Out in the Mountains

On The Campaign Trail
With David Wolk

Paul Olsen

The importance of Vermont’s Lieutenant
Governor was highlighted last August
when, after the death of Richard Snelling,
Howard Dean became Governor. The
Lieutenant Govemor’s primary re-
sponsibilities include presiding over the
State Senate and filling in for the Govem-
or in his/her absence. Both Republican
Barbara Snelling and Democrat David
Wolk are vying for Vermont state gov-
emment’s number two position.

David Wolk, a lifetime educator who
shares a similar political philosophy with
his friend Howard Dean, has represented
Rutland County in the State Senate since
1988. He is the author of dozens of pieces
of landmark legislation and was the chief
Senate sponsor of Vern1ont’s anti-
discrimination bill which passed and be-
came effective July 1, 1992. In his cam-
paign announcement speech David high-
lighted his views of the role of the
Lieutenant Governor and his legislative
agenda. His priorities include a commit-
ment to campaign finance reform, en-
vironmental protection, job growth and
economic development, law enforcement,
criminal justice reform, property tax re-
form, and education.

As widely reported, Senator Wolk and his
family continue to be the victims of a
backlash since his leadership role in the
Gay Rights Bill debate. David receives
hate mail, is confronted while cam-
paigning, has received over 100 negative
letters, and has been the subject of Sun-
day sermons. I spoke with him about
what impact this backlash was having on
the Lieutenant Govemor’s race, his per-
ception of the needs of Vermont’s lesbian
and gay community, and his opponent.
Throughout his campaign some Ver-
monters have indicated that they will not
support him due to his role in the bill.
While expecting some heat, he did not
anticipate the extent of the fallout.

Expressing no regrets over his role, he
explained that he views the bill as con-
sistent with Vermont’s tradition as a lead-
er in human rights and now fully realizes
the importance of the bill. Recognizing
the need to move from tolerance to re-
spect, David supports domestic partner
legislation and believes that child custody

and adoption decisions should be bas
on the ability to be a good parent (chil
custody is not currently included in Ver
mont’s anti—discrimination law). Whil
he views legislation in these areas as un-
likely to pass in the near future he be-
lieves they can begin to be addresse
through education. While money for any
thing is difficult in light of Vermont’
current economic situation, David view
increased funding for AIDS services 
another priority. Senator Wolk describ
his opponent as an intelligent worn
with the ability to raise large sums 0
money and with high name recognitio
(the Snelling name has appeared on state
wide ballots for four decades). However
he believes she lacks the legislative ex-
perience required for the job and ex-
pressed his disappointment with her fail-
ure to publicly deplore the anti’-
discrimination bill backlash and her un‘
willingness to abide by mutual campai
spending limits. ‘

As demonstrated by his commitment to
civil rights, David Wolk has been ..
friend of Vermont’s lesbian and ga
community for many years. He descri
his campaign for Lieutenant Governor 
“about being in touch with the voters cl
talking about issues and bringing a mes-
sage to people that provides a sense 0
mission and a clear vision”. Based on th
contact I’ve had with David Wolk I’
suggest that he’s doing just that.

If yoird like to talk with David Wolk o,

representatives from his campaign call
773-9655 or write: Wolk for Lieutenant

Governor, Box 1858, Rutland VT 05701 V

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