Vermont lawmaker to resign for Navy deployment

By

The Associated Press

160307-N-ZZ999-110 WASHINGTON (March 7, 2016) The official logo for the 75th anniversary of the Seabees. (U.S. Navy graphic/Released)

MONTPELIER, Vt. — A Vermont lawmaker will resign his seat in expectation of being deployed with the U.S. Naval Construction Battalions.

The Vermont Press Bureau reports that 34-year-old Navy reservist Rep. Job Tate, a Republican, declined to talk about his deployment to protect others in his battalion.

Tate is a heavy equipment operator and explosives specialist. The Navy Construction Battalions, known as the Seabees, is an expeditionary force that handles infrastructure needs for the U.S. Navy in sometimes hostile areas.

After Tate resigns, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott will appoint someone from Tate’s district to complete his term.  Several candidates have announced their interest, including a golf course manager, the Killington, Vermont, police chief and the former president of the Vermont Retail and Grocers Association.