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No. R-325. Senate concurrent resolution honoring Sue Allen for her exemplary career in journalism, government, politics, and the nonprofit sector.
(S.C.R.19)
By Senators Sears and Campion,
By Representatives Bongartz of Manchester, Carroll of Bennington, Corcoran of
Bennington, Durfee of Shaftsbury, James of Manchester, Morrissey of Bennington, Rice of Dorset and Whitman of Bennington Whereas, multiple occupational transitions between government roles, especially if
perceived as politically partisan, and journalism are typically one-way, but, over the decades, Sue Allen accomplished this switch more than once, performing with great distinction in all her positions, and Whereas, Sue Allen’s life as a journalist began as a researcher at USA Today; and, in
1986, seeking a more reportorial beat, she became a State House and political reporter for the Montpelier bureau of the Burlington Free Press; and she later worked as both a general and political reporter for the Associated Press, also in Montpelier, and Whereas, in 1996, Sue Allen’s career path veered in a new direction when Governor Howard Dean appointed her as his press secretary (1996–2003), and she adroitly advocated for the Governor’s agenda while simultaneously serving as a trusted information resource for reporters, and Whereas, the respect Governor Dean had for his press secretary’s skills and professionalism convinced him to hire Sue Allen for his presidential campaign in 2003,
and Whereas, once leaving Howard Dean’s employment, Sue Allen returned to the media world, first, as a Burlington Free Press editorial writer (2004–2006), and then as the editor of the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus (2006–2010), and Whereas, after a career-branching move to serve as the Renewable Energy Vermont Executive Director (2010–2011), Sue Allen answered the call of a second Governor and served as Governor Peter Shumlin’s press secretary for two years and then, for the balance of his governorship, as his deputy chief of staff, and Whereas, on departing the Governor’s office, Sue Allen headed down State Street to
Montpelier City Hall to serve as assistant Montpelier city manager (2017–2019) where she focused on special projects, and Whereas, in 2021, Vermont News and Media hired Sue Allen to serve as editor of the Bennington Banner and the Manchester Journal where she energized both publications with her superb journalism and managerial talents, and, on May 1, 2024, she concluded these roles, now therefore be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assembly honors Sue Allen for her exemplary career in journalism,
government, politics, and the nonprofit sector, and be it further VT LEG #377549 v.1
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Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to
Sue Allen and to the Bennington Banner.
VT LEG #377549 v.1