Angela Lawrence was elected high bailiff for Windham County in 2022.
DUMMERSTON-Leaves have fallen, it's getting dark earlier, and it's chilly during the night and early morning hours. Election day is less than a month away, and we've got a live race on our hands, from the long-awaited presidential election (between a twice- impeached/crooked businessman and wannabe politician and a former prosecutor/senator and our current vice president hoping to become the first woman president of the United States of America) to our local races right here in Windham County and the state.
Two years ago, the people of Windham county elected me as the first Black woman high bailiff because they shared my belief that, no matter what the office, all elected officials need checks and balances. In the case of an elected sheriff, the high bailiff serves that sole purpose.
My colleague and current high bailiff of Addison County, David Silberman, said it best: "Selecting a civilian high bailiff prevents the inherent and dangerous conflict of interest present when we cede oversight of the law enforcement community to the law enforcement community itself."
So you are probably wondering what I have been doing as your high bailiff.
Well, I joined the Windham County Sheriff's Advisory, a group of community members charged to provide community perspective, blind spots, and feedback to the sheriff. In Vermont, county governments lack a legislative body that serves this function in local or state governments. The Advisory meets once a month, from September until June, to discuss policy, operations, and needs of communities within Windham County.
I also had the pleasure to be part of the panel that interviewed two potential candidates for the position of lieutenant for regional policing, which is one of the various services that Vermont law permits county sheriffs to enter into agreements to perform with government and non-government entities.
On the other side of the woods, I finished my term as the chair of the Windham County Democratic Party. I have been working full-time for the past 14 months at the Brattleboro Retreat, and I have joined various committees within the organization.
I have recently entered my second year at Boston University School of Law and am hoping to become a prosecutor soon.
One thing that I know I am proud of in the two years I have been high bailiff: When I had an idea of writing a bill that was very dear to my heart, I brought this idea forth to my state rep, Mike Mrowicki (D-Windham-4). The bill, which related to prohibiting discrimination based on certain hair types and style, became a law in the state on July 1, thanks to 132 state reps who voted for it.
Thanks to the additional sponsors of the bill: Rep. Kevin "Coach" Christie, Rep. Daisy Berbeco, Rep. Elizabeth Burrows, Rep. Brian Cina, Rep. Esme Cole, Rep. Robert "Bobby" Farlice-Rubio, Rep. Saudia LaMont, and Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, a former representative and the current mayor of Burlington.
I am asking my Windham County constituents to re-elect me by write-in vote, under "high bailiff" on your ballot, so I can continue to do the work of the people.
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