Lt. Gov. John Rodgers takes the seat at GNAT

Lt. Gov. John Rodgers takes the seat at GNAT

SUNDERLAND - Greater Northshire Access Television (GNAT) welcomed Republican incumbent and current Lt. Governor of Vermont John Rodgers to speak with journalist and Vermont News and Media (which is the Manchester Journal and Bennington Banner’s parent company) freelance correspondent Andrew McKeever on Wednesday, Oct. 14, as part of an ongoing effort to host state candidates, and discuss their individual visions for Vermont. Democratic challenger and former Lt. Governor Molly Gray, who is running against Rodgers to retake her former seat, was scheduled to speak with McKeever immediately after Rodgers, but had to reschedule due to illness. A similar conversation between herself and McKeever will take place at a later date, following the candidate’s recovery.

McKeever asked Rodgers, who has served as Lt. Governor since 2024, a series of questions related to affordability, education, healthcare, land use regulations and data centers, among other topics.

During his opening remarks, Rodgers made a point to distinguish himself from other former office holders, claiming that many have viewed the office of Lt. Governor as ‘ceremonial,’ and used it as a stepping stone to further their political careers. Rodgers described himself as someone who makes the most of the office, and is laser-focused on delivering for Vermonters, rather than serving his own political career. Rodgers cited efforts to reduce restrictions on sober houses seeking to evict patients who have relapsed, in violation of their conditions of tenancy, as well as his efforts to oppose restrictions on women’s participation in certain Olympic events.

When asked about taxing second homes that are not primary residences, Rodgers said that he is opposed.

“I do not believe in a second home tax, and here is why. Sixty-six percent of Vermonters are income sensitized, so those of us who are paying full-fare are paying our share and their share. What a lot of people don’t realize is that second home owners pay full fare, and for the most part do not get a lot of service for what they pay,” said Rodgers.

“I’m not sure that it is fair to go directly after second home owners, and we have not yet seen determination as to what will be classified as a second home. Many Vermonters, myself included, and we have a small camp on the lake beside us, which we chose because we decided to invest our money on something we could enjoy that was close to home. A lot of Vermonters do the exact same thing, and I don’t want to see them taxed,” added Rodgers.

Rodgers continued, expressing concerns over Vermont’s tax landscape, and the possibility of second home owners fleeing the state.

“My opponent, and the Governor’s opponent are talking about raising that tax, and starting more programs. As the third-highest overall taxed state in the country, I think that we should look toward reducing spending. We do not want to be the highest-taxed state. We need to look at savings and efficiencies, rather than new taxes. I’ve been talking with a lot of people in real estate, and if those folks feel targeted, start selling, and there is a whole bunch of second homes on the market, I think that puts Vermont in a very bad state as well,” said Rodgers.

The full conversation between Rodgers and McKeever will be available to view via GNAT-TV.

The Manchester Journal followed up with Rodgers after the cameras went dark, and asked Rodgers about the possibility of being elected alongside Democratic nominee for Governor Amanda Janoo. Rodgers was formerly a member of the Democratic Party, but switched when he felt disillusioned with the party’s legislative direction. Rodgers said that he works for Vermonters, rather than a political party, and that partisan differences would not prevent him from working with a potential Democratic Governor.

“I’ve got a history of being very independent, and working for Vermonters. I’ve never worked for a party, only ever been a member of one. Even when I was a Democrat, I pushed back on leadership if I thought that they were wrong, and I do the same as a Republican. I’ve never had a problem working with anyone, and would carry that on, no matter who the Governor is,” said Rodgers.