State senators weighed the testimony of detractors and supporters

State senators weighed the testimony of detractors and supporters before supporting the confirmation of a former Orleans County State’s Attorney as a Vermont judge on Friday. Jennifer Barrett, who served as the state’s attorney in Orleans County from 2015 until last August when Gov. Phil Scott appointed her to be a superior court judge, was the final witness senators in the Judicial committee heard from before deciding unanimously that she should be confirmed. She sat in the committee room a week ago and listened as witnesses provided reasons why Barrett should or should not serve as a judge. There wasn’t enough time for Barrett to speak on her own behalf so committee Chair Sen. Dick Sears Jr. gave her the time on Friday. Senators Phil Baruth, who serves as President Pro Tem, and Senator Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky, gave Barrett their approval but said it came after serious consideration of the concerns raised against her.