STAMFORD, Vt. â The Select Board on Tuesday doubled down on its recent defiance of Gov. Phil Scottâs health emergency orders, voting to âterminateâ the governorâs restrictions relating to COVID-19 and impose local regulations.
Three of the five board members supported the motion, saying they would likely follow most of Scottâs emergency orders but not any they believe trample on rights guaranteed in the U.S. and Vermont constitutions.
Daniel Potvin and Michael Denault, who led the advocacy for the action during a more than 90-minute debate, and Carol Fachini voted in favor. Chairwoman Nancy Bushika and Christopher Warren voted against.
By Guy Page
The Selectboard of the Bennington County Town of Stamford voted Dec. 17 to affirm the constitutions of Vermont and the United States, in response to the governor’s restrictions on gathering for worship, work and socializing.
The vote follows the Dec. 3 decision by the Stamford Selectboard to defy Gov. Phil Scott’s Covid-19 emergency orders by not canceling a Dec. 4 public gathering: the traditional family-friendly lighting of the town Christmas tree. The Dec. 3 meeting featured an exchange between Selectboard member Dan Potvin and Rep. Laura Sibilia.
Potvin: “Laura, you took an oath to uphold the Constitution, I would imagine, and you guys are running over it along with the governor.”