[W]ARREN — Gov. Phil Scott expressed support Thursday for the Legislature to investigate the Vermont National Guard and said he wanted policy changes, including more information being released if a Guard member resigns while under investigation.
Scott said his own investigation or an outside review, an idea he rejected last week, would be redundant. He also reiterated that he believed Guard leaders had now disclosed all internal problems. If more information comes out, Scott said, he would review his decision whether an independent review was needed.
The governor’s comments come in the wake of a seven-part series “The Flying Fraternity,” by VTDigger that outlined cases of misconduct, sexual harassment and coercion, and retaliation to a whistleblower within the Guard.
Scott said he was confident Guard leaders properly followed disciplinary procedures, but said he wanted some policies changed so the public would know more. For example, the series featured a chaplain who resigned with full benefits before a Guard case he was involved in was resolved. Scott said in future cases like that, the nature of the allegation under investigation should be made part of the record.
“Should there be changes to the procedures, possibly. Should there be more transparency, absolutely. I think there are many areas where we can do better and they should do better. But I’m not sure we’re going to find anything new that isn’t already out there,” Scott said in comments after a press conference at Sugarbush on tourism.
Scott said it was “appropriate” for lawmakers to bring in Guard officials, and if afterward they believe more should occur, “I would support them in their effort to do so.”
Regarding a legislative review, Scott said, “I think they should. I think it’s important to and to make the changes that should be made in the future. We have an opportune time to do that now.”
“If they feel we should have some sort of review, then I will work with them to do that,” he said.
“I’ll be involved with them,” he pledged.
The governor acknowledged lawmakers were not likely to change the way the next adjutant general is selected. The Legislature selects the head of the Guard, but Scott thinks it should be the governor who makes the appointment similar to the process for selecting judges. Adjutant General Steven Cray is stepping down and lawmakers are expected to vote in February.
“Nothing is impossible, but whether it is probable or not is the question,” Scott said, adding “I’m not sure they want to cede that power.”
On another topic, the financial health of small hospitals, Scott said he would encourage the Green Mountain Care Board, the state’s regulatory body, to “take another look” to make sure there are not other hospitals in financial trouble.
“I think it’s inevitable that we have hospitals in smaller communities that can’t do everything, especially when there’s another hospital 20 miles up the road,” Scott said.
Springfield Hospital has financial problems, has not paid some of its bills and Scott appointed a new CEO on Tuesday. The head of the GMCB said the hospital had withheld information to the board.
Scott said the board should review whether other small hospitals are also struggling.
“I’m not sure there are any other hospitals in the same situation but I would expect the Green Mountain Care Board, at this point in time, would want to look at the other hospitals and see if their cash reserves are up and they are paying their bills,” he said.
Regarding his marijuana commission and its recommendation for roadside saliva testing, Scott said he would be in favor of the idea as a way to alleviate concerns about impaired driving if it were adopted by the Legislature.
