John Morley, a former state representative and current village manager of Orleans, has been appointed to fill Orleans County's vacant seat in the Vermont Senate. Gov. Phil Scott announced the appointment Friday.
Morley replaces Sam Douglass, who resigned in October after Politico reported his involvement in a Young Republicans group chat that contained racist and bigoted messages. Scott and other top Vermont Republicans had called for Douglass to step down.
Scott's office said three sitting House members were considered for the seat, including Reps. Mark Higley, Michael Marcotte, and John Kascenska. Marcotte had reportedly removed himself from the selection process. Morley's name was not on that list.
“I also want to acknowledge how difficult this choice was, with three strong, capable, and effective state representatives from the Kingdom sent by the County Committee for my consideration,” Scott said in a statement. “All three are invaluable leaders in the House, in important roles at a critical time during the biennium. I look forward to continuing to work with them on our shared priorities.”
Morley served six years in the Vermont House, ending in 2010. He could not be reached for comment Friday.
Originally reported by VTDigger.
Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0). Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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