Burlington, VT – Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger made the following statement:
“Today is a momentous day for Vermont and our federal representation.
I want to congratulate Becca Balint for shattering over 200 years of historic barriers and being sworn in as Vermont’s first woman and first openly gay representative in Congress. I also want to congratulate Peter Welch, who I have known and appreciated for over 40 years, on joining Senator Bernie Sanders in the Senate. I have every confidence that our new federal delegation will continue our state’s legacy of outsized leadership on the national stage and will serve the people of Burlington and Vermont with distinction. I look forward to working with Senator Welch and Congresswoman Balint in the years ahead to serve our City and State.
With the swearing-in of the 118th Congress, Senator Patrick Leahy officially concludes his 48-year tenure of service to Vermont in the United States Senate. His contributions to our state and to the nation have been profound, and have positively impacted the lives of many Vermonters. Burlington thanks Senator Leahy for his remarkable career of service, and the City will proudly steward the many landmarks that his forward-thinking leadership shaped. From the great pedestrian marketplace of Church Street to the now revived, post-industrial waterfront on the shores of the great Lake Champlain, Senator Leahy has through wisdom and persistence brought generational investment to our City.
Personally, I will always be grateful that the Senator gave me my first opportunity in government when I served as an intern and mail clerk for him in 1991. Burlington looks forward to welcoming the Senator and Marcelle home, and will forever be grateful for their relentless commitment and countless contributions to Burlington and Vermont. “
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