Dear Editor,
Shameless is the only word to describe Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of the flavored and menthol tobacco ban. It seems his staff went into overdrive to find a creative argument of “inconsistencies” as a reason to veto the bill. Really, inconsistencies? So we are worried about the rights of tobacco products being unfairly targeted? It’s a crafted ploy so it would not seem that the governor is putting state tax revenue above the health of the state’s population. But that is exactly what he is doing.
As recently discussed in a letter to the editor of VTDigger, this is just one more example of Gov. Scott’s use of his veto power to scuttle months of work by committees and legislators. His reliance on vetoes displays an appalling lack of leadership. He should be working with legislators to craft legislation that can be passed, not throwing a wrench in at the last minute.
This is the best argument I can see for why divided government is not serving the best interests of Vermont’s citizens.
Barbara Felitti
Huntington
