Scott names Rockingham resident to House

By Jordan J. Phelan
[email protected]
MONTPELIER — Vermont Gov. Phil Scott appointed a Rockingham businesswoman and nurse to fill a vacant seat in the Vermont House of Representatives.

Kelley Tully, a Democrat, was selected by the Republican governor on Saturday to fill House seat 120, formerly held by state Rep. Matthew Trieber. The decision comes one month after the Windham-3 Democratic committee nominated Tully, along with 66-year-old Rockingham resident and selectboard member Leslie Goldman, for the legislative position.

Tully is president of C&H Transportation and vice president of the Bellows Falls family business Cota & Cota.

“During this once-in-a-century challenge, Kelley’s experience as a nurse and in business will be of great value as my team and I work with the Legislature in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Scott said in a statement made available by his office. “She will bring an important perspective to the House and I appreciate her stepping into public service during these difficult times.”

Tully, 54, has 26 years of nursing on her résumé after serving in Springfield Hospital’s critical care unit before it was closed. She has also taught emerging nurses about critical care on the Springfield Hospital campus and long term involvement with the local parent-teacher organization.

The appointment of Tully follows Vermont tradition of appointing a successor who is of the same party as the lawmaker who left the position.

Tully, who is new to politics, said in March that she would run for a seat renewal after the term ends in January if appointed by Scott.

“I think that it’s pretty interesting that we have so much direct access to our government,” said Tully when asked about her potential appointment to the Vermont House. “Sometimes it seems like it’s a foreign, distant thing, but we are the ones that can help each other and make a difference. It seems a lot closer when you know now that you are part of this kind of work in the process. It seems a lot closer to be able to help, that’s pretty exciting,” Tully said.

Trieber resigned in February, saying that he saw the commitment to the position as taking precedence over his work in social services with disadvantaged children because and he could not give full attention to both responsibilities.