Enough Already!
I’ve had enough! Enough of increasing taxes and enough of the eroding public safety. All around the state, I hear a growing chorus of fear and resentment that our once tranquil and safe state is becoming more like the inner cities we hear about on TV.
“A Burlington man has racked up dozens upon dozens of low-level criminal charges, only to be immediately released back into the community.” (WCAX, Oct. 31, 2024)
“WCAX Investigates: Cycle of catch and release for repeat offenders” - “Many recurring retail theft crimes and violations of conditions leave people on the street racking up charges. And many people in the community say they’re fed up with it.” (WCAX, Aug. 22, 2024)
In South Burlington “a student was accidentally stuck with a syringe on a playground…classrooms reviewed rules, including avoiding playing along the fence line” (WCAX, Sep. 19, 2025)
“A rise in violent crime is leading to more delays in justice in Vermont courtrooms.” (WCAX, Sep. 5, 2025)
"It's really important to recognize that the results don't end with an arrest. You know, the courts, the prosecutors, treatment facilities, service providers in the state all have a role to play going forward after an arrest as well, to make sure it has an impact” (NBC5, Aug 31, 2026)
“[A driver] pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of driving under the influence and one count of grossly negligent driving resulting in the death of another. [The] Judge … released [the driver] with conditions” (Addison Independent, September 3, 2026)
One of the reasons I moved to Vermont 33 years ago was its safety record. It was a great safe place to raise a family. I left my keys in the car and my doors unlocked. I frequently spent afternoons and evenings on Burlington’s bike path or Church Street. But no more. People I talk to say the same thing and ask the same questions. Why do we see the same people committing the bulk of our crimes? And why are perpetrators arrested then returned to the streets only to recommit the same crimes?
One of the biggest concerns for me is the “catch and release” process which allows those arrested and charged with a crime to be released back on the streets before their trial, with the possibility of further endangering the community. The Vermont Constitution protects against indefinite jailing without a conviction. The current interpretation of that phrase drives the Vermont legal system to operate in a "release by default" framework. Thus, for most crimes, judges must release defendants on their own recognizance with a promise to return or with the "least restrictive conditions" necessary.
What can be done? Changing the constitution to resolve this “catch and release” problem is a lengthy process but one that I and my fellow Republicans have promised to initiate in the Vermont Promise.
Another problem preventing juvenile accountability is the "Raise the Age" laws which allow older teens and young adults (up to age 22) to avoid meaningful consequences for serious crimes by keeping them in the family court system. Our Dept. of Children and Families (DCF) has already said they are overwhelmed and cannot take on these young adults as “children”. Vermont is one of just three states that currently treat 18 yr olds as juveniles rather than adults. Current law eventually increases that age to 22.
What can be done? In 2025 Republicans attempted to repeal the “Raise the Age” law that was scheduled to raise the juvenile age to include 19 year olds in April, 2025. That attempt was overturned by the majority party in a role-call vote along party lines. Instead, raising the juvenile age to include 19 year olds was delayed until July 2027. The legislature will therefore need to address this again in the coming biennium.
There are other laws that can be changed to enhance accountability. I have already held a meeting with Senator Steve Heffernan and our Legislative Counsel to begin analyzing the possibilities for a bill this coming year. There are good ideas on the table and I am committed to sponsoring a bill this coming year, but it will require a like-minded majority to get it passed.
Public safety is a high priority for me. Law and order require two things: 1) laws designed to protect the people, and 2) an enforcement system that holds accountable those caught breaking the law. There is work that needs to be done on both of those fronts. Your vote in November for State Senators, Representatives, Attorney General, and State’s Attorneys will have a significant impact on what we can do to keep Vermont safe.
Stay tuned and stay engaged.
I remain honored to be your Representative,
Rob North
Addison, Ferrisburgh, New Haven, Panton, Vergennes, and Waltham
