Vermont Democratic Party blasts Douglas' failed jobs record

With today's announcement of the closing of Vermont Tubbs, and the resulting loss of 90 more Vermont jobs, Vermont Democratic Coordinated Campaign Director Kristina Althoff blasted Governor Jim Douglas' failed leadership and economic record.

"Jim Douglas has had six years in the state's top office to deliver results.  In spite of his repeated promises, this governor has failed to deliver the well-paying jobs Vermont needs to move forward," Althoff said.  "Vermont Tubbs is just another example of Douglas' failed leadership and his inability to deliver results.  Even worse in this case is the fact that the governor wasted half a million taxpayer dollars less than three months ago to supposedly keep this company and its jobs in Vermont.  The state has stagnated under Jim Douglas' failed leadership and it is time for a change."

On April 15 of this year, Douglas announced his administration had awarded Vermont Tubbs a $500,000 grant. At the time, the governor said, "This grant to the town of Brandon will be loaned to Vermont Tubbs and will allow them to continue their turnaround. This is an investment in a company and jobs that are critical to Rutland County" (Douglas Press Release, 4/15/2008).