Scott’s administration in our shared mission of protecting the public.”

With a desire to return home to Vermont after receiving an M.A. in history and politics from the University of Edinburgh, the Vermont Law School gave Goodenough the ability to enter a career as a prosecutor. He graduated from VLS in 2015.

“Working with (Attorney General) TJ Donovan was an early education for me in the way prosecutors can use their position to serve their community,” said Goodenough. “The lack of partisanship and slow bureaucratic process in being a prosecutor also appealed to me.”

One of the elements of that acquired knowledge was the importance of the role of communication, especially with team projects involving the assistance of law enforcement agencies with active investigations.

“Good communication is crucial in these cases because it helps you get the best outcomes,” Goodenough said.

That same kind of strong communication also ensures exigent incidents or emergencies that get the same kind of rapid response they need from the state’s attorney’s office and the agencies involved.

“Internally, each criminal case our office handles typically involves close coordination between our attorneys, victims’ advocates, and administrative assistants,” said Goodenough. “Whether it is making sure we have the most accurate contact information for a witness or that we have a good sense of how impacted a victim has been by an event, good coordination within the office is always necessary for us to seek just outcomes in cases.”

Recently, and in reaction to his latest appointment, Goodenough’s parents expressed their joy.

“We are very proud of Ward’s appointment and delighted he has managed to balance his mother’s call to service and his father’s profession in the law,” Clarkson said.

In his spare time, Goodenough enjoys skiing, soccer, live music and board games.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Poultney energy fair showcases a clean, quiet food court

November 14, 2024
The town of Poultney is rallying around energy efficiency on Nov. 13 at the Young at Heart Senior Center. From 5 to 7 p.m., people can learn tips, tricks, and incentives to save energy and money.  One organization attending the event will demonstrate the real-world value of renewable energy by mobilizing solar photovoltaic power and…

The VSO Jukebox series brings intimacy and accessibility to classical music

November 13, 2024
By James Kent There is such an excitement and enthusiasm to Matt LaRocca’s voice that after speaking with him for a few minutes, one can’t escape the feeling that they know him, have been friends for years, and can’t wait to hang out and talk again. LaRocca curates The Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s (VSO) Jukebox series,…

Hartland residents ask town to take over road

November 13, 2024
By Curt Peterson Several residents from Bird Hill Road in Hartland Four Corners petitioned the Select Board Monday evening to take over maintenance of their short private road accessed over a short bridge from Brownsville Road. Deborah Davis, who lives in the first house, read a prepared presentation describing the history of homeowner maintenance over…

Lighting up Rutland County:Contest celebrates fifth year of brightening winter nights

November 13, 2024
As the winter chill arrives, Social Tinkering, a Rutland-based nonprofit, is launching the fifth annual Light Up Rutland County, a festive community event to brighten the dark winter days. This initiative invites residents to illuminate their homes, schools, and businesses, encouraging community spirit, creativity, and connection across the region. Initially established in 2020, the event…