What are the Qualifications to be a Vermont elected Legislator/Representative?
by Nancy Gassett
We can all read if we choose, the abundance of letters written about candidates that are printed in the opinion pages and letter sections of newspapers, as well as the online posts during the months leading up to every election. This 2024 election season is no different. It seems obvious that many letters are solicited and written with the planned purpose to try and present a candidate as supported and qualified for the elected position they are seeking.
Generally, most letters report how “nice” certain candidates are and the “nice” things they do or have done as an offering of the qualification(s) needed to be elected. While being a “nice” person and doing “nice” things is certainly admirable, why are these attributes seen and presented as qualifications for holding elected office?
I believe we have forgotten what the true and right job description is for a person who is seeking to be our Elected Legislator/Representative. Our present situation in our Vermont General Assembly is the result of electing those who have failed to keep their Oath(s) or Affirmation(s). They agreed to the Vermont constitutional job description, under the pains and penalties of perjury yet, many didn’t have the courage or character to follow through in keeping their word.
Did they really intend to keep their Oaths or Affirmations? Do they really believe in our state and federal constitution(s)? Do they believe they are supposed to serve “The Collective Best Interests of Vermonters” while also protecting their rights and privileges? These are the questions we should be asking ALL candidates.
Below is the job description laid out in our Vermont Constitution for our elected legislators/representatives. Before entering upon the execution of office, each person elected must take this Oath or Affirmation:
Chapter II. Vermont State Constitution
PLAN OR FRAME OF GOVERNMENT;
DELEGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS;
§ 16. [REPRESENTATIVES’ OATHS]
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that as a member of this Assembly, I will not propose, or assent to, any bill, vote or resolution, which shall appear to me injurious to the people, nor do nor consent to any act or thing whatever, that shall have a tendency to lessen or abridge their rights and privileges, as declared by the Constitution of this State; but will, in all things, conduct myself as a faithful, honest Representative and guardian of the people, according to the best of my judgment and ability. (In case of an oath) So help me GOD. Under the pains and penalties of perjury.”
As citizens we have a functional part and duty if we expect to maintain our individual freedoms. As shown below in Article 6 and 7 of our Vermont Constitution, we are to hold our elected Ooficials legally accountable and also make changes to our government if it is not serving us.
Article 6. [Officers servants of the people]
That all power being originally inherent in and co[n]sequently derived from the people, therefore, all officers of government, whether legislative or executive, are their trustees and servants; and at all times, in a legal way, accountable to them.
Article 7. [Government for the people; they may change it] That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community, and not for the particular emolument or advantage of any single person, family, or set of persons, who are a part only of that community; and that the community hath an indubitable, unalienable, and indefeasible right, to reform or alter government, in such manner as shall be, by that community, judged most conducive to the public weal.
Instead of choosing our elected officials by their “niceties” or how they make us “feel,” let’s be reminded of the true foundational job description that is laid out in our Vermont State Constitution. Let’s vote out those who are serving other agendas and do not serve us. Let’s choose persons who are committed to fulfilling their Oaths and Affirmations of Office. Let’s vote in those candidates who truly desire to serve the collective best interests of, “We The People of Vermont.”
The author is a Vernon resident and GOP nominee for the House of Representatives.