Plans to run for Vermont Senate

By Mike Donoghue
Vermont News First

MONTPELIER — David Wolk, who has given more than 50 years of public service to the Rutland region and the state, submitted his resignation letter as an assistant judge in Rutland County on Monday.

In his letter to Gov. Phil Scott, Wolk said he needs to step down because he plans to run as an independent for one of the three state senate seats from the Rutland District in the General Election in November.

He told Vermont News First on Monday morning that Vermont Code of Judicial Conduct required him to resign now.

Wolk said he plans to wait until the legislature adjourns this spring before he starts campaigning and talking about the issues.

Wolk, 72, said he does not expect to accept contributions from either major party or political action committees.

“I don’t want to be beholden to anybody but the taxpayers,” he told Vermont News First.

“My campaign is going to focus on issues. I plan to meet with groups and talk about issues,” Wolk said.

Three Republicans represent the Rutland District: Brian Collamore, David Weeks and Terry Williams.

Wolk served as president of Castleton State College (later Castleton University) from 2001-2017.  He was a longtime educator who also serve the state as the education commissioner.

Wolk has intertwined careers in education and government leadership, in all three branches of government. He graduated from Rutland High School before going on to earn degrees from Middlebury College, the University of Vermont, and Harvard University.

He served as a guidance counselor and teacher at Mt. St. Joseph Academy, academic dean at the St. Sebastian’s School, principal of Barstow Memorial School, principal of Rutland High School, superintendent of schools in Rutland City (with a one-year return engagement in 2019) and Vermont’s Commissioner of Education.
He served as a Rutland County Senator from 1988-92.

Wolk, a longtime Democrat, ran successfully as an independent for Rutland County Assistant Judge in 2022.

“I have enjoyed the role very much, and I have learned from my colleagues in the Judiciary, while appreciating a renewed respect for the good work they do every day,” Judge Wolk told the Governor in the resignation letter.

The Rutland native said because he is an independent, Wolk does not expect there to be any county party caucus to recommend his replacement. It will be up to Gov. Scott to name the replacement.

Former Rutland County Sheriff Steve Benard is the other assistant judge in Rutland County.

“I run as an Independent because I am one. I don’t find myself in step with the loud voices on the far right or the far left. I make decisions as an independent thinker…,” Wolk said.

Wolk said he has a “special affinity for Rutland. I have spent 51 years in some form of public service, and I would like to continue that calling.”