Gov. Shumlin Appoints Tommy Walz to Fill Vacant House Seat

MONTPELIER, Vermont – Gov. Peter Shumlin announced today that he has appointed Tommy Walz of Barre to fill the seat in the Vermont House of Representatives that had been held by Rep. Tess Taylor.

A retired educator, Walz was chosen from a list of three candidates submitted to Gov. Shumlin by the Barre City Democratic Committee.

“I am pleased to appoint Tommy Walz to fill this opening,” Gov. Shumlin said. “His long-term commitment and service to the Barre community will make him an excellent voice for his constituents in the Vermont House of Representatives.”

“I am proud to be joining the Barre contingent in the Vermont House of Representatives,” Walz said. “Barre has given us much and Leslie and I have had the chance to return some small measure through volunteering and serving on local school boards. Representing the people of Barre City in the Vermont House provides yet one more way for me to serve my community.”

Walz first came to Barre in 1967 to teach English and German at Spaulding High School. Since then he and his wife Leslie have moved several times, living and working for a time in Germany. Walz came back to Vermont in 1979 where he again taught English at Spaulding High School and later worked in computer sales and data consulting.

An active member of the Barre community, Walz serves on the Barre Supervisory Union Board and the Spaulding High School Board. He also volunteers as a judge for the Vermont High School Debate Tournament. He and his wife live in Barre City and are retired.

Walz is expected to be sworn in for service promptly.