Republican Charles “Butch” Shaw of Pittsford was born in Middlebury, Vt., receiving his primary and secondary education in Middlebury schools and post-secondary at Massachusetts Trade Shops School in Boston, MA. Butch relocated to Pittsford in 1968 and has been a resident since.
As a licensed master electrician and traffic signal technician, he formed his own small family business in 1980 called CEA, Inc., an electrical contracting firm.
He currently serves as a Senior Safety Officer and retired Assistant Chief of the Pittsford Fire Department, where he has been a member since 1969; the current Chair of the Pittsford Board of Civil Authority and a Justice of the Peace since 1973; Legislative Representative and Commissioner, Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission, 2012-present; a lector at St. Alphonsus Church; member of the VT State Fire Fighters Association.
He is running unopposed for the newly formed Rutland County District 8 for what would be his seventh term.
Prop 5/Article 22
“This proposal is no longer a legislative issue as it has wound its way through the arduous legislative process to amend the Vermont Constitution. The question of Article 22 is now in the hands of you, the voters. After reading the proposal and its ambiguous language and along with my personal beliefs, I voted my conscious and did not support Proposition 5 to the Constitution.”
Mental-health services
“We all understand the importance of Vermont’s Mental Health system of care. I recognize the current shortcomings of the current system even though Vermont is currently building a new facility to house individuals who are under the care of the Commissioner of Corrections, and [although] Rutland Hospital has recently renovated and expanded its mental health wing, it is not enough to keep up with demand.
“The Legislature must continue to fund our local mental health agencies so they can continue to provide adequately trained and staffed professionals to assist folks in need of their services. I have and would support a reasonable proposal to do so.”
Workforce development/Business Development/Immigration to Vermont
“Business Development and Immigration to Vermont are all tied together in one bundle. In easy terms, without a well-trained available workforce, business development will be hampered.
“Immigration into Vermont could help supply the needed people to help alleviate the shortage of available employees in the state. Looming over all of this is the shortage of available workforce market-rate housing which we must have to attract workers.
“As we can see, this topic is a house of cards in which all of the cards need to be in place to support the others. I do support the efforts of the Administration and past Legislatures to continue the work in these areas.”
Equity/Inclusivity
“As we have been made aware of the shortcomings in state government in the area of inclusivity, the legislature and the current administration have partnered to consider equity in everything we, as your representatives, do.
“When considering legislation, one of the “check the box” standards is, in my opinion, does this legislation encompass all Vermonters’ needs? A question not lightly asked but difficult to answer.
“To that end, equity and inclusion is now a welcome part of the conversation in all legislation I’m involved in crafting. I have discovered that the topic goes beyond the BIPOC and LGBTQ population but must also include the financially and physically marginalized populations and the isolated populations in our state.
“I support the ongoing efforts to include all Vermonters in our conversations.”
Public Education
“Of course, like most Vermonters, I support our public education system, but when talking to constituents, usually the conversation turns to the high costs involved in educating our children.
“The question for me is can we provide an adequate education for an amount Vermonters can afford? I continue to think we can without undermining the quality of the education our children deserve.
“[It is] a continuing question that the Legislature has struggled with, in my time as a state representative, and has yet to resolve. More to come as the new legislative session progresses!”
Gun control
“If gun control legislation does come before the Legislature, I will, as always, read the words before making any decisions on its merits.”
Agriculture
“Today’s definition of agriculture goes way beyond milk production. We are seeing alternative agricultural practices, including locally produced vegetables, beef, pork, chicken, and other meat products. The maple industry is flourishing, and wood and woodland products are becoming more valuable every day. I do support wise continued growth in this important industry.”
Police Reform
“The legislature passed Act 166 in the 2020 session. This Act made sweeping changes to government structures regarding public safety. Within the law are provisions, among others, to establish a Law Enforcement Advisory Board, revamping the Criminal Justice Council to include citizen participation and other structures as they relate to public health and safety.
“In the 2020 session, the Legislature also passed Act 165, which created a statewide policy for law enforcement use of force. To complement Act 165, the legislature then passed (in 2021) Act 27—an adjustment to Act 165 to clarify when certain use of force tactics may be necessary.
“With the recently passed laws, I feel we must give these prescribed actions time to mature before moving forward with additional reform measures.”
