Joint Assembly elects Agatha Kessler as sergeant at arms; Scott Beck, Carol Odey and John Bartholomew chosen as UVM trustees

The Vermont General Assembly convened in joint assembly on Feb. 20, 2025, and elected Agatha Kessler as sergeant at arms and three trustees to the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College.

Representative Burke nominated Agatha Kessler for sergeant at arms, praising her experience and management of State House operations. Representative Burke said, "It is my great honor to nominate Agatha Kessler for the position of Sergeant at Arms for the Vermont State House." Representative Mark Hawk seconded the nomination. With no other nominations and no objection to a voice vote under joint rule 10(a), the assembly approved Kessler by voice vote. The chair announced that Kessler of Barre Town was elected for a two-year term beginning March 2025 and serving until her successor is elected and qualified.

The joint assembly then proceeded to elect three trustees of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College for six-year terms beginning March 1, 2025. The chair explained that the body was operating under JRS 13, which permits the assembly to elect the three trustees by plurality vote and instructed members to vote for up to three candidates on the same ballot. The chair also cited the assembly's procedures under JRS 12 and joint rule 10(a) and referenced 2 V.S.A. paragraph 12 regarding ballots for contested elections.

Five nominees were placed on the ballot in alphabetical order after nominations and seconds: Representative John Bartholomew (nominated by Representative Stevens, seconded by Representative Walker), Senator Scott Beck (nominated by Senator Chittenden, seconded by Representative Kornheiser), Representative Kevin "Coach" Christie (nominated by Representative Moricke, seconded by Representative Burrows), Representative Troy Hedrick (nominated by Senator White, seconded by Representative Casey), and Representative Carol Odey (nominated by Representative Lalonde, seconded by Representative Harrison). Nominators summarized each candidate's background and qualifications during the permitted nominating speeches.

Tellers distributed and collected ballots as instructed. The tellers reported the results after counting. The chief teller announced the vote totals as follows: Senator Scott Beck 115 votes; Representative Carol Odey 90 votes; Representative John Bartholomew 65 votes; Representative Troy Hedrick 58 votes; Representative Kevin "Coach" Christie 43 votes; others 2 votes. The chief teller declared Senator Scott Beck, Representative Carol Odey and Representative John Bartholomew elected to the three vacancies as they received the greatest numbers of votes on the ballot.

The chair noted the terms begin March 1, 2025, for the trustees and thanked members for their participation before adjourning the joint assembly.

Votes at a glance

- Sergeant at Arms: Agatha Kessler (nominated by Representative Burke; seconded by Representative Mark Hawk). Uncontested; elected by voice vote. Term: two years beginning March 2025 and until successor qualifies.

- University of Vermont and State Agricultural College — three trustees elected (six-year terms from March 1, 2025): - Senator Scott Beck — 115 votes — elected. - Representative Carol Odey — 90 votes — elected. - Representative John Bartholomew — 65 votes — elected. - Representative Troy Hedrick — 58 votes — not elected. - Representative Kevin "Coach" Christie — 43 votes — not elected. - Other / scatter — 2 votes.

Procedure and authorities cited during the session included JRS 12 and JRS 13 (joint rules governing joint assemblies and plurality election procedures) and joint rule 10(a) and 2 V.S.A., paragraph 12, for contested elections and ballot procedures.