by Guy Page
The homes of several member of the Vermont House of Representatives were targeted and defaced with spray paint last night, according to a letter sent by House Speaker Jill Krowinski to all members of the Vermont House of Representatives. And at least one home appears to have been targeted by protesters of the Legislature’s failure to fund the pandemic-era ‘homeless hotel’ program.
The letter was emailed to lawmakers shortly after noon today. It does not specify the content of the messages, if any, sprayed onto the homes. A spokesman at Krowinski’s office had no further information.
However, the vandalism occurred the same date that about 700 households were required to leave the housing program. Late this afternoon, Mike Donoghue of Vermont News First reported: “The home of Reps. Martin LaLonde, D-South Burlington and Carol Ode, D-Burlington were vandalized according to statehouse and law enforcement sources. The spray painting at LaLonde’s home had a message in large letters that said it must be nice to have a home.”
Both LaLonde and Ode voted for the 2023-24 state budget, which did not include funding to continue the program. 17 Progressive and Democratic lawmakers refused to vote for the budget, setting up the possibility that the Democratic supermajority may not have the votes to override Gov. Scott’s veto in the June 20-22 special session.
Krowinski’s letter is republished below:
“I regret to inform you of some distressing incidents that occurred overnight involving several of our fellow House members. It has come to my attention that their homes were targeted and defaced with spray paint. This is an alarming breach of security and an unacceptable act of vandalism. If this has also happened to you, please reach out to me immediately, as well as local law enforcement and the Capitol Police.
“I want to express my sympathies to the members and their families who were targeted and extend my support. Our shared commitment to public service should never be overshadowed by fear or intimidation. In light of this incident, I would like to outline the steps we are taking and the resources available to members:
“Enhanced Security Measures: We want to encourage members to maintain awareness of safety and security measures they can take at their homes and communities. Please reach out to our Capitol Police for information on measures.
“Law Enforcement Collaboration: We have reached out to local law enforcement agencies, the Capitol Police, the Governor’s Office, and our affected members to ensure there is active coordination to investigate these incidents.
“Reporting: I urge all House members to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities or concerns to your local police and the Capitol Police. Your active involvement and cooperation are crucial in maintaining a safe environment for everyone.”
Categories: Housing, State Government
Not that I condone any action like that, but maybe they ought to think that they have gone too far with their policies…
My guess is that the right will be blamed for an insurrection but it will have been the left responsible for it. The news will cover it that way and quietly 3 months later they will find out it’s BLM that did it.
Err, the ‘but’ means that you do condone it. You call the ‘victims’ the ones that are responsible.
She was asking for it, right Brian?
We don’t even know which legislative members, a motive, or what was written so I can’t condone or push back on anything. The but means people do have a breaking point…
And to then sexualize it, Harvey Weinstein style, shows us all exactly how you think.
Let’s try to guess which “party” those who were targeted are affiliated with. This is a disgraceful, violent, pedestrian, un-Vermont-like display of abject intolerance meant to subvert and eventually extinguish the ordinarily liberal exchange provided Constitutionally by our innate freedom of speech and freedom of expression.
This is and shall forever remain a free country despite the grabs by Communists, anarchists, and Marxists both inside and outside of the governmental body to destroy it. NO FEAR.
Too bad you fired the Capital Police Chief, and att the state troopers
“Our shared commitment to public service ” Is that what you disingenuous dirtbags call S5 ? How about infringing on the 2nd Amendment ? Is that also a “public service” ? You people have brought this on yourselves. I don’t condone it, but I think I understand where it originates from.
Not when I reported it shortly at noon. Since then, other reports have identified Reps. Martin Lalonde and Carol Ode.
Any reports on whose homes were targetted?
It appears to me that some folks can be pushed only so far…extremism usually begets extremism; and what one puts out, usually comes back, in one form or another.
This news article is not complete without the lawmakers names, and their party, then the bills they sponsor, and support, can be reviewed, to see who was angered, and may have taken action, but being that information appears to be suppressed, then someone is hiding something. Gee wiz, the same thing is happening in Washington, as I write. The question is who, and why? The voter should have a right to know this; so if the rulers suppress this, perhaps they have something to hide, from they who elected them…just thinking out loud here. Transparent governance is the best way. Governance behind closed doors, makes me, and I am sure, others, very unsettled…in all due respect.
Why would Krowinski omit telling us the name of the house owners and what was written?
Were these Republican houses?
SCOTUS protesters marched on justices’ homes after public doxing over Roe v. Wade and the FBI did nothing.
Antifa set fire to the federal courthouse in downtown Portland.- and the FBI did nothing
Pregnancy centers nationwide were damaged last summer in acts of arson or vandalism that were claimed by the radical pro-abortion group Jane’s Revenge. The group declared “open season” on such pro-life establishments after the leak of the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. The FBI has done nothing.
Is this why the One Party System in Montpelier is going carbon neutral – first eliminate the gasoline and then the guns?
Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?
Are not all votes cast public information?
Could the vandal’s intent have been to ensure that votes have consequences?
MEDITATION XVII
Devotions upon Emergent Occasions
John Donne
“No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
well as any manner of thy friends or of thine
own were; any man’s death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
“Our shared commitment to public service”. Get real. You have no commitment to public service… your only commitment appears to be far more self serving. People are fed up with having you rub their noses in your political privilege. Spray paint will wash off – too bad we cannot clean up Vermont politics with a good scrubbing. This past session has been shameful. Unlike madam speaker, I have no sympathy for any of you.
I call false flag. No pictures, no “victims” named. To those who want to know, IF it was real, NOT DONE BY anyone on the right. We do not do vandalism. But I only speak for myself. What a waste of time.
Some of the reasons I believe this is a scam…. They, have some of the best that money can buy, EV, high mortgage homes, paid for cell phones and a 6 figure salary live in the “best places” in VT, best healthcare money can buy …need i go on. You expect me to believe people damaged their homes and 1) no one else saw anything. 2) Nothing was caught on video. 3) Not one police report of any of this happening.
Now they will have free police security. How much is that costing. Last I knew you could shot a trespasser. Especially since you have now told all that you feel threatened in the state you are messing up.
I am embarrassed by the comments left here so far. Shame. Detail is missing. Let’s not be all jumping to conclusions and making unsubstantiated slams.
I don’t know which legislators’ homes were targeted. What I do know is that vandalism is not the way to resolve political differences—that’s what elections are for. Everyone on the right and everyone on the left should be quick to condemn these actions in no uncertain terms. Failure to do so will lead to even more inappropriate acts in the future!
And when the elections are rigged? Then what Tom?
I concur with both kk1Iron and Tom Koch. There is a great amount of detail missing and to jump to conclusions is both irresponsible and inflammatory if you are going to spread any vitriol out there in a public venue.
These cowardly actions by the as yet unknown perpetrators, are reprehensible and not the way civilized people behave. You may think it…. but that’s not what we do. I don’t care what kind of a whack job legislator you might be, you do not deserve to have your property destroyed. No one does.
Let’s find out some details…you know, the simple stuff…. who, what, when, where and more importantly, why. Then we can all go to our corners and lace up. If that’s what blows your skirt up, that is. Otherwise, let’s be adults and wait for some answers.
Only if those election are actually fair, legal, and without purposeful error. Are you 100% sure the machine that counts your votes is actually counting your vote and not just doing what the programmer inserted???? Why in a state of less than 1 million people do we need machines to count our votes?????????? Stay skeptical my friends…..question everything. Oh that’s right we’re not allowed to do that…..
Tom Koch….”Failure to do so will lead to even more inappropriate acts in the future!” By who….the legislators or the alleged vandals? Asking for a friend…..
Funny Democrats were ok with judges, Republicans, churches, pro life clinics and on were getting attacked but it’s different when it’s the. Old guy once told me be careful what ya wish for.
All of us, Leon? I mean, I am a liberal and I reject any confrontation with any politician of any stripe that cause distress to that politician. So no poison pen letters, no demos outside homes, no social media threats, etc.
So will you now amend your post to say ‘Democrats, other than one oddball in Vermont, are ok with….’
Thanks buddy!
The reality is you liberals right now condone it as it’s all gone your way for 10 years.
When the shoes on the other foot you’ll be the first one lighting the torch
America can no longer be considered civilized. Vermont is downright barbarous. The legislature leads the way in setting the example for everyone else.
There’s more information available on this story for anyone who wants to do the research. I do, however, place some fault on VDC for not publishing a more complete story. Other news venues did so.
Vermont Rep. Martin LaLonde’s home was mentioned. And the incident appeared to be politically motivated and related to the end of housing subsidies for homeless Vermonters. The graffiti on LaLonde’s home said, ‘It must be nice to have a house’. A similar message was found on the home of another [unnamed] lawmaker in Burlington. So far, only two homes have been specifically identified.
‘The task of weaning various people and groups from the national nipple will not be easy. The sound of whines, bawls, screams and invective will fill the air as the agony of withdrawal pangs finds voice.’ –Linda Bowles
Just as I suspected for the reason I suspected. It isn’t the first time these cowards are using violence & intimidation to force their radical and often psychotic ideologies on others, and it shan’t be the last – UNLESS & UNTIL they have their little booties incarcerated for their crimes!
No leftists…it’s not just “nice” to have a house, those legislators actually PAID FOR and therefore DESERVE to have a house.
It’s often referred to as PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, & MATURITY.
Get it yet? Nah. I didn’t think so.
Just like above, not condoning ANY unlawful activity directed against government officials with political malice, but let’s just admit that this legislative session was legal and procedural vandalism committed against the Vermont Constitution and the peace and dignity of the good, tax-paying citizens of Vermont…
https://vermontdailychronicle.com/legislators-homes-targeted-defaced-with-spray-paint/
Update on this story:https://vermontdailychronicle.com/legislators-homes-targeted-defaced-with-spray-paint/
https://vermontdailychronicle.com/legislators-homes-targeted-defaced-with-spray-paint/ – Update with more information about possible reason for vandalism of lawmakers’ homes
Thanks for the updated info. Not changing how I feel or what I said. No, the right does not do such childish things (most times). The left is NEVER gonna take responsibility for this. Now they are gonna make us register for spray paint.
Pictures would be nice. People I have told about this do not believe unless they see pictures and as I concur. Too easy to SAY something happened when you show no proof of said incident. Just saying. Not blaming you Guy, but they do have a point.
That’s true, Shannon. Unfortunately when I got the story shortly after noon, no information on specific legislators was available. No pix either. I called the Speaker’s office for more info. No dice. So I published the half-a-loaf I had. Not until Mike Donoghue- best Vermont crime reporter of the last half century – published his added info at about 5 pm were the names of any legislators known. A photo was produced a little while later of lalonde’s spraypainted garage door.
Not cool to damage another’s property. We need to remove the uncivilized from our society.
Thanks, Mr. Page, for the updated information and detail and the links. A picture of the vandalism may or may not be a good idea. I think it would distress a lot of the soft liberals in our state. There are quite a few of them in my rural area. Heads stuck in the sand; thinking that the stuff on the news would never happen here, in our precious Vermont! The hardcore radical left will only believe it’s not enough. Hopefully, there is some evidence, and the perpetrators will be caught and face criminal charges and then some stiff penalty. But we know that will never happen.
I fear, as many of you should as well, that as crazy and difficult as the times are right now, it’s going to get worse. Much worse and likely the stronger and louder conservatives get, the more vitriolic and vituperative the left will become. President Lincoln foretold this time….
In his Lyceum address at the Springfield Illinois Young Men’s Lyceum on January 27th, 1838, he stated these exact words which have been accurately paraphrased:
“Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant to step the ocean and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia, and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest, with a Bonaparte for a commander, could not by force take a drink from the Ohio or make a track on the Blue Ridge in a trial of a thousand years. At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer. If it ever reach us it must spring up amongst us; it cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide.”
When the State House was vandalised by Jane’s Revenge, there was no panic memo sent out or calls for a full police investigation or increased protection. Only when it effects them personally, all Hell breaks lose and all police units called in like the cavalry (after riding law enforcement like a rented mule over the past three years.) I do not condone the actions of the perp. Criminal actions against a regular Vermonter is ignored. If it happens to them, they howl demanding justice and protection instantly. See how it works? The harvest of what they sowed is here. Their dogs are chewing threw off their leashes.
Those darn spray paint cans. We need to have a 72-hour waiting period on the sail od all spray paint immediately. And no purchasing of spray paint cans without a background check.
Don’t forget no one under 21 years of age shall have access to spray paint, and a can can not spray more than 10 sprays!!
Je despair.
More compassion for the politicians than for those now on the streets trying to keep families together, keep their jobs, and literally, have their lives fall off the cliff.
Vermonters have hardened their hearts against and around politically expedient hot topics for the least of us.
We are the second in the nation for homelessness – in 2019, homelessness was up 149%. Now, 4 years later, its more than likely MUCH higher.
What does that say about our morals, values and ethics?
The whiners are those who complain when someone pushes back who’s OFF the cliff and in flight to a big splat at the bottom of the cliff…
You cannot conduct inhumane policies and not expect HUMANS to protest in the most harmless way possible… politicians USED to be tarred and feathered and escorted out of town when they conducted themselves over and above the common people…
Whining from a place of comfort and security reminds me of all the elite on the planet right now…
Of course, this is all tied to the One World government, One world health, and …kettling into boxes/housing that literally snuffs out life among many other inhumane policies we did not vote on nor were we asked, being enacted in the rarified atomospher of the made men and women promised worldly rewards if they play the game for..
Satan.
You just can’t take it with you when you go.
How does the suicide/homicide rate stack up next to this?
Where are the pictures? The TV news showed a pic of the garage door that were completely clean and said that the pic was taken after the graffiti had been removed.
Well there you have it, I had been biting my tongue waiting for the specifics. As I suspected it was D party that was affected by these actions. I think it’s really important at this time to remember that this was not an illegal act or violent or threatening, it was simply an oppressed person venting their frustration. Suck it up Marty, you and you’re colleagues creating the environment that you are now the beneficiary of. Think of it as a teaching moment for your kids, perhaps you and the children can write and perform an interpretative dance.
How many homeless people could work, or even looking a job.