Letter to the Editor:

With Gov. Douglas’ recent campaign stop in Windham County, it’s a reminder to take note of the Douglas spin machine.

Most recently, the governor announced last week, he would “release an additional $1 million into the traditional weatherization program.” The reality check on this is the governor trying to take credit for something he was originally against. This is a pattern those of us in the Legislature have gotten to know all too well, and we hope others are also catching on to this.

The governor didn’t mention this is the same $1 million increase in weatherization, appropriated by the Legislature as part of its fiscal year 2009 budget bill. He also didn’t mention that his original budget proposal had no increase for weatherization.

It was the Legislature who had the foresight to look ahead and see an energy crunch coming. We passed an energy bill in 2007 he vetoed, but in an election year, with energy costs soaring, he signed on this year.

In this instance, since the governor is trying to take credit, it was the Legislature who saw the need and provided for a $500,000 expansion of weatherization services in the fiscal year ‘09 budget. We then added another $500,000 to the weatherization program as part of the economic recovery package put together in April.

Another example of the governor’s “bait and switch” tactic of taking credit for things he opposed, involves Prevent Child Abuse Vermont.

Once again, the governor’s budget zeroed out of his budget, funding for this effective group of mostly volunteers. They get a relatively small, but vital budget allocation to help administer programs around the state that work to help prevent abuse. As someone who has worked for this group, I can attest to its efficacy and need.

After the governor zeroed them out of his budget, they turned to the Legislature — and yes, we restored their funding. Yet, when they had their showcase event at the Statehouse to celebrate their good work, who steps in front of the cameras? That’s right, the same person who zeroed them out of his budget.

In the Legislature, we’ve seen up close, too many instances of this kind of behavior and it’s time we call the governor on it. From the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to the Bright Futures Child Development specialists — and much more, the Legislature has had to provide the leadership that should be forthcoming from our state’s chief executive.

If Gov. Douglas wants to tout his record, let’s put the whole record on the table. And, let’s stop letting this governor take credit he doesn’t deserve.

Rep. Mike Mrowicki,

Windham 5 District (representing Windham County, Dummerston, Putney, and portions of Westminster)

This Letter to the Editor was posted in the Friday, June 20, 2008 issue of the Brattleboro Reformer. (link to source)

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