Governor Phil Scott yesterday announced his appointment of Larry Labor, Republican, to fill the Orleans-1 House District vacancy. Labor replaces former Representative Lynn Batchelor (R-Derby) who resigned in October.

Also, Essex (Chittenden 8-1) Rep. Mary Beth Redmond (D) has submitted her resignation, citing health concerns.

“Larry has demonstrated a commitment to public service and the people of Orleans County through his years serving on the Morgan select board, the State Board of Pharmacy and more,” said Governor Scott. “He has expressed a commitment to environmental stewardship and making Vermont more affordable, and I’m confident he will serve the people of his district with care.” 

Labor spent much of his career as the director of pharmacy and vice president of professional services at North Country Hospital in Newport, Vermont. He has served on the Morgan select board since 2009 and previously served as chair of the State Board of Pharmacy. He was appointed to the NEK broadband initiative representing Morgan.

“I am most grateful to have the opportunity to serve our residents in this new capacity, and I want to thank Governor Scott for choosing me from the list of candidates,” said Labor. “I also want to thank all that have supported me in the past and look forward to working on your behalf.”

Keeping with tradition, because former Representative Batchelor served as a Republican, Governor Scott made the appointment from a list of candidates submitted by the local Republican committee. 

Batchelor, of Derby Line, was first elected to the House in 2010. A New York State native, she became a full-time resident of Vermont in 2001. Previous to that she and her husband, David, a native of Derby Line, lived in Florida with their three sons. While in Florida she owned her own medical collections business.

Since moving to Vermont she has earned a diploma from the American Academy of Certified Coders. She recently retired from the Department of Corrections after 10 years of service. Previous to that she was the office manager for the Occupational Health Services at the Orleans Essex VNA & Hospice. She graduated from White Plains High School, White Plains, New York, attended Keuka College in Penn Yan, New York, as well as St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Newburgh, New York.

Redmond submitted her letter of resignation Dec. 9.

“It has become clear during the past few weeks and months that my personal health and well-being must become my central priorities in the coming days. The year-round activity of serving my constituents and my caucus as an assistant majority leader, and the natural stressors that this work entails (particularly during two years of pandemic), have left minimal space for the prioritization of my own health and wellness,” Redmond said.

“I am not experiencing a recurrence of cancer but am dealing with some health concerns that require my prompt and focused attention. It has become clear that stepping away from this role that I have cherished would be the most responsible thing to do – for me, as well as for the Vermonters I have been elected to serve.”