As he begins his final year in office, Gov. Jim Douglas says he’s focused on balancing the most difficult state budget he’s faced in his seven years as Vermont’s chief executive.
Douglas tells the Burlington Free Press than when the Legislature reconvenes for the 2010 session, he’ll ask lawmakers to restrict how much local school districts can spend. Douglas says this is the largest budget gap since he’s been in office.
The Republican announced in August that he would not seek re-election this year.
Political observers tell the Free Press that Vermonters shouldn’t expect any changes in Douglas just because he’s on his way out. They say there will be no playing the part of lame duck, and no letting up on a Legislature that often irritates him.