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Robert's Resume

A Letter from
Rep. Robert Dostis to The Residents of Waterbury, Duxbury, Hungtington, and Buel's Gore, Vermont

With mixed emotions, I am writing this letter to inform you that after eight years of service I have decided not to seek re-election this fall to the Vermont House.

Back in 1999, you gave me the opportunity to represent you in Montpelier. You welcomed me when I first ran, and you have supported me ever since in so many ways. I think about all the people I've had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with, including all my friends at the Waterbury Senior Center-who have always greeted me with a smile. People like Grace, who has since passed away, but whose kindness I will always remember. One day she presented an afghan to me that she crocheted, but only after asking my partner what my favorite colors were and swearing him to secrecy. I think of Don, from the American Legion, who made sure over the years that I knew about upcoming events; and Winona who always called to let me know when the Grange was having their chicken pie supper.

There have been hundreds of people who have shown me immeasurable kindness and support-from helping with my election and subsequent re-elections to all those who have taken the time to give me an encouraging word, smile, or hug. It has always been uplifting to visit with people whether passing on Stowe Street, chatting at the gas station, enjoying concerts in the park, attending community events, or catching up on news over Saturday morning breakfast at the Center Store. I have appreciated all those who have taken time out of hectic schedules to contact me with their legislative ideas, who've come to me for assistance in addressing community concerns, or who have sought help in breaking down barriers of one sort or another. I have learned from and been enriched by these many, many connections.

I have done my best to represent you while managing the task of chairing the Natural Resources and Energy Committee and holding down my other job as the executive director of the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger. I leave the legislature feeling that my contributions have been beneficial to our community and Vermont. Serving on the Commerce Committee for my first four years, and then on Natural Resource and Energy Committee, I've had the opportunity to work with a fine group of legislators from every corner of the state. Together, much was accomplished-the most notable of which was setting a new direction for Vermont's energy future. It's been an exciting time to work on such an important issue.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to participate in our citizen legislature in a way that I wish more of us could. We are fortunate that regular people from all walks of life are doing their best to create laws for the benefit of all. This citizen involvement is part of what makes Vermont such a special place. I also want to thank Val Vincent, who taught me the ropes my first four years of service and Rep. Sue Minter who, with boundless energy, is doing an incredible job working on your behalf.

This is not goodbye. I will remain your Representative until January when the new legislature is sworn in, as well as your neighbor and friend or acquaintance for a long time to come-and I look forward to ongoing involvement in efforts to create a better future for our community and our state.

May 31, 2008

Our thoughts on the news of the week: Rep. Robert Dostis has been a solid, fair and hardworking legislator for his constituents in Waterbury, as well as the state at large. Dostis announced this week he would not seek re-election in November. He will be missed for his leadership on energy issues, but also for his ability to work with Republicans, Democrats and Progressives alike on the issues. In the partisan world of the Statehouse, statesmen are too rare. Good luck to Dostis as he continues his good work as head of the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger. - THE TIMES ARGUS.

READ THE TIMES ARGUS/RUTLAND HERALD ARTICLE ABOUT ROBERT DOSTIS: May 29, 2008