By VDC staff
State Rep. Jim Harrison announced he will step down from the Vermont House in January, ending more than eight years representing the Rutland-11 district, serving the towns of Chittenden, Killington, Mendon and Pittsfield.
Harrison, a Republican, is regarded in the State House as well-informed and articulate about business and fiscal matters, approachable by news media, a tenacious negotiator in conference committee, and suited by both personality and political stands to working across the aisle. He is also the former president of the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association.
Harrison, appointed by Gov. Phil Scott in April 2017 to fill the unexpired term of former Rep. Job Tate, has since been elected four times by voters in Chittenden, Killington, Mendon and Pittsfield. He had held the seat before Tate’s tenure in office.
In a message to constituents, Harrison said he and his wife, Pat, will be moving out of the area this winter for personal and family reasons.
“It has truly been an honor serving as your state representative,” Harrison wrote. His resignation will take effect Jan. 6 at noon. Gov. Scott will appoint a successor to complete the term, which runs through 2026.
Harrison reflected on his tenure, noting his service as vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee during the most recent session. He said he valued the bipartisan work of examining state spending and appreciated being trusted with the role as a member of the minority party.
Harrison expressed gratitude to district residents for their support and to his wife for being “by my side for the entire journey,” from campaign work to reviewing his weekly columns in The Mountain Times.
He also highlighted the relationships and camaraderie that developed in the State House, including lighthearted moments such as his self-appointed role as commissioner of the annual March Madness pool and a humorous framed photo he once gave the governor—one he joked may not remain on Scott’s office wall much longer.
“Life is but a journey, and we look forward to our next stop,” he wrote. “Thank you for your continued support and faith in me.”
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Categories: State House Spotlight
Another one bites the dust. Nobody outside this progressive Vermont political insanity can endure this never ending communist foolishness. We’re so screwed..no doubt they’ll be moving to a red and free state to escape the madness. Best of luck.. wherever you go they will follow.
Rep Harrison was right 95% of the time. That is a much better percentage than Gov Scott racks up…..a bit over 50% for him is all I can truthfully credit him with. The other 50 % is scattered all over the place but a far cry from a true Vermonter’s take as a conservative constituent. he just doesn’t cut it. By that I mean this: With a few exceptions such as school financing, he will not get down into the bowels of the issues he supports to explain the whys and wherefores, and certainly doesn’t point out the legitment thoughts and positions of the opposite of his sentiment. A good
leader would do that, and I remember how Dick Snelling used to explain in detail the whys and wherefors of both sides of the equation. Taking money from the State coffers to bring down the tax burden to Vermonters is the wrong approach. Scott should be saying to the Ed Dept something like this” Given that this is the second year of this overspending coming to the surface, I hereby sign an executive order that coming school busgets must be reduced by 10% off the bottom SPENDING line unless there is income offsetting a figure that WILL NOT RAISE TAXES>
This order applies to this coming fiscal year and the one following with another 10%
off that bottom spending line.
This would apply to all public schools in VT that receive taxpayers’ funds.
School depts will become accustomed to having the public funds being transferred to them and will build budgets with that in mind. That approach has to stop and if the schools can’t cut their way out of this huge monstrosity of a mess, The Governor should take charge. But with Scott, mmm, don’t hold your breath.
They’re 100% moving to be closer to their grandkids. Pat told me herself at the lazy acres garage sale earlier this year.
Yes, Jim was in power during the lockdown and did nothing to stop the COVID KILL SHOT. He still has a life to continue his journey. More Epstein files being released DRIP, DRIP, DRIP.
Jim will be missed. He was one of the good guys!
I don’t blame Jim, but it is sad to lose yet another level-headed, open-minded legislator. Just when you rely on at least one true Vermonter who listens to all sides before he makes up his mind, life happens and he/she moves on. Damn, sure is hard to interest people in political office these days. Kinda like why don’t we elect really smart people to Washington? It is because they are smart and don’t have an hidden agenda.
Why nitpick Rep. Harrison’s record and even bring Epstein into the discussion? Nobody is perfect. All we can ask if that a representative be honest, diligently examine the issues, and vote his or her conscience. Jim Harrison did that and so much more. He brought years of knowledge and experience to the job, and his judgment was sound and served the people of this state well. He earned the respect of all factions in the House, and his resignation is a serious loss to the people of Vermont. Bon voyage, Jim!
Jim, I wish you much enjoyment in your next chapter. I hope against hope that Scott will pick someone who is a true conservative.