shout out | GOVERNOR JIM DOUGLAS
© AP Photo/Toby Talbot
CAPITOL IDEAS
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NOV./DEC. 2010
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GOV. JIM DOUGLAS Vermont’s Popular Public Servant
This year was the first time in 40 years Jim Douglas’ name wasn’t on the ballot in Vermont. Douglas was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 1972 after he graduated from Middlebury College. He went on to serve as secretary of state and treasurer, before being elected to the first of four terms as governor in 2002. Vermont officeholders are elected for two-year terms. Douglas credits his success—he’s a Republican in a heavily Democratic state—to his willingness to work across the aisle and the advice he was given early on: “Be yourself; people will see through you if you’re not. Be honest; people can handle the truth even if it’s something that is uncomfortable for them. Always seek their advice; remember that you’re a public servant,” he said. “You’re accountable to the people and you need to continue to remember that you’re in office to fulfill their goals and their will.” Do you know someone in state government who deserves a shout out? E-mail Mary Branham at mbranham@csg.org.
more on Gov. Jim Douglas, For visit: capitolideas.csg.org.
