Editor,
The Vermont Yankee Decommissioning Alliance would like to express its heartfelt appreciation and praise for Francis Brooks, former Sergeant-at-Arms of the Vermont Statehouse.

The Vermont Yankee Decommissioning Alliance (VYDA) is an all-volunteer, citizen organization. We opposed the building of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, diligently worked to shut it down for 42 years and, are now engaged in ensuring the safe and reliable decommissioning of the plant.

We have no clue what Mr. Brooks’ opinions were regarding Vermont Yankee and nuclear power. Why should we? As Sergeant-at-Arms of the Vermont Statehouse, Mr. Brooks’ job was not to tell us what he thought but to ensure the Statehouse was available and welcoming to the citizens of Vermont no matter what our opinion. For years he did so for VYDA, other anti-nuclear organizations and non-profits of all persuasions. Francis Brooks followed Statehouse rules and regulations and he made certain we did as well. It never mattered that we were not legislators, lobbyists or government workers. Francis Brooks made certain the Vermont Statehouse was the ‘people’s house’ of Vermont. For that the members of VYDA would like to express our gratitude and appreciation. We are very sorry he has left his post. He will be missed.

The Vermont Yankee Decommissioning Alliance