MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - A former Vermont secretary of transportation is defending Democratic gubernatorial nominee Sue Minter and her role in the recovery from Tropical Storm Irene of 2011.
Brian Searles says he’s friends with both Minter and her Republican rival Phil Scott and is not endorsing either. But he says he’s upset Republicans have been accusing Minter of exaggerating her role in the recovery.
Vermont Republicans have criticized Minter touting her role in the recovery, saying Neale Lunderville, a former top aide to former Republican Gov. Jim Douglas, led the general recovery effort in the early months.
Searles says while Lunderville led the general recovery, Minter’s initial role was to lead the rebuilding of roads and bridges. Searles says both played key roles. Minter took over as recovery chief after Lunderville left.
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