News

T.J. Donovan wants two more years as AG

By Eric Blaisdell
Staff Writer
T.J. Donovan said he wants another two-year term as the state’s attorney general because he wants to continue the work he’s done during the past four years and to help the state navigate its way out of the coronavirus pandemic.

Donovan said his office has acted as the enforcement arm for Gov. Phil Scott’s executive order that at one point called for the shutdown of schools and nonessential businesses in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“But I think we’ve done it in a very balanced way where we’ve worked with Vermonters and built compliance with the governor’s executive order,” he said.

Donovan said his office created an early response team and received a host of calls in March and April from residents who wanted to know what they could and couldn’t do, what the order meant and how they could keep their businesses open. He said he was proud his office was able to respond to every call and to work with people collaboratively. The attorney general said his office only had to bring forward two lawsuits to get people to comply with the governor’s order.

“Which is unlike any other state. And the credit doesn’t go to my office. It goes to Vermonters because it was a collaborative approach,” he said, adding he’s always said the best way to enforce the law is to give people the opportunity to comply with it.

Prior to and during the pandemic, Donovan highlighted his efforts to push back on some of the actions taken by the Trump Administration.

“The federal government has taken a step back in protecting people’s rights, has taken a step back in protecting our environment, has taken a step back from following the rule of law. And we stepped up,” he said.

Donovan said his office has sued the administration so many times he’s lost count.

Looking ahead, Donovan said he will continue to focus on helping the state get out of the pandemic. He said his office will continue to provide good legal services to state government and residents.

“This is going to impact us as we go forward, we all know that. I want to make sure that we have a steady hand that can stand up for the right values. And helping people and trusting Vermonters and giving them the opportunity not only to comply with whatever the governor orders but making sure that they have a chance to fulfill their livelihood and take care of their families,” he said.

eric.blaisdell @timesargus.com

Avatar photo

As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.