For Immediate Release
April 9, 2019
Contact: Katherine Levasseur
(802) 828-2245
SPEAKER MITZI JOHNSON’S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT FORGUITES
It is with great sadness that I share the news that Representative Robert Forguites (D-Springfield) passed away. On behalf of all Vermonters, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family, especially his beloved son, Adam. The Vermont General Assembly already feels the loss of our steady and dedicated friend and colleague.
Bob was a much-loved member of the Vermont General Assembly, to which he was first elected in 2014. Bob’s fellow members on the Committees of Natural Resources, Fish, and Wildlife Committee as well as Energy and Technology appreciated his quiet, careful listening. He did not speak often, but when he did, it was to bridge divides and people listened. Bob brought great integrity and thoughtfulness to his work. He is distinguished for his perspective on municipal government, having served sixteen years as Springfield Town Manager. I will most remember him for how he embodied the best of Vermont in his hard work, non-partisanship, compassion, and above all, keeping the people of this state at the forefront of every decision.
On January 26, 2016, Bob delivered a devotional to the House of Representatives sharing his dream of serving in the General Assembly and his vision for the future of Vermont. An excerpt from that speech is below. Bob will be sorely missed.
“I dream of the day when all of the issues discussed in this building will be settled in a manner that is good for all of the people of the State of Vermont and not necessarily what is good for us individually or our political affiliation.
“You may say ‘those are just dreams and dreams don’t come true.’ All I can say is whoever would have thought that I would be standing here today speaking in front of you? So - I invite you - come and dream with me. If we dream and work together, who knows what great and wonderful things we might accomplish.”
-Representative Bob Forguites
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