ORLEANS — The battle over Vermont’s legislative balance of power took center stage Tuesday at Orleans Village’s Carriage House, where former five-term Governor Jim Douglas headlined a gathering that drew party leaders and candidates.
The event focused on a pivotal Senate race where Republican Sam Douglass seeks to claim the seat being vacated by longtime Democratic Senator Bobby Starr. Douglass faces Democratic State Representative Katherine Sims in a contest that could help reshape the legislature’s current Democratic supermajority.
Jim Douglas, whose family connections to the area include his mother-in-law teaching at Orleans Elementary School in the 1940s, outlined mounting challenges facing Vermont. He pointed to a 20 percent rise in health insurance costs, anticipated impacts of the Clean Heat Standard on fuel prices, and what he called “unbelievable” education property tax increases despite declining student enrollment.
Orleans County Republican Chair Chet Greenwood expressed optimism about reducing the Democratic supermajority, citing widespread voter concerns over escalating taxes and fuel costs. The local impact of these issues was highlighted by Greenwood’s reference to Middlebury’s selectboard, which directed taxpayers’ concerns about the 13.8 percent education tax increase directly to state legislators.
Sam Douglass, who previously challenged Starr two years ago, emphasized his deep local roots, describing his family’s generations-long history in Troy and Jay’s construction industry. He also highlighted his connection to the area’s agricultural heritage, mentioning his beekeeping work using his grandfather’s hives.
Both current Governor Phil Scott and former Gov. Jim Douglas have endorsed Sam Douglass’s candidacy. Jim Douglas mentioned that he was elected to the legislature at 21-years-old and there were three other legislators younger than him when he got there. He sees potential gains across the region.
With two weeks until the election and 20 percent of registered voters having already cast ballots, Jim Douglas urged continued participation through election day.
