Dear Editor,
For someone whose schtick has been “at least I’m not as bad as Trump,” Gov. Scott’s egregious usurpation of legislative power is downright Trumpian. Perhaps the last few barely contested elections have kindled visions of a “King” Scott?
Since the Vermont Constitution allows gubernatorial appointments with “the advice and consent of the Senate,” Scott’s installation of Zoie Saunders as interim secretary of education is inherently unconstitutional. Furthermore, since his action is contrary to the vote of two-thirds of the Senate (spurred in large part by the innumerable calls and emails of their constituents), Scott’s insistence on having his way is blatantly anti-democratic. It sets a dangerous precedent. Scott’s thumbing his nose at our Senate, and the vast majority of Vermont’s voters, is more evocative of an Orbán or an Erdogan than of a state governor.
Gov. Scott’s disregard of Vermonters’ esteem for high-quality public education, as well as their respect for majority rule, is an affront to us all. In order to maintain the Senate’s integrity, and therefore our democracy, I urge Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth and all our senators to act quickly and legislate against Scott’s hideous appropriation of state power.
Brian J. Walsh
Jericho
