Throughout this gubernatorial campaign, Democratic candidate Christine Hallquist and Republican incumbent Gov. Phil Scott have debated a variety of issues, but the question of leadership style has also come up as a difference between the two candidates.
During the 2018 session, Scott vetoed 14 bills — tying a record set by former Gov. Howard Dean.
Hallquist says these vetoes represent a failure of a top-down leadership style on Scott's part, and she says the state would be better off with a governor who has a more collaborative approach to reaching agreement on critical issues.
"This is exactly the issue I have with our governor — you know, highest number of vetoes," Hallquist said. "You know, pulling things out at the last minute."
And Hallquist says Scott's leadership style is outdated.
"I think 'command and control' is an antiquated leadership style. You know, it's great during fire and power outages, but we all should be working together," said Hallquist.
"I think 'command and control' is an antiquated leadership style. You know, it's great during fire and power outages, but we all should be working together." — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Christine Hallquist
Critics of Hallquist point out that her "collaborative approach" means she hasn't offered specific funding sources for many of the initiatives that she's proposed, including a water cleanup plan that's expected to cost $25 million a year in each of the next 20 years. She argues those funding questions can be negotiated by the interested parties at a later time.
Scott says the reality is that compromise isn't always possible, but he says he's tried to work with Democratic leaders at the Statehouse on issues.
"I try and lead ... by example, I've always treated people with respect and civility,” said Scott. “I listen, trying to do whatever I can, trying to find common goals. It's the only way as a Republican — again, I've been in the minority my entire political life but I've accomplished a lot, and you don't get there by seeking division."
And Scott argues that he represents a wider constituency than House or Senate members.
"I represent the people as well,” said Scott. “I mean they do in their own constituency — in their own senatorial districts, their House districts and so forth — but I represent all of them, so ... my perspective might be a little bit different than theirs."
“I listen, trying to do whatever I can, trying to find common goals." — Republican incumbent Gov. Phil Scott
In a recent VPR - Vermont PBS Debate, Hallquist and Scott differed over the future of Act 46, the state's school district consolidation law. Their differences on that particular topic highlighted their different leadership styles.
The law gives the State Board of Education the authority to mandate a consolidation plan even if local school boards strongly oppose it.
Hallquist said there wouldn't be a need for any forced mergers if state and local officials worked more closely together on finding a solution.
Scott said that wasn't necessarily the case, and while he didn't originally support Act 46, he still thinks the law should be followed because many schools have been working on their merger plans for several years.
