Governor Shumlin appoints Michael Sirotkin of South Burlington to Senate seat

Governor Peter Shumlin announced today that he will appoint Michael Sirotkin of South Burlington to replace his late wife, Senator Sally Fox, in the Vermont Senate. The appointment was expected. Fox passed away from cancer on January 10.
Sirotkin, who started his career at Vermont Legal Aid, asked to be considered for the seat held by Fox in the Chittenden County Democratic Committee nominating process. Sirotkin was chosen as one of three nominees sent to the Governor by a large majority of the 60 Committee members who voted in the process.’ ‘‘
‘There were several exceptional candidates interested in this Senate seat,’ Shumlin said in a statement. ‘But Sally wanted her husband to fill her seat after her death, and recognizing Sirotkin’s strong qualifications, I’m honoring that request. I’m confident that Michael will continue the great work Sally did for the district and the state.’’
In asking the Chittenden County Democratic Committee for the nomination, Sirotkin said, ‘After much soul searching and encouragement from others, I decided I would welcome the opportunity if given such honor by your Committee and the Governor. It is hard to imagine anyone filling Sally’s shoes with the grace, dignity and enthusiasm she displayed throughout her lifetime.’ ‘
Sirotkin has been an attorney and lobbyist with the Montpelier firm Sirotkin and Necrason, where he focused on consumer issues, labor issues, the civil justice bar, affordable housing and land conservation. Sirotkin said he will cease lobbying activities and is selling his interest in the firm. Sirotkin graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania before receiving his law degree from the University of Denver College of Law. He serves on the South Burlington Development Review Board and the Vermont Medicaid and Exchange Advisory Board. ‘
He and Fox have two grown sons. ‘
‘In light of Sally’s recent passing, I asked Michael to take a little time to himself before assuming his duties in the Senate,’ Shumlin said in a statement. Sirotkin will begin active work in the Senate as of February 11.
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