MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermonters of all political stripes are remembering the 32-year legacy of state Senator Dick Sears who died over the weekend.
Born in Framingham, Massachusetts, Dick Sears moved to Vermont in 1971. Driven by his own upbringing in foster care, he had a lifelong passion of advocating for youth at risk and founding 204 Depot Street, a residential treatment program for troubled boys which he helped run for 35 years.
“I think Dick was a person with an open mind and an open heart that was there for everybody who sought him out,” said Bennington Town Manager Stuart Hurd
Sears served as Bennington’s selectboard chair and was elected to the state Senate in 1992. He helmed the Judiciary Committee for years, tackling high-profile issues including civil unions, marijuana legalization, gun control, and new laws holding the makers of PFAS and oil companies accountable for environmental damage.
On criminal justice reform, he led the way on the nation’s first “Raise the Age” law, seeking to treat young offenders through a rehabilitative instead of a punitive approach.
“As time went on and he learned more about several different issues, he took a position that was different than where he originally started out, but only after careful consideration,” said former state Joe Benning who worked closely with him on the Judiciary Committee..
Sears’ style of politics is described as moderate and pragmatic. While he could at times appear to have a gruff demeanor, his colleagues say he was patient and knew the right questions to ask. “He always looked at everything through an eye of ‘What will the impact be,’” said Sen. Brian Campion, D-Bennington County. He says despite being heavily involved at the Statehouse, he was always focused on serving constituents, frequently appearing at legislative breakfasts, fundraisers, and community events. “His legacy is something that we should all strive toward when we are in Montpelier — but even when you’re not in Montpelier — how we give back in our daily lives.”
Sears’ death comes just a week after the death of longtime Senator Dick Mazza. That now leaves six open seats in the 30-member Senate this November.
State lawmakers will return to the Statehouse on June 17 to attempt to override vetoes from Governor Phil Scott. They need two-thirds to override and in the Senate that means 20 votes. It’s unlikely that Governor Scott will appoint a successor before the November election, so on bills that are close — like the Renewable Energy Standard or Burlington’s safe injection site — it’s an open question as to whether they have the votes to override.