Governor Phil Scott Announces Legislative Appointments

Montpelier, Vt. - Governor Phil Scott today announced his appointment of Val Taylor to represent the Rutland-11 district in the House of Representatives and John Benson to represent the Orange District in the Senate. Taylor replaces Representative Jim Harrison who will be resigning effective January 6, and Benson replaces Larry Hart, who resigned in October.

Val Taylor, Rutland-11, House of Representatives

Taylor, of Mendon, most recently served as Chair of the Mendon Selectboard and has an entrepreneurial background, running her family-owned residential painting business.

"Val has experience in both public service as well as running her own business," said Governor Phil Scott. "I believe her experience in both areas will be an asset in the legislature. I'm also appreciative of Jim Harrison's years of service to Vermont and wish him well in his next chapter."

"I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to represent the Rutland -11district. Representative Jim Harrison was dedicated and put his best foot forward, and I'm aware I have big shoes to fill. I hope to win the trust of these four towns this coming year by doing the same. I'm proud to be a Vermonter, and I will work hard for them and make their concerns my priority."

John Benson, Orange District, Senate

John Benson, of Brookfield, worked as a civil engineer for over 45 years, including as a managing partner of DuBois and King, Inc., in Randolph, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors. Benson has served on the Brookfield Selectboard since 2009 and currently serves as Chair of the Board, a role he's held for over eight years.

"John understands the challenges facing Vermont well, which will help him excel in this role," said Governor Phil Scott. "His career as a civil engineer, decades as a volunteer firefighter, and now on the Selectboard, demonstrate his commitment to working together to solve problems, which will be an important perspective to have in the Senate."

"I would like to thank Governor Scott for appointing me to this very important position as Senator for Orange County," said Benson. "I am honored to represent the people of Orange County and will do my best to work for them and the State of Vermont."

###