Rep. Jay Hooper’s Urgent Call to Action
In a compelling opinion piece by Rep. Jay Hooper, a Democrat representing the Orange-Washington-Addison district in the Vermont House of Representatives, a clarion call to action reverberates throughout the state as the 2025 legislative session looms on the horizon. Urgent memorandum to Vermont Democrats writ large; we need your help heading into the 2025 legislative session, ahead of day one. They are making their lists, and checking them twice, but that’s just my point; historically, the “common good” has hardly ever been represented throughout behind-closed-curtains, private small group chats and one-on-one campaigning for speaker of the House.
The Need for Transparent Elections
Rep. Hooper highlights the critical need for a transparent and democratic election process for the Speaker of the House, a position often filled through rumored momentum and unanimous voice votes rather than true deliberation and choice. The upcoming race for the speaker invites public attention to change this age-old tradition and bring a real election to the forefront.
Breaking the Norms
This time, the Vermont Democrats are breaking away from the traditional norms of an unchallenged speaker nomination by holding a real election, allowing members to vote their true preference by private ballot. This departure from the past practices of an anti-vote for caucus unity is a step towards genuine engagement and representation within the party.
A Call for Accountability and Transparency
Rep. Hooper’s plea for a leader who embodies passion, inspiration, and a commitment to open communication echoes throughout the article. The lack of transparent communication and genuine dialogue within the House Democratic Caucus is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. The reluctance of the current speaker, Rep. Jill Krowinski, to engage in public debates and discussions about crucial issues like Vermont’s education spending policy raises concerns about her effectiveness and leadership.
The article powerfully underscores the importance of accountability, transparency, and open dialogue in the political landscape, urging Vermont Democrats to come together and demand a more inclusive and democratic approach to leadership selection. The call to action by Rep. Jay Hooper serves as a rallying cry for change and a reminder of the power of collective action in shaping the future of public education in Vermont.
