By Guy Page
The departing Caledonia County State’s Attorney lays responsibility for the county’s climbing drug crime and violence at the feet of a bail-averse, city-controlled Vermont Legislature, according to a feature news story in today’s Caledonian-Record, the daily newspaper published in St. Johnsbury.
Prosecutor Jessica Zaleski, appointed in 2019 and re-elected in 2022, is going home to North Dakota at the end of this month to care for her aging parents. She spoke candidly Monday evening in Danville to the Caledonia County Republican Committee, which will recommend her replacement to Gov. Phil Scott.
To read the entire account, click here. There is a modest paywall to read all of the news and commentary in the long-running, family-owned newspaper. Here are a few of Zaleski’s quotes that appear in the news story authored by Editor Dana Gray.
Fewer effective remedies –
“There used to be a lot harsher penalties, a lot higher rates of incarcerating people, immediate responses to violent behavior. I’m not seeing as much of that as I would like to see.”
Mental health, substance abuse root cause –
“Nine times out of ten the causes are substances, mental health, or alcohol. And the criminal justice system is being tasked with being a mental health counselor, a substance abuse counselor … It’s not equipped to do that. The criminal justice system was not designed to deal with drug addiction. It was designed to deal with criminal behavior and trying to stop harm and get justice for victims…..Whatever is going on with substance abuse treatment here, from my perspective—seeing it every day—it’s not working.”
Inadequate bail laws –
“The bail statute infuriates me on a daily basis; it makes me want to pull my hair out. You can’t impose bail unless they’re a flight risk or have no community ties. And that’s hard to prove.”
On perception of leniency –
“I don’t think there’s a general attitude of leniency. I think what the state of Vermont is trying to do—rightfully—is strike a balance between punishing criminal behavior and addressing its causes. The American criminal justice system is the best in the world, no doubt, but it’s not perfect. It relies on humans making and enforcing laws, and we just do the best we can every day.”
Urban-controlled Legislature –
“The Vermont Legislature’s heart is in the right place, but when you have the power in the legislature coming from the larger urban areas, what works for them is not going to work for us.”
What concerned Vermonters should do –
“Speak with the people doing this work—your local law enforcement, probation officers, court staff. Ask how they’re doing. And voice your concerns to policymakers. Even if the laws as written aren’t always on our side, it sends a message: ‘We’re not going to take it, and we’re going to stand up for what’s right.’”
Claire Burns will serve as interim state’s attorney until Governor Scott announces a permanent appointment.
