VPT Special Will Debate

4-Year Term for Gov.

Vermont and New Hampshire are the only states that have two-year terms for governor and other statewide offices. Vermont Public Television's "Public Square" special, airing at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, is "Debating Vermont's Two-Year Term."

The program will combine video, studio discussion, viewer calls and a web chat to consider whether Vermont’s terms of office should be changed to four years.

"Public Square" will begin with a video report on the topic. Then host Kristin Carlson and panelists will look at the pros and cons of extending the terms of governor, other statewide offices and legislators in the interest of good governance.

Among those on the panel will be Charles Smith of The Snelling Center for Government and Frank Bryan, a University of Vermont professor of political science.

Along with the broadcast, the program will be streamed on VPT’s website, www.vpt.org, making it available beyond the local area. Viewers will be invited to call in with questions during the program, and a web chat will be held during the program. Resources related to the topic will be available at www.vpt.org.

"Public Square" is intended to increase awareness of community issues and provide helpful information to Vermonters. Joe Merone is executive producer.