Gov. Phil Scott has appointed John Morley, a former state representative and current village manager of Orleans, to fill the vacant Orleans County seat in the Vermont Senate. Scott announced the appointment on December 5.
Morley replaces Sam Douglass, who resigned earlier this fall after a Politico report revealed his involvement in a national Young Republicans group chat that contained racist and bigoted messages. Top Vermont Republicans, including Scott, had called for Douglass to step down.
Morley was not among the four names previously reported by the Caledonian Record as candidates for the seat, which included three sitting House members: Reps. Mark Higley, R-Lowell; Michael Marcotte, R-Coventry; and John Kascenska, R-Burke. Marcotte had reportedly removed himself from consideration.
In a statement, Scott acknowledged the difficulty of the choice. “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. “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, who could not be reached for comment, served six years in the Vermont House, leaving in 2010.
Photo: Stephanie Klepacki via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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