MARLBORO — I applaud Peter Galbraith as he breaks the smug-barrier in the Vermont Legislature [“State senator resigns from committee over campaign finance bill,” The Commons, May 9]!
It seems that doing nothing is the preferred path for our elected officials once they are safely elected. That is not representation. That is not effective government. That is not the way to meet the very real challenges facing Vermont today.
I can only imagine Peter Galbraith's rising frustration with his fellow representatives as valuable time is wasted and fresh ideas about reform and progress are thwarted by self-involved, risk-averse, small-time officials who can't see past their own re-election campaign.
Hooray for the elected official who stands up against inertia and self interest. Hooray for the person who can, with grace and professionalism, voice his analysis of this currently ineffective system of government where shortsighted individuals can wield their small power - not for good, but only to maintain the status quo of doing nothing.
Hooray for the person who can speak the truth, even when he knows he will be criticized for rocking the boat, called grade-school names like “bully,” or reviled as not-a-team-player.
I'm on your team, Peter.
Thank you for having a backbone.