Tomorrow State Rep. Jim Carroll is scheduled to be in court facing DUI charges issued against him after the Representative was arrested in the parking lot of the State Capitol. Washington County Court records indicate the matter is scheduled for 2:35pm. VTGOP Chairman Paul Dame issued the following statement:

“The residents of Bennington should be watching tomorrow to hear an explanation from Rep. Carroll about why he got behind the wheel of a car and drove to the State House where police evidence establishes that he was over the legal limit and could have endangered himself or his colleagues.

Anyone can make a mistake. But it will likely be difficult for voters to forgive Rep. Carroll for these illegal and dangerous actions if he is unwilling to admit guilt and accept responsibility for this error in judgement. Rep. Carroll and his co-workers are all fortunate that no one was harmed or endangered by his careless behavior.

Depending on the outcome of Friday’s case, voters unhappy with Rep. Carroll’s representation may want to consider an ethics complaint to the House Ethics Panel to express their concerns. If Rep. Carroll is not held accountable by the courts, or by House Ethics panel, then voters still have the opportunity to hold him accountable at the ballot box in November.

Most importantly we hope that Rep. Carroll gets the help he needs to lead a full and productive life that does not endanger his own safety or the safety of others.”