Scott Orr Steps Down – Three Step Up
by Edd Merritt and Nancy Wood,
May 20, 2010, page 1.....

Charles Russell and Mike Yantachka are seeking the Democratic nomination for the open House seat; Ed Stone is running as a Republican.

Spending what he hoped would be his last long evening in the statehouse debating the budget, Representative Scott Orr called the local Democratic Committee at its meeting May 12 to officially announce that he would not seek another term as Charlotte’s state representative. Orr said he had been putting several things on hold for the three terms he served and is anxious to get back to them. He thanked all those who voted for him, and he left the door open for a return to politics sometime in the future.

Orr’s vacancy led former Chittenden County Democratic Chairman, Mike Yantachka, to rethink his desire to run for state senate and switch, instead, to pursue Scott’s seat in the house. Mike says that his decision was based on a preference to represent “my immediate community in Charlotte.” Prior to serving as chair of the county committee, Yantachka was Charlotte Democratic chair for 10 years. He has been a justice of the peace for 15 years and served six years on the Charlotte Central School Board.

Charles Russell and Ed Stone have also thrown their hats in the ring, Russell running for the Democratic nomination, and Stone for the Republican. Russell is the current chair of the Selectboard, where he has served since 2000. Stone has served on the Selectboard for 15 years and has run twice before for state representative, as both a Democat and an independent. Both Russell and Stone say they would continue to serve on the Selectboard if they win, but Russell indicated he would step down as chair.

Former State Representative Ed Amidon said, “We are fortunate that three well-qualified candidates are willing to go to Montpelier. I’m hoping for an issues-oriented campaign and look forward to hearing the candidates’ positions on Act 60 and other important legislative issues.”

Others considering a run for the House seat may pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s office. Petitions must be filed before 5 p.m. on June 17. Residents may sign more than one petition as long as they are not for candidates running for the same party’s nomination. The primary for all state offices, including governor and state senators and representatives, will be held on Tuesday, August 24. This is a change from past years when it was held in September. The general election is on November 2.