Governor Fails
To Appoint

It is troubling that, on the eve of a new legislative session, Governor Douglas is already repudiating a law he enacted just months ago, at the close of the last session. By ignoring the law, the governor is ignoring the legislature and is showing disdain for a vital Vermont resource.

One provision of Act 144, a groundwater management law, establishes a legislative study committee to recommend groundwater safeguards. The governor is ignoring a requirement that, among other appointees to the committee, he appoint a representative of a local environmental organization. Mr. Douglas has received many suggestions for that appointment, from legislative leaders and others; yet the seat remains vacant.

Meanwhile, with all other seats filled, the legislative committee has met several times and has heard testimony from many witnesses. It is now preparing its initial report to the legislature, due by Jan. 15, 2007. But all without the mandated input from an environmental organization.

Mr. Douglas's decision, to ignore representation from a local environmental organization, raises serious questions. Are the proceedings of the study committee valid? If not, are legislative members of the committee entitled to per diem payment and to reimbursement, as the act provides? Will the committee's report, with its findings and recommendations, have credibility? Is the governor in violation of the law he just signed?

Contrary to recent campaign promises of leadership, the governor is starting the new legislative session with a show of arrogance toward the Legislature and of dislike for safeguarding Vermont's natural resources.

Hugo Liepmann

Randolph Center