MIDDLEBURY — The Addison County Democratic Committee voted overwhelmingly on Monday to endorse Don Keeler as sheriff, a position the longtime deputy has held on an acting basis since the death of Sheriff James Coons on April 16.
The Democrats’ voice vote appears to leave the road wide open for Keeler to secure the appointment, expected to be made by Gov. Peter Shumlin. The Addison County Republican Committee had previously endorsed Keeler.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sue Allen, said an appointment would be announced soon after June 15, which she said is the formal deadline for people to apply for the job. The appointee will serve the balance of Coons’ term, which expires in February of 2015.
Keeler, a Middlebury resident, is a 40-year veteran of the Addison County Sheriff’s Department and has been running the organization since Coons’ death, which came following a battle with cancer.
Reporter John Flowers is at [email protected].