JT Dodge member of Rural Vermont Rising
By Guy Page
JT Dodge is mounting a write-in campaign for Orange County high bailiff in Tuesday’s Aug. 11 primary, saying he wants to bring a constitutional-conservative approach to the little-known county office.
Dodge is asking voters to write in “JT Dodge” for high bailiff on whichever party ballot they choose to take in the primary. His campaign comes as incumbent High Bailiff Christopher Helali has drawn attention for traveling abroad, including to Iran. Helali, former general secretary of the American Communist Party, had posted video of himself mourning at the funeral of slain Ayatollah Khameini.
Helali now lives in Russia and is ineligible to serve. However, he could still mount a write-in campaign, regardless of eligibility.
The high bailiff is a Vermont constitutional county office whose duties are generally limited, but the officeholder can serve legal process on a sheriff and may assume the sheriff’s duties under certain circumstances.
“Most people probably don’t think much about the office of High Bailiff,” Dodge said. “Most of the time, it’s a quiet position, but it exists for those rare circumstances when it can suddenly matter a great deal.”
Dodge said his priorities include individual liberty, free speech, Second Amendment rights, privacy, probable cause and due process. He also expressed concern about expanded government surveillance, including automated license plate readers.
“Technology can help law enforcement, but capability alone isn’t justification for collecting information about ordinary citizens,” Dodge said.
Dodge said his professional background is in systems engineering and that he serves as a board officer at the Dodge House, a transitional living facility serving veterans in Vermont. He describes himself as independent-minded and willing to question government decisions and the limits of official authority.
He said he recognizes the limited role of the high bailiff and, if required to assume the duties of sheriff, would seek to have the governor appoint an acting sheriff as quickly as possible.
Dodge also identified himself as a member of Rural Vermont Rising, saying his candidacy is intended in part to encourage greater participation by rural Vermonters in local government.
“If the day ever arises that the high bailiff is needed,” Dodge said, “I want the people of Orange County to know exactly who they elected and where I stand.”
Dodge is seeking write-in votes from residents of Orange County communities including Bradford, Braintree, Brookfield, Chelsea, Corinth, Fairlee, Newbury, Orange, Randolph, Strafford, Thetford, Topsham, Tunbridge, Vershire, Washington, West Fairlee and Williamstown, as well as Wells River village.