By Michael Bielawski
A petition to remove Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George begun in mid-January now has more than 1,100 signatures.
‘Cody N’ is the author. It states, “As a resident of Burlington, VT, I am deeply concerned about the actions and decisions made by our current State’s Attorney, Sarah George.”
The petition continues, “Her approach to her role has been detrimental to our community and has left us feeling unsafe in our own homes. She is not fulfilling her duty to protect us; instead, she seems intent on dismantling the criminal justice system that should be safeguarding our rights and security. This is not just a professional critique; it’s personal.”
Cody says that the state is becoming more dangerous with her on the job. Cody writes, “Our home state has become an increasingly dangerous place under her watch. We believe that this is directly linked to her policies and decisions in office. It’s time we take action for the safety of ourselves and future generations.”
Cody calls for George’s resignation right away. Cody writes, “We are calling for Sarah George’s immediate resignation from her position as State’s Attorney. We deserve someone who will prioritize public safety over personal ideology, someone who respects the integrity of our criminal justice system rather than seeking its destruction.”
Dismantling the justice system?
George’s comments at a 2022 public forum called “Change from Within: A New Vision for the 21st Century Prosecutor” at Harvard Law School got Vermonters’ attention when it was reported on by VDC.
Among several controversial comments at the event she said, “I went to law school because I wanted to dismantle the criminal legal system and thought that that’s the best way to do it.”
Signers explain why they signed
There are comments on the petition. Emily Walter wrote, “The rampant crime, open drug use and violence has dramatically impacted the city of Burlington in the last few years. People from all over the country know VT is a “free for all” and it’s negatively impacting the people who work hard to be able to barely afford to live here. Sarah openly admitting she has no intention to prosecute crime has gutted us as a community. She needs to be removed IMMEDIATELY.”
Jessica Johnson·wrote, “I am a seventh generation Vermonter, who grew up in South Burlington. … Now the Church Street and Burlington that I cherish has completely crumbled. I can say with full sincerity I would never let my young daughter go down to Burlington and travel using city transportation like I did due to how notorious our city has become.”
Robert Small wrote, “Sarah George is inept to be State’s Attorney of Chittenden County. Her continued lack of prosecuting really calls into question what she is even doing as State’s Attorney? We can elect someone who is more worried about the city than pushing a personal agenda.”
There are 19 comments altogether on the petition as of Feb. 7.
X users sound off
Social media users on X continuously go after the embattled State’s Attorney each time she releases a suspect or criminal, especially when they go on to repeat more crimes.
@JanaBananer wrote on Monday, “I am SHOCKED that the same kid who shot at someone at the mall, then multiple other violent offenses and was released has shot another person. Just SHOCKED. Thankfully it’s out of #sarahgeorge land and now this douche can have consequences.”
@Greg317 wrote in November about George putting healthcare workers at risk when criminals aren’t sent to jail. He wrote, “If Vermont put more criminals in jail those people wouldn’t be showing up in the emergency room attacking people. Thanks Sarah George. Those patients know there’s no penalty for attacking UVM staff members. The state will actually protect them.”
VDC reached out to George for a comment in response to this petition. There has not yet been a response.
The author is a writer for the Vermont Daily Chronicle