[T]he Vermont House honored one of its own Wednesday, passing a resolution in praise of Rep. Jim Condon, who died last August after serving seven terms.
Fellow members recalled the Colchester Democrat’s personable way, his sense of humor and big booming voice. Condon was a longtime radio broadcaster before being elected to the House in 2004. He served on the powerful Ways and Means Committee for 10 years.
Rep. Janet Ancel, D-Calais, chair of Ways and Means, choked up describing Condon’s “big heart,” his appreciation for the common person, and how Condon “had a way to make us laugh when we really needed it.” The chamber and Legislature will be less without him, said Ancel and Condon’s seatmate, Rep. Pat Brennan, R-Colchester. Ancel recalled with fondness Condon’s fight against the “Slim Jim Tax” when Condon cited the product in rejecting a tax on processed meats.
Condon died last year from esophageal cancer. He was 60.
His wife, Ginny McGehee, along with his best friend and radio partner, Louie Manno and his wife Diane, attended the reading of the resolution in the House chamber. A lengthy standing ovation followed.
Afterward, McGehee said: “I already knew he had a lot of love and respect in the Statehouse but it just solidified with Janet Ancel and Pat Brennan and the whole House saluting him. It’s a little bittersweet for me being here, but what a beautiful place and he sure did love serving Colchester and working here in Montpelier every year.”
McGehee hosts the morning show on WJOY-AM in Burlington.
“As Jim’s best friend I’m not surprised how much love he’s getting, not at all. He made his mark in the world on multiple levels and this is the icing on the cake today,” Louie Manno said.
Manno and Condon were radio partners for two decades on WQCR (now WOKO) and WKDR in Burlington.
“It was great to see a great man honored so well, it was touching,” added Diane Manno.
Condon was also honored at the Vermont Association of Broadcasters in December, where he was inducted in the Vermont Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Condon served as the association executive director for 10 years prior to his death.
Colleagues and family remembered Condon in a tribute produced by Jay Austin of Moving Pictures Division in Waterbury.
