Senator Sally Fox, advocate for the poor, dies

by Anne Galloway vtdigger.org State Senator Sally Fox, (D-South Burlington), died in the early morning hours Friday surrounded by her family. She was 62. She had struggled with lung cancer for two years. An audible gasp went up from lawmakers when House Speaker Shap Smith made the announcement in the House Chamber Friday morning. Senators wandered around in the downstairs lobby, crying and hugging one another, unable to talk about their colleague and friend.’
Fox was in her second term in the state senate where she served on Senate Health and Welfare and Senate Appropriations Committees. She was previously elected to the House of Representatives in 1986 and served seven terms. She served as chair of the House Appropriations Committee and House Judiciary Committee. Fox was a lawyer and held a J.D. from the State University of New York Law School. She worked for Vermont Legal Aid for 11 years from 1977 to 1988 where she defended the rights of disabled Vermonters.
‘The Senate has lost one of the most courageous and passionate members it has ever had,’ Senate President Pro Tem John Campbell said. ‘One thing about Sally was she was always fighting for those who couldn’t fight for themselves, and she should be an inspiration for all.’
Sen. Claire Ayer, D-Addison, described Fox as a ‘powerhouse’ to the end who wanted to meet to talk about legislative business on Dec. 30. ‘I just hope I could be remembered in anywhere near as reverential form for the kind of energy and passion for issues like mental health, substance abuse, human services,’ Ayer said.
‘She had many years of experience, and she had an incredible mind,’ Ayer said. ‘She said about a year ago, ‘I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to pull my weight ‘ please let me know if you need to have someone else come in and do this job.’ It’s been an observation of many of us that Sally at 10 percent was worth 200 percent of the 179 others. I know that sounds over the top, but she had the mental capacity and love for what she does that is outstanding.’
‘What I learned from her (as a legislator) is that not everything you learn is found in the committee room, she had a network, she served in the House and as a lobbyist and her network was extraordinary, she would just say well such and such is going to happen and I’d say how do you know that,’ Ayer said.
‘The thing I learned about her as a person is that bad news is just bad news if something is really important to you, you do it with all your heart and do all you can,’ Ayer said.
Governor Shumlin, on his Twitter feed, said: "Those who often lack a voice always had an advocate with Sally Fox in the State House. She was a great friend I will miss tremendously."
Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott made the following statement on the passing of Senator Sally Fox:
‘It is with a heavy heart that I gaveled in today’s session; our friend and colleague, Senator Sally Fox, passed away early this morning, bringing the first week of this legislative session to a tragic close.
‘Sally was elected to the Vermont Senate the same year that I assumed the Lieutenant Governor’s office. It is a sad way to start a new session, and Sally will be deeply missed by all of us.
‘My thoughts and prayers, as well as those of the entire Vermont Senate, are with Sally’s husband and her two grown sons, as well as her extended family and friends. A resolution will be read in honor of Senator Fox on Wednesday, January 15, in the Senate.’
Speaker Shap Smith made the following statement today after Senator Sally Fox’s passing:
‘Sally Fox was a compassionate and strong member of the Legislature who constantly worked to make life better for Vermonters, especially those whose voices were not represented in the State House. She began her legislative career as a member of the Vermont House of Representatives in 1987 and served in the House until 2000. Sally understood that to get things done, you had to bring people together and she was a great role model for all legislators.
"Over the last few years, despite Sally’s battle with cancer, she continued to work for her constituents. Her life is a testament to the power of compassion, and her memory will always live within the halls and the people of the State House.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Michael Sirotkin, and the rest of her family and friends.’
Fox is survived by her husband, Michael Sirotkin, and two sons.
A service will be held at Temple Sinai in South Burlington 4 p.m. Sunday.
Governor Shumlin greets Sen. Sally Fox. Photo by Terry J. Allen.
TOP’PHOTO: Senators Dick McCormack and Fox share a laugh. VTD/Josh Larkin
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