ORLEANS – John Morley, a longtime village of Orleans employee and former state representative, will fill Orleans County’s vacant seat in the Vermont Senate.
Gov. Phil Scott announced his appointment in a press release on Friday.
Morley replaces Sam Douglass, who resigned in scandal this fall when his involvement in a national Young Republicans group chat replete with racist and bigoted messages was revealed in a Politico exposé. Top Vermont Republicans, including Scott, quickly called for the former senator to step down.
The Caledonian Record this week reported four people considered to replace Douglass, including three current members of the Vermont House: Rep. Mark Higley, R-Lowell; Rep. Michael Marcotte, R-Coventry; and Rep. John Kascenska, R-Burke. (The report also indicated Marcotte had removed himself from the selection process.)
Morley’s name was not on the reported list, though Scott, in a statement, appeared to allude to the sitting House members he’d considered.
“I also want to acknowledge how difficult this choice was, with three strong, capable, and effective state representatives from the Kingdom sent by the County Committee for my consideration,” Scott said. “All three are invaluable leaders in the House, in important roles at a critical time during the biennium. I look forward to continuing to work with them on our shared priorities.”
Morley, who works as the Orleans village manager, could not be immediately reached for comment late Friday afternoon. He previously served six years in the Vermont House, ending his tenure in 2010, according to a press release from Scott’s office.
