“I enjoyed that, putting myself in the shoes of others and learning different aspects of the challenges of Vermont,” Scott said at his weekly press conference Wednesday, at which he signed the state budget bill.
This time, the Jobs Tour would have a twist: He would concentrate on state government. Scott already knows plenty about elected office, having spent 10 years in the state Senate and another six as lieutenant governor.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know state government and the agencies and departments,” he said. “I’m thinking about maybe working alongside [state workers] and becoming more acclimated with state government.”
For now, the idea of a new Jobs Tour is something he’s merely “contemplating,” but he’s definitely serious about it.
There is, of course, a big difference between the two offices — the least demanding and most demanding of the state’s elective positions. The lieutenant governor has little power, few actual responsibilities and a lot of free time. The Everyday Jobs Tour was a harmless diversion.
Would it be an equally appropriate activity for a governor? It’s a worthwhile question, and one that Scott will have to contemplate.
Speaking of spare time activities, the governor also addressed his plans for auto racing at Thunder Road Speedbowl. In recent months, he mentioned driving in five to six races. He’s already competed in three, including the last two.
“I really hope to win a race,” he said. “That is what’s driving me at this point. I’ve come close a couple of times … I’m hoping to win one now. I’m still thinking five or six races. If it comes to seven or eight, that would be OK too, but five or six is my goal. If I can win one before that, maybe I’ll stop.”
Scott crashed in his season debut on May 28. Engine failure knocked him out of his second race on June 15. In his most recent outing, on June 22, he led for most of the race but finished second.
Next time, for sure.
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Maybe Scott should contemplate why he has so much free time as Governor and if that is an issue that should be addressed by, I don’t know, maybe governing?
By delegating all the big decisions to Jason Gibbs, I can see how Scott would have free time.
I have a suggestion Governor: How about working along side teachers, and getting to know what it is like to have their health benefits cut.
Symbolism over substance – pretty much sums up Phil Scott’s approach to being governor.
I would like to see Gov. Scott spending time on the BIKE LANES ( WE DO NOT HAVE ) and seeing firsthand what risks Vermont bikers take. Imagine the increase in tourism we could have if we invested in actual bike lanes instead of narrow dirt filled paved shoulders. We are not saving money when we rebuild roads without real safe bike lanes especially in the many parts of the state that the only real industry is tourism. I have heard talk about this for 40 years but see very little actually being done.