BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The lieutenant governor of Vermont is largely a ceremonial position, with only a few key duties: fill in for the governor when they are out of state or unable to do the job, preside over the Senate and help appoint chairs to Senate committees. They also cast tie-breaking votes in the Senate.
The major party candidates in the race are incumbent David Zuckerman and his opponent John Rodgers.
Zuckerman, a farmer from Hinesburg, is a Progressive/Democrat looking for his third term as Vermont’s number two.
Rodgers, of West Glover, is a former Democratic lawmaker turned Republican.
I spoke with the two earlier this month at the Tunbridge Fair and found out they have similar concerns about Vermont but different ideas on how to address them.
Affordability is top of mind for both candidates. While the office of lieutenant governor has no direct say in policymaking, each candidate has their own take on spending in the Legislature.
Rodgers says when it comes to taxes, they need to be fair and equitable for everyone.
“We have to live within our means, just like you and I do in our own budgets. And what has happened is Vermont Legislature has lost control of that, and we are currently in a state that is unaffordable for average people to live in, and that’s why I got back in politics,” Rodgers said.
Zuckerman believes wealthier Vermonters should pay more to boost the tax base.
“I’m just being honest about it. It’s going to cost money to make the investments we need to make. And there are people that have the money that we could say, ‘You know what? It’s time to give back to the community to make sure Vermonters can afford to live here.’ And I think that’s a big difference. I’m really clear about where I stand,” Zuckerman said.
If elected, Rodgers says he plans to put in the work to help solve problems.
“I’ll keep track of legislation. I’ll work with senators developing legislation that helps working-class Vermonters. I think it’s an excellent platform to do that work, but also to be able to travel around the state and talk with Vermonters about real issues on the ground and bring their concerns back to the state,” Rodgers said.
Zuckerman points to the connections he’s made during his time in office to show how he’ll amplify issues and cultivate solutions.
“Because I was in the Legislature for a long time and because I’ve always been an organizer, I have worked and made connections all over the state from all the different issues I’ve worked on, from raising the minimum wage to energy policy to cannabis perform. And so I have a network all across the state,” Zuckerman said.
While Zuckerman has an edge as the incumbent, Rodgers has the support of Republican Gov. Phil Scott.
“I intend to work with him to help make Vermont a more affordable place to live,” Rogers said. “I want to put a heavy focus on trades, both through tech centers and through apprenticeship programs.”
Zuckerman hasn’t gotten as warm of a reception.
“If the governor is ready to work together, I’m always happy to do so,” he said. “I do support his opponent, because he hasn’t worked well with the Legislature, and he hasn’t worked particularly well with me either. They’ve been a very isolated administration. They can change any time.”
Zuckerman is a longtime Progressive/Democrat while Rodgers recently made the switch to the GOP. The longtime Democrat changed parties, saying the Dems have become unrecognizable.
“I grew up here in this state as a working-class person, and so I really decided that the moderate Republicans were the old Vermont Democrats,” Rodgers said.
The third candidate in the race is Ian Diamondstone, a perennial candidate running on the Green Mountain Peace and Justice Party ticket.