More than 500 people attended Gov. Phil Scott’s second inaugural ball last Saturday at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex.
It was a notably nonpartisan affair: About 20 Democrats, Republicans and independents legislators were in attendance, along with U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, a Progressive/Democrat.
In a brief speech, Scott said he “hit the goldmine” with members of his administration.
“The secret to my success — whether in business or racing or politics — it’s been about surrounding myself with really talented people,” Scott said.
The governor then briefly launched into a homily about how civility impacts children.
“Now more than ever we need to be better role models because our children are watching,” Scott said. “They watch us all the time, they want to be just like us.”
Scott said he first learned that lesson racing at Thunder Road when he was an upcoming racing star. An 8-year-old fan who had studied his racing style and memorized his public comments wanted to talk to him.
“It hit me at that point I have a responsibility here,” Scott recalled. “Then I looked at the back of his head and he had the number 14 shaved into the back of his head. I thought, ‘he’s committed.’ But I also thought ‘He’s watching me and he wants to be like me.’ That’s a lot of responsibility.”
“I can guarantee you our kids are watching every one of you,” he continued. “They want to be just like you. Think about that and the way we treat each other and interact with each other.”
Scott said that’s why he thought it best for the proceeds from the gala to go toward children’s programs.
The governor thanked the audience and then took the dance floor with his wife, Diana.
