By Guy Page
The Vermont Senate is likely to vote this week on Prop 1, a proposed constitutional amendment giving the Legislature more control over elected county officials, including sheriffs.
According to today’s Senate Calendar, Prop 1 has been placed on the Notice Calender – meaning it will likely be taken up tomorrow. It was voted out last week 5-1 by the Senate Government Operations Committee.
The proposed amendment adds to Section 50 of Chapter II of the Constitution about assistant (“side”) judges, sheriffs, and state’s attorneys: “The General Assembly may establish by law qualifications for the election to and holding of such office and procedures for removal from such office for failure to meet or to maintain the required qualifications.”
The House is currently considering impeaching Sheriff John Grismore for allegedly kicking a chained prisoner in the groin. Also, several other sheriffs have been under scrutiny for financial and/or manpower mismanagement. The state Criminal Justice Council has removed the law enforcement powers of Grismore, but can’t prevent him from holding the elected, essentially administrative office.
The proposal would have to be approved by two consecutive legislatures, then approved by voters in the November, 2026 general election.
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Categories: Legislation
What we need is more control over the controllers. (legislators) There needs to be consequences for disingenuous legislators who instead of upholding their oaths set about testing the limits of their oaths. This practice of throwing feces at a wall to see what sticks is abhorrent, and should not be allowed. When lawmakers intentionally introduce bills that they know are contrary to the state, or US constitution, and that is proven, they should be immediately censured, impeached, and disallowed from ever seeking public office again .
They aren’t just throwing something to see if it sticks, this is a planned path to communism.
Can you cite one example of a bill introduced this session that is contrary to the Vermont or US Constitution? Do you understand that it is the job of the judicial branch, not the legislative branch, to determine what passes constitutional muster? Have you forgotten that every single legislator in Vermont stands for re-election every two years? You’re entitled to your opinions – the majority of voters in Vermont who disagree with you are also entitled to theirs.
Mark, you are wrong. Read the VT State Constitution Chapter 1, Sections 16, 17 oaths of office to not lessen or abridge our rights and privileges. Legislators are not supposed to write any ol’ bill they want according to the satisfaction of the majority for the courts to sort out at taxpayer expense. That would be a stupid way to run government. Our form of government is a constitutional republic, not a democracy. Democracy is mob rule. Under a constitutional republic, the rights of the minority are protected, even if that minority is one. All the gun bills, S151, h807, are unconstitutional, and those are just samples. Vt Legislators are out of control this Adjourned Session.
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to impeach this sheriff you will need more than a toe tickle to the prisoner/// another power grab for central government///the current vermont house and senate crooks all belong in jail//// remember the kill shot////
The Vermont Criminal Justice Council, not the Legislature, determined that Grismore used excessive force when he kicked Jeremy Burrows twice in the groin while Burrows was handcuffed and shackled. Grismore’s deputies testified that they felt Grismore’s kicks were unnecessary because Burrows was handcuffed and shackled to the bench. Grismore was fired from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office after video of the incident was published. Even the Vermont Sheriffs’ Association called for ‘immediate resignation’ of Grismore. Grismore refuses to resign. The Legislature should impeach Grismore – he’s obviously unfit to serve.
Most of our legislators are unfit to serve, as well. Most of the Democrats and Progressives don’t seem to know what kind of structure of government we have, one having recently called it a “democracy” while reading a statement about a bill he spearheaded.
There is an established process to impeach officers including sheriffs. Legislators are using this incident as an excuse to establish more control.
As written, it gives the General Assembly very wide latitude in defining what they consider qualifications for service as Sheriff. I hope they’re in consultation with the Vermont Sheriff’s Association and that their decisions adhere to the articles of the U.S. Constitution as written.
Communism/Marxism/socialism (all basically the same means to an end) is all about control. Control of weapons, police, military, housing, material goods, natural resources…..And Vermont is well on its way to a police state as is the rest of this nation. The irony will be, as it always has been with totalitarianism regimes, is that the very obedient lil’ plebes helping to propagate this coming disaster will wind up in the EXACT same position as the vast majority of the populace will – to be lorded over & completely controlled by a but a chosen FEW whom they shall inevitably NOT be a part of. And when this government sees fit for any one of any reasons (population control/attempt to flee/assertion of individualism/etc.) they will be killed at best or imprisoned at worst under conditions that would make a sewer rat cringe.
Sadly, for the few nameless youngsters who are on VDC advocating for Communistic governance and spewing their contempt & disdain for this Constitutional Republic and its once magnanimously treasured freedoms, they demonstrate nothing less than a sheer lack of knowledge of history. And to wit, such is not only their personal downfall, but it will tragically be the downfall of this entire nation indeed conceived in liberty and destined to be forever remembered as one lone nation which once afforded all the opportunity to live freely, equally, (NOT “equitably”) and prosper; imperfect as it was but inspired to continue to attempt to fulfill its destiny for perfection.
So the people’s legislature not wanting police to beat people in cuffs= police state
Makes as much sense as your butchering of the word Communism. Don’t like the weather? Communism Didn’t leave the house today? Communism. Bills lost last Sunday? Better believe it was communism.
I’ve been a history teacher for over twenty years by the way, but please tell me more about the Constitution (the same one your Orange savior trampled on)You could use a lesson that’s not from Prager U lol
I feel sorry for the students you brain washed.
A “history teacher” who adores Communism working in Vermont! How did I not ever guess?? The enemy is indeed within. BTW, as a “learned educator”, where’s your lengthy list of Communist or Marxist or totalitarian regimes that have brought forth prosperity, peace, abundance, & blessedness?
Perhaps begin with the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. There’s some “equity” for ya and a great place to countdown from.
Glad to witness that I’ve got a purported educator so distraught he tails me routinely and feebly attempts to rebuke the realities that now well over 50% of the nation’s population see as clear as day……threatened much, Chris?
As my bud Ms. Rand said: “There is no difference between communism and socialism, except in the means of achieving the same ultimate end: Communism proposes to enslave men by force, socialism by vote. It is merely the difference between murder and suicide.”
Speaking of trampling rights….do you mention to your kiddos at all about your monarch’s weaponized FBI directing agents to infiltrate Catholic churches OBLITERATING my innate RIGHT to religious freedom?? Do you mention your senile lout’s three plus years of flagrantly VIOLATING Federal Law by opening my sovereign border to droves of indigent illegal aliens many of whom possess criminal records, prison terms, or are cartel members, drug dealers & sex traffickers?? You’re no “history teacher” – employed as such or not – you’re a poser and disrupter who relies upon deceit & cowardly anonymity to jump upon this popularist bandwagon and tries to desecrate all that is holy and good.
Now, shouldn’t your time be better spent being mesmerized by MSNBC or CNN – or at least re-reading your fav book before bedtime, such as “Gender Queer”?
It’s so funny when the commies insert things that aren’t remotely connected to the topic. State politics here Chris. Trump isn’t a factor. Prager u doesn’t have anything to do with it either. Sad to know we have a history teacher that acts like this. Ffs be an adult.
Kathleen, did you misread Chris’ post? Where does he say he “adores” Communism? Don’t like criticism? Better believe it is Communism!
Michael, how exactly is Chris brainwashing his students? – are you one of his students?
Peter – adults don’t name call on the basis on nothing. How exactly is Chris a “commie”?
My history teacher claimed the 2nd amendment was for muskets and hunting. The Federal Reserve fixed the great depression, and helps the economy. The constitution granted rights. The libertarians were equivalent to the liberals of today. Are you one of those kinds of history teachers?
As for me not using my name, I have every right to as them’s the rules.
Btw, are you quoting the same Ayn Rand that died penniless living off the dole? Boy she was some leader of industry.
Don’t be Michael, unlike people here they can think for themselves!
The Vermont Legislature is taking too much on themselves. Our County Sheriffs all over the USA take oaths to defend the US Constitution, and they may need more power to do that, not less, as so many of our legislators have succumbed to blackmail and have become corrupted. I agree with all four comments so far. Wake up, Vermonters, Social Justice as practiced today is a neo-Marxist scam dedicated to taking away your Constitutional and human rights.
The last thing police needs is more power.
And that’s exactly why they are going after them they took the oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. It’s not the sheriffs they’re after it’s the Constitution. These are the Domestic Enemies that we have sworn to protect the Constitution from. The whole Bill of Rights is under attack.
“The enemy is already here”. – Dan Bongino
Will you let me know the names of our legislators who have succumbed to blackmail and become corrupted? This is terrible – I had no idea. Who is blackmailing them? And like you I certainly don’t want to lose my Constitutional and human rights – unless I’m a shackled prisoner in the custody of the Sheriff.
“…giving the Legislature more control over elected county officials” “…more control…” to be moved up the line to Montpelier…really. Have we generated a voter consensus here? It seems that legislation has come to only mean relinquishing ever more of our lives to the management of elected overseers. REPEAL is also a legislative function as is IMPACT MONITORING. Where have laws®ulations become intrusive for the constituency? Can you bring your attention to this?
Why would the Legislature desire more control over the sheriff’s? Sounds like fear to me. Oh wait, the sheriffs are here to uphold the Constitution. It’s crystal clear now. The legislature can’t complete their agenda without having everyone under their heel. That is, everyone but their true Masters.
Just got my Constitution out and I can’t find anything about kicking shackled prisoners in the groin. Help me out here.
Mark, did you read Chapter 1, sections 16 and 17 when you had your Constitution out?
Very bad idea, but what else is new?
The all powerful legislature paves the way to totalitarianism with each bill it passes.
Vermont Republicans voted for these policies by having unelectable candidates, pathetic messaging, and ignoring the majority of Vermont voters.
Remember, stand for something or stand for nothing.
Now you’re on your knees at the mercy of the people you helped elect.
There are no real Sheriffs. If there were, all the legislature and their conspirators would be in prison.
Meant populist in post above, but of course………NEVER popularist…..
I’m STILL waiting on that list of Communist success stories from around the globe that I requested from Chris.
BTW Peter & Michael J. Hall – I think it’s more than obvious, based upon the rather inarticulate posts from Chris that he isn’t any more of a teacher than Governor Scott is a Republican.
thank you vermonter vermonter////i asked our former sheriff why he did not arrest the governor/// he was more concerned about his retirement
You Vermonters better get your heads out
Of your ass and vote Red, Red, Red, Red vote Red or you will not have a head left period!! Or a pot to piss in period!!
Good people should run under whatever party wins in their area. The “Red” is just as bad as the “Blue” in most circumstances. They might talk a better talk, but they will do nothing different.
The Vermont Legislature has for years attempted to get rid of the county Sheriffs. Why? Because they have no real control over them. The county Sheriff is ELECTED by the people, just like the Legislators themselves. What gives the legislature the power to decide what the “requirements” are for the office? Sound like we should all get together and decide what the requirements are to run for the Legislature.
How about a couple of “requirements” that EXCLUDE someone from running for the VT Legislature?
Number 1. – Being a Communist
Number 2._- Being a Communist
Gee, Chris….. I wonder just how many novels and fictional works have YOU had published, produced on BROADWAY? I’m guessing MANY more than Rand, but you just cannot disclose them because of your “responsibilities”….LOL!
AS a “history teacher”, (MASSIVE LOL) you should have been aware of her autobiography which conflicts with your personal assessment of her diverse life (though I’m sure YOU know better than her about her life) or a lil’ obscure book titled “Fountainhead”. Hmmm….Guess not.
Communism is here & your PARTY is making no bones about it. Did you not read your latest edition of “Marxist Monthly” yet?
Where in the world is that list of Communist Countries’ Success Stories I’m still waiting on from “Chris”?
As far as not using one’s name – one has every right because amidst most of us with courage and tenacity on VDC, there are a handful who fear using their given names as they are imbued with cowardice and spinelessness. And that be life!
I might BE one of “Chris'” “students”, but because of his lack of courage to use his name (as preferred by the moderator of VDC) he won’t disclose any information whatsoever.
“Mark” (who also is reticent to follow forum recommendations) how do you know if I’m not a student of Chris?
How can we find out?
How can this information be obtained?
Where is the proof of “Chris” claiming I cannot discern what Communism is or is not? Where is the evidence that “Chris” knows better about history, Communism, or Marxism than I or anyone else does to make such assertions?
Who in VT should I contact to report that not once, but twice “Chris” has made threatening inferences to me including one that mentioned me coming to his house?
Thankfully URL’s and email address are fully traceable, which is why I still feel relatively safe on VDC.
Remember patriots:
“THE TREE OF LIBERTY MUST BE REFRESHED FROM TIME TO TIME WITH THE BLOOD OF PATRIOTS & TYRANTS.” Thomas Jefferson. Courageous, Brilliant Intellectual Founding Father of this Constitutional Republic.
And he was obviously also quite prophetic. The enemy is within.
……Still waiting……Where’s my list? Where are the answers to my queries above re: the DNC trampling of rights? Must have needed “time out” the last couple of evenings.