Failed mayor candidate files for Vermont House

Ted Cohen

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Vermont Daily Chronicle

A former Burlington city councilor whose mayoral dream died on the vine is running for a Vermont House seat.

Karen Paul, who in 2024 lost her dream-job nomination - mayor - to veteran city councilor Joan Shannon, who in turn was defeated by Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, announced her bid Thursday.

Paul boasted she would be the only Certified Public Accountant in the lower chamber.

But illogically she never explains why she suddenly quit her CPA job while on the council.

The still-unexplained resignation was allegedly due to an undisclosed conflict of interest during city negotiations with the municipal cable company.

Paul is touting her being a native Burlingtonian as the chief reason she should be elected August 11 in Chittenden District 13's primary.

“I grew up in Burlington, and it was an honor to commit a decade and a half to serving the city I love on the Burlington City Council, and most recently as City Council President,” she said.

“At a time when Vermont faces complex fiscal challenges, we need leaders with the experience and proven judgment to manage our budgets responsibly,” Paul added. “We need leaders who understand and will champion the needs of working Vermonters, support young families building their futures, honor seniors living on fixed incomes who helped build our state, and partner with the businesses and nonprofits that drive Vermont’s economy, strengthen our communities, and enrich our culture.”

“Our future depends on the decisions we make today.”

Now there's a Kamala word salad if ever there were one.

“Our future depends on the decisions we make today.”

“If elected, I would be the only CPA in the Vermont House,” she said. “My professional background in finance and accounting and my years of public service have prepared me to bring a steady, informed, and practical approach to the State House - one grounded in transparency, accountability, and a deep and demonstrated commitment to the people of our district.”

Transparency? Like during the cable negotiations when Paul didn't explain to the taxpayers why she quit the supposed job she replied on for income but suddenly didn't need the salary?

The monetarily less-invasive choice would have been to quit the council if the conflict was as serious as she portrayed.

The council position pays a nonliving stipend, but instead Paul resigned the job that allegedly she depended on for income.

“I’m running because I care deeply about our community and because I know that thoughtful, experienced leadership can make a real difference,” Paul said. “I would be honored to earn your support.”