By Guy Page

A longtime member of the Vermont House of Representatives has resigned from his committee due to allegations of sexual harrassment against a fellow legislator, according to a letter by House Speaker Jill Krowinski to members of the Vermont House. 

Krowinski commended the complainant, who is not named in the letter, for “an extraordinarily courageous action.” 

It is unclear whether the complainant is a fellow member of House Government Operations, Hooper’s committee until his resignation. He will not be reassigned, Krowinski said.

The subject of the letter is Rep. Bob Hooper (D-Burlington), who represents the New North End district, Chittenden 18. Krowinski represents another North Burlington district, Chittenden 16. The letter, provided to VDC this morning, reads:

Hello Members,

The House of Representatives is committed to providing a professional work environment that’s free from sexual harassment, discrimination, or any hostile behavior. It does not matter what party you belong to or what position you hold, we are all held to the same rules and expectations. 

Representative Bob Hooper has resigned from the House Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee. His resignation is in response to a violation of House Rule 90(c), the House Sexual Harassment Prevention policy. The resignation, and corresponding confidential stipulation agreement, comes after a thorough and diligent investigation by the House Sexual Harassment Prevention Panel. 

He will not be assigned to another committee for the rest of the biennium. 

I commend the impacted member who filed the complaint. It was an extraordinarily courageous action to come forward and I’m asking that you give them privacy at this time.

Please be in touch if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Jill

Hooper has served in the Legislature since 2019. He is one of a dwindling number of Vietnam era veterans and has been a champion of veterans’ issues during his tenure. His legislative website bio states that Hooper:

“has lived in the New North End, in both Wards 4 and 7, for over 30 years. He has committed his entire life to public service, beginning with a tour of duty in the Army in 1971, where he became a radio operator in the signal corps, like his father in WWII. Shortly after discharge, Bob worked his way through college at Penn State University where in 1979, he earned a B.A. in Individual and Family Studies with an emphasis in Counseling.

“Following graduation, Bob joined the private sector in a construction company that focused on the then novel concept of designing and constructing solar homes. This experience developed Bob’s interest in alternative energy, an issue he remains committed to today. He also experienced first-hand the challenges of operating a small business as a long-haul moving van driver. These experiences were the genesis of his commitment to helping small businesses succeed.”

Krowinski did not address Hooper’s resignation on the House floor this morning. The House is likely to work until at least late afternoon on bills voted out of committee in time for the Crossover deadline, allowing them to proceed for further action and possibly eventual passage into law.

VDC has emailed Hooper for comment. We will publish further information on this developing story as it is received.