Vermont-NEA News

Vermont-NEA Gives Early Nod to Pearce, Hoffer and Condos

MONTPELIER – Vermont-NEA’s board recommends the re-election of Treasurer Beth Pearce, Auditor of Accounts Doug Hoffer and Secretary of State Jim Condos, calling them great friends of public education and working Vermonters.

“Beth, Doug and Jim have earned the right to continue working on behalf of Vermonters with their steadfast support of the state’s middle class,” said Vermont-NEA President Martha Allen. “Each has shown a true dedication to public education and all working people, and we look forward to working with them for the next two years.”

Vermont-NEA’s board doesn’t typically make candidate recommendations before the filing deadline, but in the case of these three statewide office holders, the board made an exception. “It really doesn’t matter who will file tomorrow for treasurer, auditor or secretary of state,” Allen said. “Beth, Doug and Jim have the unanimous support of me and my fellow board members.”

The reasons for the early nod are clear, Allen said. Treasurer Pearce was the driving force behind strengthening the teachers’ pension and retiree health benefits; Auditor Hoffer has ensured that public money isn’t wasted on programs that don’t benefit working people and pushed for protections for people who expose government waste; and Secretary of State Condos fights doggedly to ensure people have access to their government.

The board will make its recommendations for governor and lieutenant governor after the August primary.