MONTPELIER, VT - VTGOP Chairman Paul Dame issued the following statement following revelations that two State Legislators were deeply involved in coordinating a disruption that was labelled as a “takeover” of a group that had reserved space at the State House last week.

“It is deeply regrettable to discover that instead of working on the issues Vermonters care most about Rep. Mari Cordes and Rep. Jubilee McGill used their positions as legislators in the State House to deliberately sabotage a peaceful informational meeting held by a group that shares a different perspective. Today I call on House Speaker Jill Krowisnki to consider discipling Rep. Cordes and Rep. McGill for their role that created an unnecessary debacle for both the group who sought to use the space in the State House, as well as the Seargent-At-Arms who was forced into a difficult situation to restore order after the attempted “takeover”.

Legislators ought to hold themselves to a higher standard and while they certainly may have distinct policy preferences, their job should be to listen to all sides and come to an informed opinion. In this case these two legislators worked in an unusual way to incite and organize a “takeover” to prevent themselves and anyone else from hearing a particular point of view. If these legislators want to act like “rebellious” hardened activists, they should resign their position and leave it open to a Vermonter who is more open minded and is willing to listen to all perspective and respect the rights of people who think differently to express themselves.”

Below is a screenshot from a public facebook page outlining Rep. Cordes and Rep. McGill’s active role in organizing agitators to “takeover” the event and cause a “rebellious” disruption.

Below is a screenshot from a public facebook page outlining Rep. Cordes and Rep. McGill’s active role in organizing agitators to “takeover” the event and cause a “rebellious” disruption.

The link can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02WZN1yLnhMAnfaZkTJKFYMRkRystRoqc7u9pD2mjDA8Xv3oPY28BbbC4msVNpbAeol&id=100090170422923