This commentary is by Rep. Angela Arsenault, D-Williston.
Dear Gov. Phil Scott and Chief of Staff Jason Gibbs,
I have served in the Vermont House of Representatives for two years now and as I close out my first term, I’m struck by how often I feel angry or sad or attacked. When I think about why that is, I realize it has a lot to do with you.
The general tone in the Legislature is one of mutual respect and civility. I wish I could say the same for the general tone coming out of your office. Your communications have steadily become more and more aggressive. They have simultaneously become less accurate and more political.
You mentioned in your recent missive responding to the veto session that you wish for more “lawmakers who will put people and communities over party politics.“ Those of us in the Legislature who would like to collaborate with your office could say the same about you.
I’d be thrilled to have a governor who respects his legislative counterparts, acknowledges that the majority of Vermonters voted those legislators into office and tells the truth when his vetoes are overridden. (Wouldn’t Vermonters like to know that several of the veto overrides were tripartisan?)
I also serve on my school district’s board of directors and have been keenly tuned in to the developments in education funding for years. I am well aware of the usual level of support provided to districts by your Agency of Education. In recent years, that level of support has diminished as your administration has systematically hollowed out the agency and sought to undermine public education. How clever to weaken an agency and then attack the vital service that agency oversees.
You have repeatedly stated that your “plan” for the future of public education was rejected by the Legislature. But you and your administration did not, in fact, offer a plan for public education in Vermont. You offered an ill-conceived, short-term bandage that was soundly rejected by financial experts.
How appropriate, then, that you yourself, Mr. Governor, did not even attend a meeting to discuss the matter just a few days before the Legislature convened for the veto session. This is one more example of a great many examples wherein you say so much and do so little.
Where you have done quite a lot is in the harm department. Your political posturing, and the way you denigrate “the supermajority” at every opportunity is directly responsible for the increase in attacks against Democratic lawmakers.
You have been very public about your dislike of former President Donald Trump and the way he carries himself. I have appreciated your willingness to oppose his brand of leadership. However, in the past two years, your words and (in)actions have grown to mirror his approach so much so that it seems you’re employing the same playbook.
Calling legislators “arrogant,” “irresponsible,” and “out of touch” sounds a whole lot like the former president — a man who has done more damage to democracy in this country than any person in recent memory. Please reconsider your approach.
The emails I receive now are very different from the emails I received even just one year ago. Some of my House colleagues are receiving death threats, and yes, that is “threats” – plural. Some members have received multiple death threats in the wake of your public statements.
Let us be clear: You would not be the governor of Vermont if Democrats did not vote for you. You know this. And now, through your misinformation campaigns and playing up the “good guy” persona, you seek to turn those Democratic voters against their representatives. What could be more political than that?
Over my two years as a state representative, I have not made one decision or cast a single vote with the intent to hurt Vermonters. Quite the opposite, every action I take is one that I believe the majority of my constituents want. We don’t always have the best options, as you know, but we are all doing the best we can.
You have an immense amount of power and influence here, and you have shown what it looks like when you use that power in a positive way.
Please, for the good of our state, the good of our citizens, and the safety of all elected officials change your strategy. Turn away from aggressive rhetoric and fearmongering. Reject misinformation. Be transparent and honest so that Vermonters can continue to be good to one another.
Sincerely,
Rep. Angela Arsenault
Read the story on VTDigger here: Rep. Angela Arsenault: Phil Scott and Jason Gibbs, turn away from aggressive rhetoric and fearmongering.