Gubernatorial challengers point fingers at Douglas for IBM job losses

Gubernatorial candidates Gaye Symington (D-Jericho) and Anthony Pollina (Prog-Middlesex) both released statements yesterday blaming Gov. Jim Douglas' (R-Middlebury) policies for IBM laying off 180 jobs today at its Essex Junction plant.

Speaker Gaye Symington: Symington for GovernorSymington's statement accused the governor of being unaware of the state's economic problems. The House speaker made note of the state's current economic situation, having lost 2,800 jobs during the governor’s term, at a 14-year high in unemployment and possessing the slowest rate of job creation in New England.

“Despite the facts, Jim Douglas says we’re ‘heading in the right direction’ and he spoke last week of Vermont’s ‘growing prosperity,’” Symington wrote. “It shows a lack of awareness and sensitivity to say things are going well when Vermonters are losing their jobs, and those still employed are very worried about the weak economy.”

Meanwhile Pollina attacked the governor for not helping workers “prepare for shifts in the global and local economy.”

Progressive Party candidate Anthony Pollina: Politicker Photo “While the governor will send in a rapid response team after the fact, he should have acted before the crisis. He should have helped IBM workers organize and he should now hold IBM accountable for the way in which the firings were handled. I would like to know when the Governor and State Government were first informed of the layoffs,” Pollina said.

In addition, Pollina proposed an economic plan that would emphasize employing those laid off in infrastructure development.

“I have proposed a jobs program to put Vermonters to work fixing bridges and roads, building affordable homes and retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient. While it would not replace the IBM jobs it would create good jobs for Vermonters at a time when they are sorely needed,” Pollina said.

Adding his voice to the dialogue, Douglas issued a statement in which he assured laid off workers that the Department of Labor "is fully prepared to offer all of its services to those who seek assistance. From employment searches, counseling, re-training and unemployment coverage, we are going to help in every way we can."

"Layoffs punctuate the importance of doing all we can in Montpelier to make Vermont a welcoming and supportive place to do business. My administration respects the role that every employer plays in ensuring the economic security and prosperity of our families," Douglas said.

In a separate release, Douglas' campaign manager Dennise Casey unveiled a timely attack on Symington titled: "Ten Ways Speaker Symington Sends Shivers Through Vermont's Business Community". Citing Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin's heated exchange with IBM Governmental Affairs Manager John O'Kane in April, Casey touted Douglas' quick apology to O'Kane and highlighted Symington's inaction on the matter.

According to the Associated Press, “The IBM Microelectronic Plant in Essex Junction was once the state's largest private employer. At its peak in 2001, Vermont's IBM plant employed more than 8,000 people. IBM now employs about 5,500 people in Vermont.”