Sorrell works on behalf of women

There is less than one week to go before Vermonters choose who will be the democratic candidate for attorney general this fall. I have a message for the party and the electorate: Those of you who support gender equality ought to cast your ballot for Bill Sorrell.

It's not just because of the work Bill does on behalf of the women of Vermont, although that should not go without comment. Just this summer, for example, the Office hosted an Equal Pay conference and the first of what will be several roundtable discussions about how to achieve gender equity in the workplace. At each forum, it was clear that the scope of the Office's commitment was not limited to pay equity -- Vermont women still only make 84 cents for every dollar earned by Vermont men -- but also included keeping women employed to the level of their potential, achieving financial stability for Vermont children and their families, and providing dignity for the many Vermont women who are both breadwinners and primary caregivers for their families.

If Bill wins re-election this fall, I expect the office will throw its weight behind legislation that will close the wage gap and make inroads on these broader issues.

Bill doesn't just talk the talk, however, he also hires, retains and promotes female attorneys at a rate that puts many law firms to shame. The office's organizational chart is proof enough -- four out of five of Bill's division chiefs are women, as is his current deputy. In another anomaly, some of the most respected attorneys currently in the office are women who have chosen to trade in some of those office hours to do the important work of caring for their families. Importantly, the office has also been flexible with men -- a male colleague of mine worked reduced hours for years to spend more time with his daughter.

Bill will have my vote on Aug. 28 because he's got the experience to do the best job for Vermonters, because of his reputation as a national leader on consumer protection and environmental issues, and because he is right to turn the office's attention toward narrowing the gap in the experience between working men and women in Vermont.

But he also has my support because, during my tenure as one of Bill's assistant attorneys general, I have never once felt that my talents and contributions were less valued on account of my having chosen to reduce my work hours to better care for my children. That -- as any woman who has both a profession and a family will tell you -- makes me the envy of my peers.

Please join me in supporting Bill Sorrell for Vermont Attorney General.

KATE WHELLEY McCABE

Montpelier Support Donovan for Vermont AG

Normally, this Republican would not try to meddle in the affairs of a Democratic primary election. In the race for attorney general, however, there is something that needs to be said. I also believe that office should never be considered partisan in nature.

It disturbs me greatly that Bill Sorrell, who just a short time ago was arguing to protect Vermont's elections from obscene spending by PACs and other interests, is now standing idly by while such an interest spends hundreds of thousands on his behalf. With a voice-over by former Gov. Howard Dean, one must assume this kind of behavior is now an acceptable method of running a Vermont campaign. This does not bode well for Vermont's future.

In reviewing the position of his opponent, T.J. Donovan, I find someone willing to change Vermont's way of thinking in its "War on Drugs." I also see someone willing to counsel the Legislature in situations where political ideology should be reined in with legal practicality.

Those are qualities this lawyer/legislator can truly appreciate. So if you happen to be inclined to vote on the Democratic ballot at the Aug. 28 primary, please consider a vote for T. J. Donovan as attorney general.

JOE BENNING

Senator

Caledonia-Orange District

Lyndonville