The Stowe Reporter has endorsed TJ Donovan for Vermont attorney general in an editorial highlighting what the weekly newspaper sees as the biggest issue at stake in the Democratic primary: the future of the criminal justice system in a state faced with more crime associated with substance abuse.
Donovan, in the editorial writer’s view, is the “right guy for the job” because, as Chittenden County state’s attorney, he is already addressing the problems associated with prescription and recreational drug addiction. The Stowe Reporter points out that Donovan started the Rapid Intervention Community Court program, which sends addicts into treatment, instead of jail. The editorial says Donovan wants to bring that same kind of problem-solving approach to the AG’s office.
Sorrell, on the other hand, despite “major accomplishments,” has seemed “distant and remote,” according to the Stowe Reporter — until this campaign season when the 15-year veteran AG was forced to connect with voters in a way he never had before. This is the first time in seven election cycles that Sorrell has faced a serious challenge.
