RUTLAND, Vt. (AP) - The mayor of Rutland, Vermont, who drew criticism for inviting up to 100 Syrian refugees to his city is seeking re-election in March.
Mayor Christopher Louras kicked off his campaign for his sixth term in office Monday in Rutland.
He is in a four-way race. He is being challenged by Alderman David Allaire, and residents Kam Johnston and. Michael Coppinger.
Louras has helped Rutland work to reduce drug addiction and associated crime by helping clean up parts of the city.
He has also worked to turn Rutland into a refugee resettlement city. Only two Syrian families have arrived so far and given federal policies it’s unclear how many more, if any, will arrive.
The Rutland Herald (https://bit.ly/2lfY3Cu ) reports Louras resisted suggestions the election would be a referendum on refugee resettlement.
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