Governor Peter Shumlin announced Wednesday that he will appoint Kathy Hoyt of Norwich to the State House seat held by Representative Margaret Cheney. Hoyt has extensive experience in state government, previously serving as Commissioner of Employment and Training, Planning Director for the Vermont Human Services Agency, and Gov. Madeleine Kunin’s and Gov. Howard Dean’s Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Agency of Administration.
‘The Legislature and my Administration have critical issues to start moving on early, including tackling a tight state budget, strengthening economic development, combatting drug addiction and crime, and more. Kathy will hit the ground running,’ Shumlin said. ‘She will bring a clear understanding of budgeting, taxes, human services needs, employment issues, and education, among other current issues facing Vermont.’
Hoyt was also on the three-member Blue Ribbon Tax Structure Commission, created by the Legislature in 2009, charged with recommending changes to Vermont’s tax policies to make the tax system more ‘simple, sustainable, equitable, and economically competitive.’ That report was submitted to lawmakers and the Shumlin Administration in 2011.
Most recently she has been caring for her husband, former Tax Commissioner Norrie Hoyt, who passed away in early August. Norrie Hoyt held the same House seat for nine years, ending in 1983.
Under Vermont statute, the governor has the option of requesting nominees and choosing among them, or making a direct appointment. On previous vacancies, Shumlin has requested submissions from the parties, a process he is currently using to fill a vacancy in the Randolph House district. However, given Hoyt’s experience and long connection to Norwich and her district, he chose to make a direct appointment.
‘In this case, Kathy’s professional background, her close ties to her district, and her long track record of public service to the state of Vermont make her the ideal legislator,’ the Governor said. ‘I look forward to working with Kathy and the 2014 Legislature when they return to Montpelier in January.’