GOP challenger in 2022 says he will run again

by Guy Page

A second fiscally-moderate Democratic senator has announced his plan to retire from the Vermont Senate when the session is over. 

Sen. Robert “Bobby” Starr of Orleans County told VDC yesterday he’s turning 82 soon and his wife wants to travel south in the winter – preferably, with him. Thus, he will not run for re-election.

Senators sit on two committees, effectively working twice as much as House members. Senior senators like Starr often chair at least one of the committees (he chairs Senate Agriculture). In practice, serving in the Senate is full-time job, working very long hours during the session with more flexibility off-session. 

Starr was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in December 1942, and became a resident of North Troy on June 3, 1944. He also chaired the House Committee on Agriculture from 1985-2000, during his 25 year tenure in the House. He has served in the Senate since 2005.

His announcement follows the resignation of Sen. Dick Mazza (Grand Isle – Chittenden) due to health reasons. Both senators have served more than 40 years in the Legislature and are known for their fiscal frugality.

The Republican who lost his first bid for elective office when he challenged Starr in 2022 announced April 22 he will seek the Orleans senate post again.

According to campaign material, Douglass grew up in Troy and Jay.  He attended North Troy Elementary, North Country Union Junior High School, and attended North Country Union High School before leaving to attend Northern Vermont University.

Coming from a family that has long worked in social services and mental health, Douglass has worked as a Suicide Counselor/Crisis Interventionist. Sam also works as a real estate agent for RE/MAX All Seasons Realty in Newport.

Besides his work in Mental Health and Real Estate, Sam has held a variety of jobs, including working at Jay Peak, the Stoweflake Resort, a pizzeria, and also making the donuts at 4am at North Country Donuts.  Sam is a working Vermonter, who represents our working Vermonters.

At home in North Troy, he and his wife manage an organic family farm, run a business with online and retail sales, and oversee a farmstand selling the products they grow and make on the property.