Peter Brownell
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Short description|American politician (born 1948)}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Peter Brownell
| image =
| caption =
| office = Member of the
Vermont State Senate
from Chittenden County
| term_start = 1997
| term_end = 2001
| predecessor = Multi-member district
| successor = Multi-member district
| office1 = 39th Mayor of Burlington
| term_start1 = April 5, 1993
| term_end1 = April 3, 1995
| predecessor1 = Peter Clavelle
| successor1 = Peter Clavelle
| office2 = Member of the Burlington, Vermont Board of Aldermen from the 4th district
| term_start2 = December 11, 1989{{Cite news |date=December 11, 1989 |title=Alderman to hear request for sign change |page=4 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39869530/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612195733/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39869530/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
| predecessor2 = David Thelander
| successor2 = Tom Ryan
| office3 = Member of the Burlington, Vermont Board of School Commissioners from the 6th district
| term_start3 = 1983
| term_end3 = 1985
| predecessor3 = Diane Gallagher
| successor3 = Elizabeth Van Buren
| term_start4 = 1986
| term_end4 = 1988
| predecessor4 =
| successor4 =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth year and age|1948}}
| birth_place = New York City, New York, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| party = Republican
| spouse = Christina Bratton
Linda B. Anderson
| children = 5
| relatives = Chauncey W. Brownell (great-grandfather)
| education = University of Pennsylvania
University of Vermont
| signature = Peter C. Brownell signature.png
| allegiance = {{flag|United States|1960}}
| branch = United States Air Force
| serviceyears = 1972-1978
}}
Peter C. Brownell (born 1948) is an American politician who served as the 39th Mayor of Burlington, Vermont. Prior to his tenure as mayor he was active in local politics with him serving on the school board and the city council. After his tenure as mayor he served in the Vermont Senate. He is the most recent Republican elected as mayor of Burlington.
Brownell was born in New York City, and was educated at Choate Rosemary Hall, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Vermont. After serving in the United States Air Force he moved to Burlington, Vermont, where he would enter politics. He was elected to the city's school board in 1983, and again in 1986. Brownell was elected to the city council in a 1989 special election and reelected in the 1990 and 1992 elections.
Brownell ran in the 1993 Burlington mayoral election against incumbent Progressive Coalition Mayor Peter Clavelle despite Clavelle's fundraising and campaign volunteer advantage. His victory was the first time a Republican held the mayoralty since Edward A. Keenan in 1965. Brownell lost reelection to Clavelle in 1995. He was elected to the state senate in the 1996 election and reelected in 1998, but lost renomination in 2000 due to his support for same-sex civil unions.
Early life and education
Brownell was born in New York City, New York, in 1948, to Mary Hester Gaskill (1916–2007) and Lincoln C. Brownell (1914–2010). Chauncey W. Brownell, his great-grandfather, served as Secretary of State of Vermont and in the Vermont Senate. During his childhood he traveled between Long Island, New York and Saigon, South Vietnam, due to his father's business.{{Cite news |date=June 26, 2007 |title=Mary H. Brownell |page=16 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79427299/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612171324/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79427299/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=December 28, 2010 |title=Lincoln C. Brownell |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/burlingtonfreepress/obituary.aspx?n=lincoln-c-brownell&pid=147463653 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612171911/https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/burlingtonfreepress/obituary.aspx?n=lincoln-c-brownell&pid=147463653 |archive-date=June 12, 2021}}
Brownell graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall.{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1997 |title=Education Awareness |page=8 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79431681/rutland-daily-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612171109/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79431681/rutland-daily-herald/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} He married Christina Bratton, who he had met while at the University of Pennsylvania, in Maryland in 1969. In 1970, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in sociology, after having originally majored in chemical engineering, and graduated from the University of Vermont with a master's degree in business administration in 1978. He served in the United States Air Force for six years. He moved his family to Burlington, Vermont, in 1978.{{Cite news |date=March 4, 1993 |title=Wherever he traveled, Brownell came back to Vt. |page=1 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39880657/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612172218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39880657/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=January 15, 1993 |title=Brownell: Candidate challenges growth |page=14 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39878177/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612172914/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39878177/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brownell worked as a financial analyst for General Electric for fifteen years.{{Cite news |date=May 9, 1993 |title=Burlington's New Mayor: Focusing On Business, Jobs |page=19 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79477610/rutland-daily-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613115223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79477610/rutland-daily-herald/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
Career
=School board=
Brownell attempted to gain a job on the Burlington police or airport commissions, but he was rejected every time. In 1983, Diana Gallagher, a member of the school board, ran for a seat on the city council from the 6th district. Brownell won the Republican nomination to succeed her on the school board from the 6th district by a unanimous vote and defeated independent Hans J. Puck in the general election.{{Cite news |date=January 12, 1983 |title=Ward 6 Picks A Candidate For Alderman |page=2 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79438341/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612185740/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79438341/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 2, 1983 |title=Brownell Also Wins School Post |page=17 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39928710/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612190251/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39928710/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} He did not seek reelection as he wanted to spend more time with his family in 1985, and Elizabeth Van Buren, a member of the Democratic Party, was unopposed to succeed him.{{Cite news |date=March 6, 1985 |title=Sanders-Backed Candidates Lose School Board Contests |page=3 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79439455/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612191539/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79439455/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brownell won the Republican nomination to run for the school board from the 6th district in 1986, and won in the general election without opposition.{{Cite news |date=January 24, 1986 |title=City Republicans Nominate Candidates |page=1 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79439796/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612192047/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79439796/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} He did not run for reelection in the 1988 election.{{Cite news |date=January 24, 1988 |title=Aldermanic races heat up |page=23 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79440307/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612192711/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79440307/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
During his tenure on the board he served as chair of the Finance committee and consider running for chair of the board in 1986, but he did not have enough support.{{Cite news |date=November 27, 1984 |title=Panel Looks for School Tax Hike Cuts |page=11 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79439112/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612190942/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79439112/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=April 9, 1986 |title=Burlington School Board Picks Two Chairmen |page=14 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79440044/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612192307/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79440044/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
=City council=
In 1989, David Thelander, a Republican member of the city council, resigned to work in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1989 |title=Political parties elect new leaders |page=20 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79440598/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612193048/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79440598/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brownell received the Republican nomination and defeated Democratic and Progressive Coalition nominee Greg Guma in the special election.{{Cite news |date=November 7, 1989 |title=Ward 6 hopefuls practice differing politics |page=5 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79440793/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612193349/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79440793/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=December 6, 1989 |title=Republican wins Ward 6 race |page=13 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39869241/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612193743/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39869241/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} During the campaign Brownell raised $2,170 and spent $472 while Guma raised $875 and spent $640.{{Cite news |date=November 30, 1989 |title=Aldermanic candidate Guma outspends foe |page=5 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79441253/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612194150/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79441253/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
He defeated Green Party nominee Bea Bookchin in the 1990 election.{{Cite news |date=March 7, 1990 |title=Progressives lose 1 seat in aldermanic race; Mahoney defeats Mahnke |page=4 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79445514/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612204727/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79445514/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} He won reelection without opposition in 1992.{{Cite news |date=March 4, 1992 |title=1992 election |page=4 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39877625/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612205009/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39877625/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} After Brownell was elected as mayor he resigned from the city council. A special election was held to fill the vacancy and it was won by Republican nominee Tom Ryan.{{Cite news |date=May 26, 1993 |title=Republicans win City Council seat |page=13 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79403191/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612011837/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79403191/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
During his tenure on the city council Brownell served on the Finance committee.{{Cite news |date=April 13, 1990 |title=Aswad makes aldermanic committee assignments |page=5 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79466288/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613060025/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79466288/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Following the resignation of Jane Watson, a member of the city council from the 5th district, Browell became interested in running for chair of the city council as Watson's resignation left the Democrats without enough votes, but Brownell later declined to run.{{Cite news |date=April 2, 1992 |title=Councilor resigns halfway through term |page=5 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79473393/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613061243/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79473393/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=April 6, 1992 |title=Councilor who quit wants to participate in leadership vote |page=1 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79473403/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613061555/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79473403/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
=Mayoralty=
==Elections==
The Vermont Republican Party had not nominated a candidate in the 1985, 1987, 1989, and 1991 mayoral elections.{{Cite news |date=January 24, 1985 |title=Brian Burns Gets Democrats' Nod |page=1 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64663720/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201205180728/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64663720/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=January 25, 1987 |title=Issues, Images Highlight City Mayor Race |page=17 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64683757/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201205222501/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64683757/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=January 25, 1989 |title=GOP supports Northgate tenants |page=6 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79284335/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210610021312/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79284335/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 10, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 7, 1991 |title=Longtime candidate wins school board seat |page=14 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79293452/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210611093625/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79293452/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brownell announced on January 14, 1993, that he would run for the Republican nomination and won the nomination on January 20.{{Cite news |date=January 15, 1993 |title=Brownell takes on Clavelle |page=3 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79404505/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612014601/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79404505/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=January 21, 1993 |title=Brownell accepts nomination |page=3 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79404804/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612014821/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79404804/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brownell defeated Clavelle in the election while only winning two of the city council wards despite Clavelle having outraised Brownell and Clavelle having 220 volunteers compared to Brownll's 20. Brownell's victory ended the Progressive Coalition's control of the mayoral office that it had held since the 1981 election and he became the first Republican to hold the office since Edward A. Keenan left office in 1965. Clavelle stated that he had lost due to him passing legislation to have Burlington pay for the health care benefits for domestic partners of city workers.{{Cite news |date=March 13, 1993 |title=Campaign fundraising |page=17 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79474139/rutland-daily-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613064908/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79474139/rutland-daily-herald/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 26, 1993 |title=Campaigns take divergent paths |page=13 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79405868/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612020916/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79405868/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1993 |title=Brownell Wins |page=1 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39879920/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210611022145/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39879920/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
Former Republican Mayor Robert K. Bing was happy with Brownell's victory while United States Representative Bernie Sanders, who served as mayor from 1981 to 1989, stated that he was disappointed by Clavelle's defeat.{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1993 |title=Burlington |page=8 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39880633/rutland-daily-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612203926/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39880633/rutland-daily-herald/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brownell victory in the 1993 election is the most recent time the Republicans have won election as mayor of Burlington.{{Cite news |date=February 7, 2018 |title=The Elephant in the Room: Are Burlington Republicans a Dying Breed? |work=Seven Days |url=https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/the-elephant-in-the-room-are-burlington-republicans-a-dying-breed/Content?oid=12461766 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613023051/https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/the-elephant-in-the-room-are-burlington-republicans-a-dying-breed/Content?oid=12461766 |archive-date=June 13, 2021}}
Brownell announced on January 9, 1995, that he would seek reelection to another term.{{Cite news |date=January 10, 1995 |title=Brownell to seek re-election |page=15 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39883099/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612201717/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39883099/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} However, he was defeated in the general election by Clavelle. During the campaign Clavelle had raised $41,020 and spent $40,644, Brownell raised $22,263 and spent $16,527, and Paul Lafayette raised $16,152 and spent $16,040.{{Cite news |date=March 21, 1995 |title=Clavelle coffer tops opponents' |page=13 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79444290/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612202817/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79444290/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
==Tenure==
File:Burlington city council in 1994.svg members caucusing with the Progressives.]]
In 1993, Brownell made multiple appointments which were illegal under a rarely enforced section of Burlington's city charter which required all officials appointed by the mayor to be voters in Burlington.{{Cite news |date=June 6, 1993 |title=Appointments defy charter |page=9 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79477935/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613120718/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79477935/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} The city council voted to approve his nomination's despite complaints from councilor Maurice Mahoney.{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1993 |title=Council OKs out-of-town appointments |page=4 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79477950/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613120948/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79477950/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
During his tenure as mayor Brownell made multiple trips to Montpelier to lobby for a $63.9 million capital construction bill, which included $1.3 million to buy twenty-five acres of waterfront on Lake Champlain from a land trust.{{Cite news |date=April 18, 1993 |title=Vt. Senate Votes For Waterfront Purchase |page=3 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39881794/rutland-daily-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612203402/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39881794/rutland-daily-herald/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} The city borrowed $1.2 million from the retirement fund to develop the waterfront which made the city pay $120,000 in interest per year. Brownell proposed leasing three to five acres of the waterfront to pay back the debt.{{Cite news |date=August 19, 1994 |title=Waterfront vote on horizon |page=15 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79479956/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613132205/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79479956/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=August 24, 1994 |title=Brownell grilled on waterfront plan |page=11 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79480062/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613132703/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79480062/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
Brownell's 1993 budget reduced the city's budget by $1 million, eliminated ten positions in the city government, and reduced all general fund operating budgets while increasing property taxes by 2.8%.{{Cite news |date=April 18, 1993 |title=Getting back to business |page=3 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39927394/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612203703/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39927394/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=June 15, 1993 |title=Brownell presents final budget |page=3 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79478029/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613121147/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79478029/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} The budget was approved by the city council by a vote of seven to six.{{Cite news |date=June 28, 1993 |title=Council to hear budget proposal |page=9 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79478047/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613121600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79478047/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brownell proposed merging the police and fire departments in 1994, but the city council voted twelve to two against the measure.{{Cite news |date=December 20, 1994 |title=City Council rejects plan to merge departments |page=4 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79481468/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613140450/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79481468/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
On September 27, 1993, the city council voted seven to four in favor of passing legislation to create a new tax to pay for a citywide recycling program. All three Republican members of the city council voted against the tax and Brownell conducted his first veto in office against the legislation. However, the city council voted to overturn his veto on October 12, with only the Republican members voting to sustain his veto.{{Cite news |date=September 28, 1993 |title=Council OKs recycling tax |page=3 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79478436/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613122839/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79478436/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=October 13, 1993 |title=Overriding veto, council OKs recycling tax |page=3 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79478503/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613123024/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79478503/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
In the 1993 election the Republicans gained one seat on the city council from the Democrats while the Progressives retained all of their seats bringing the composition of the city council to four Progressive Coalition members, four Democratic members, three Republican members, and two independents.{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1993 |title=GOP adds third seat on council |page=8 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79402717/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612010951/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79402717/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} The Republicans lost one seat on the city council in the 1994 election while the Progressive Coalition gained control over the council by expanding their seat total to eight including three independents caucusing with them.{{Cite news |date=March 10, 2002 |title=City GOP gains spirit, not seats |page=11 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79426814/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613062252/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79426814/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 2, 1994 |title=Voters Demonstrate Mood of Generosity |page=1 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79478986/rutland-daily-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613125208/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79478986/rutland-daily-herald/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} During the 1994 elections there were two ballot initiatives to increase taxes, one was a $3.5 tax increase and another was a $1.26 school tax increase, and Brownell supported both ballot measures, but both were defeated in the election.{{Cite news |date=January 21, 1994 |title=Brownell supports 6¢ tax increase |page=15 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79479286/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613125747/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79479286/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 2, 1994 |title=Tax measures go down to defeat in Burlington |page=17 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79479292/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613130006/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79479292/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} The Republicans gained two seats in the 1995 election.
=Vermont Senate=
==Elections==
In 1991, Brownell had considered running for a seat in the Vermont House of Representatives to succeed Helen Riehle.{{Cite news |date=December 12, 1991 |title=State representative to leave her district |page=3 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79473302/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613060900/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79473302/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} After losing the mayoral election Brownell considered either running for a seat in the Vermont Senate or running for mayor again in the 1997 election.{{Cite news |date=February 13, 1996 |title=Ex-Mayor Brownell considers run for state Senate |page=2 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79427514/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612155023/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79427514/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} On July 11, 1996, he announced that he would run for one of six seats in the state senate from Chittenden County.{{Cite news |date=July 12, 1996 |title=Brownell runs for Senate |page=21 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79427634/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612155259/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79427634/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=July 16, 1996 |title=Chittenden County |page=4 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79427694/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612155517/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79427694/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brownell placed second out of eight candidates in the Republican primary and fourth out of twelve candidates in the general election.{{Cite news |title=1996 Chittenden County Republican Senate primary |work=Secretary of State of Vermont |url=https://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/138947/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612160748/https://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/138947/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021}}{{Cite news |title=1996 Chittenden County Senate election |work=Secretary of State of Vermont |url=https://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/138947/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612161040/https://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/77635/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021}} Brownell spent $11,039 during the campaign.{{Cite news |date=August 14, 2000 |title=Chittenden spending |page=8 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79436891/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612183350/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79436891/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
Brownell ran for reelection in the 1998 election, placed first out of six candidates in the Republican primary, and placed fourth out of fourteen candidates in the general election.{{Cite news |title=1998 Chittenden County Republican Senate primary |work=Secretary of State of Vermont |url=https://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/138982/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612173544/https://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/138982/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021}}{{Cite news |title=1998 Chittenden County Senate election |work=Secretary of State of Vermont |url=https://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/77512/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612173750/https://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/77512/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021}} Brownell spent $9,051 during the campaign.
During the 2000 election Brownell and other state senators were targeted by Reverend David Stertzbach, an anti-gay pastor, due to Brownell's support for civil unions. Brownell lost renomination in the Republican primary after placing eighth out of eight candidates and it was stated that his defeat was caused by Stertzbach.{{Cite news |date=April 12, 2002 |title=Douglas condemns tactics of anti-civil union pastor |page=3 |work=Brattleboro Reformer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79426966/the-brattleboro-reformer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612153830/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79426966/the-brattleboro-reformer/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |title=2000 Chittenden County Republican Senate primary |work=Secretary of State of Vermont |url=https://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/139485/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612164106/https://electionarchive.vermont.gov/elections/view/139485/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021}} Representatives John Edwards, Marion Milne, William Fyfe, and Robert Kinsey, who had also supported civil unions, also lost renomination.{{Cite news |date=September 13, 2000 |title=Outcomes to consider |page=4 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79437682/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612184802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79437782/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} He chose to not run in the general election as an independent candidate.{{Cite news |date=September 15, 2000 |title=Election: Defeated consider another run |page=22 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79437782/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612184802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79437782/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
==Tenure==
Brownell endorsed John Carroll for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor during the 1996 election.{{Cite news |date=September 4, 1996 |title=Republicans |page=11 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79427894/rutland-daily-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612155939/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79427894/rutland-daily-herald/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} During his tenure in the state senate Brownell served on the General Affairs and Housing, and Education committees.{{Cite news |date=January 11, 1997 |title=Senate committee assignments |page=16 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79429856/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612163811/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79429856/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brownell considered running for a seat in the United States House of Representatives from Vermont's at-large congressional district in the 2000 election.{{Cite news |date=March 13, 1999 |title=Sanders' Political Plans for 2000 Open Floodgates |page=1 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79435776/rutland-daily-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612181716/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79435776/rutland-daily-herald/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} During the 2000 presidential election Brownell supported Senator John McCain for the Republican nomination and served as McCain's campaign manager in Vermont.{{Cite news |date=March 8, 2000 |title=McCain 4-For-5 In New England |work=Hartford Courant |url=https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2000-03-08-0003080011-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612173256/https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2000-03-08-0003080011-story.html |archive-date=June 12, 2021}}{{Cite news |date=December 18, 1999 |title=Vt. voters can get close look at McCain |page=15 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79435904/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612181937/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79435904/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
Later life
Brownell's wife served as chair of the Voter Registration Board for three months in 1996, until she was replaced by Kathleen Butler, a member of the Progressive Coalition. His wife stated that she was removed as chair for political reason while Butler stated that Brownell's election as chair was only due to several members being absent. Kurt Wright, a member of the city council, proposed a resolution to call her removal "an extraordinary and high unusual vote", but it failed by a seven to six vote.{{Cite news |date=October 1, 1996 |title=Resolution sends council into political infighting |page=1 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79428179/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612160608/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79428179/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} His wife also served as treasurer of the Burlington Republican Party.{{Cite news |date=September 21, 1997 |title=Political committees choose local officers |page=12 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79437303/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612183959/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79437303/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
Brownell married Linda B. Anderson on July 8, 2000.{{Cite news |date=August 20, 2000 |title=Brownell-Anderson |page=45 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79436989/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612183703/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79436989/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brownell was selected to serve as director of administration for the Vermont State Board of Education in 2001.{{Cite news |date=March 3, 2001 |title=Peter Brownell named to Education Department |page=16 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79426430/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612152650/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79426430/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} He declined to run for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in the 2002 election.{{Cite news |date=October 5, 2001 |title=Voyer considers run for lieutenant governor post |page=16 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79426657/rutland-daily-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612153404/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79426657/rutland-daily-herald/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
Political positions
In 1990, the Burlington city council voted to end the city's advertising in The Burlington Free Press after the newspaper ended negotiations with its union workers. Brownell voted against ending advertisement in the newspapers stating that it was government intrusion into a private business.{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1997 |title=Burlington Council Votes to Pull City Ads From the Free Press |page=14 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39870699/rutland-daily-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612205241/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39870699/rutland-daily-herald/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} He supports abortion.
The Burlington city council voted seven to five, with Brownell against, in favor of a resolution opposing military action against Iraq calling for President George H. W. Bush to find avoid military action in the defense of the Gulf countries against Iraq.{{Cite news |date=December 18, 1990 |title=Council urges peace in Gulf |page=5 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79466265/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613024942/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79466265/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} However, the city council later voted seven to five, with Brownell in favor, in favor of a resolution, which was sponsored by Brownell, praising President Bush and gave support to the United States' soldiers in Saudi Arabia.{{Cite news |date=February 12, 1991 |title=Clavelle threatens veto of Gulf-support resolution |page=15 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79473171/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613060359/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79473171/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
In 1992, Brownell voted against making Arad, Israel, and Bethlehem sister cities of Burlington stating that he believes that it was "beyond the scope of what a small city should do".{{Cite news |date=August 19, 1992 |title=Sister city agreements approved |page=13 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79473514/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210613061910/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79473514/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
Bronwell supported school choice and was a member of the Vermonters for Educational Choice committee.{{Cite news |date=April 2, 1997 |title=Choice Advocates Warn That Proposal Will Limit Options |page=1 |work=Rutland Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79430506/rutland-daily-herald/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612165010/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79430506/rutland-daily-herald/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} Brownell and Senator Nancy Chard considered redistricting Vermont's school districts to decrease them from sixty-two to fourteen, which would have been one per county.{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1997 |title=Children before money |page=12 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79430686/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612165321/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79430686/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
The state senate voted seventeen to thirteen, with Brownell against, against legislation to amend the Constitution of Vermont to only allow marriages between one man and one woman.{{Cite news |date=April 19, 2000 |title=Marriage amendment |page=4 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79436301/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612182619/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79436301/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} The state senate voted twenty-one to nine, with Brownell against, against amending the Vermont Constitution to overturn a ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court giving same-sex couples the rights and benefits of marriage.{{Cite news |date=April 19, 2000 |title=Overturning verdict |page=4 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79436336/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612182809/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79436336/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}} The state senate voted nineteen to eleven, with Brownell in favor, in favor of allowing civil unions for same-sex couples.{{Cite news |date=April 19, 2000 |title=On civil unions |page=4 |work=The Burlington Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79436320/the-burlington-free-press/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612183145/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79436320/the-burlington-free-press/ |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com}}
Electoral history
{{hidden begin|toggle=left|title=Peter Brownell electoral history}}
{{Election box begin no change|title = 1983 Burlington, Vermont School Board Commission 6th district election}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Peter Brownell
|votes = 1,188
|percentage = 57.92%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Independent (politician)
|candidate = Hans J. Puck
|votes = 863
|percentage = 42.08%
}}
{{Election box total no change
|votes = 2,051
|percentage = 100.00%
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change|title = 1989 Burlington, Vermont city council 6th district special election}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Peter Brownell
|votes = 635
|percentage = 69.25%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Progressive Coalition (Vermont)
|candidate = Greg Guma
|votes =
|percentage =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Greg Guma
|votes =
|percentage =
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
|party = Total
|candidate = Greg Guma
|votes = 282
|percentage = 30.75%
}}
{{Election box total no change
|votes = 917
|percentage = 100.00%
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin|title = 1990 Burlington, Vermont city council 6th district election}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Peter Brownell (incumbent)
|votes = 704
|percentage = 73.18%
|change = +15.26%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Green Party of the United States
|candidate = Bea Bookchin
|votes = 258
|percentage = 26.82%
|change = +26.82%
}}
{{Election box total
|votes = 962
|percentage = 100.00%
|change =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin|title = 1992 Burlington, Vermont city council 6th district election}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Peter Brownell (incumbent)
|votes = 693
|percentage = 100.00%
|change = +26.82%
}}
{{Election box total
|votes = 693
|percentage = 100.00%
|change =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change|title = 1996 Chittenden County Vermont Senate Republican primary}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Barbara Snelling
|votes = 4,483
|percentage = 17.04%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Peter Brownell
|votes = 4,396
|percentage = 16.71%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Helen Riehle
|votes = 3,385
|percentage = 12.87%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Tut Parmly
|votes = 3,029
|percentage = 11.52%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Joe Zagursky
|votes = 2,975
|percentage = 11.31%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Kurt Wright
|votes = 2,955
|percentage = 11.23%
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Mike McHugh
|votes = 2,561
|percentage = 9.74%
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Denny Morrisseau
|votes = 2,519
|percentage = 9.58%
|change =
}}
{{Election box total no change
|votes = 26,303
|percentage = 100.00%
|change =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change|title = 1996 Chittenden County Vermont Senate election}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Barbara Snelling
|votes = 30,440
|percentage = 11.21%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Jan Backus
|votes = 27,190
|percentage = 10.01%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Jack Barry
|votes = 27,045
|percentage = 9.96%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Peter Brownell
|votes = 26,741
|percentage = 9.85%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Jean Ankeney
|votes = 24,527
|percentage = 9.03%
|change =
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Helen Riehle
|votes = 22,763
|percentage = 8.38%
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Jane Munt
|votes = 22,059
|percentage = 8.12%
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = David Curtis
|votes = 20,515
|percentage = 7.56%
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Johannah Leddy Donovan
|votes = 20,037
|percentage = 7.38%
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Kurt Wright
|votes = 19,621
|percentage = 7.23%
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Tut Parmly
|votes = 15,471
|percentage = 5.70%
|change =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Joe Zagursky
|votes = 14,697
|percentage = 5.41%
|change =
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
|votes = 428
|percentage = 0.16%
|change =
}}
{{Election box total no change
|votes = 271,534
|percentage = 100.00%
|change =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin|title = 1998 Chittenden County Vermont Senate Republican primary}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Peter Brownell (incumbent)
|votes = 6,334
|percentage = 22.50%
|change = +5.79%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Helen Riehle (incumbent)
|votes = 5,720
|percentage = 20.31%
|change = +7.44%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = J. Dennis Delaney
|votes = 5,682
|percentage = 20.18%
|change = +20.18%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Susan W. Sweetser
|votes = 5,511
|percentage = 19.57%
|change = +19.57%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Dawn Hill-Fleury
|votes = 4,766
|percentage = 16.93%
|change = +16.93%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Matt Gardy
|votes = 144
|percentage = 0.51%
|change = +0.51%
}}
{{Election box total
|votes = 28,157
|percentage = 100.00%
|change =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin|title = 1998 Chittenden County Vermont Senate election}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = James P. Leddy
|votes = 23,956
|percentage = 10.41%
|change = +10.41
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Jan Backus (incumbent)
|votes = 23,102
|percentage = 10.04%
|change = +0.03%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Helen Riehle (incumbent)
|votes = 23,051
|percentage = 10.02%
|change = +1.64%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Peter Brownell (incumbent)
|votes = 22,712
|percentage = 9.87%
|change = +0.02%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Jean Ankeney (incumbent)
|votes = 21,438
|percentage = 9.32%
|change = +0.29%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Jane Munt
|votes = 20,791
|percentage = 9.04%
|change = +0.92%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Susan W. Sweetser
|votes = 19,842
|percentage = 8.62%
|change = +8.62%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = J. Dennis Delaney
|votes = 19,726
|percentage = 8.57%
|change = +8.57%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Matt Gardy
|votes = 13,363
|percentage = 5.81%
|change = +5.81%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Timothy J. Palmer
|votes = 13,015
|percentage = 5.66%
|change = +5.66%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Bruce D. Cunningham
|votes = 12,615
|percentage = 5.48%
|change = +5.48%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Dawn Hill-Fleury
|votes = 11,557
|percentage = 5.02%
|change = +5.02%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Libertarian Party (United States)
|candidate = Stephen Pollak
|votes = 2,352
|percentage = 1.02%
|change = +1.02%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Libertarian Party (United States)
|candidate = Brendan Kinney
|votes = 2,175
|percentage = 0.95%
|change = +0.95%
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link
|votes = 385
|percentage = 0.17%
|change = +0.01%
}}
{{Election box total
|votes = 230,079
|percentage = 100.00%
|change =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin|title = 2000 Chittenden County Vermont Senate Republican primary}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Rodolphe M. Vallee
|votes = 10,355
|percentage = 15.33%
|change = +15.33%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Donald R. Brunelle
|votes = 8,882
|percentage = 13.15%
|change = +13.15%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = William L. Parkinson
|votes = 8,345
|percentage = 12.36%
|change = +12.36%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Leigh E. Pfenning
|votes = 8,271
|percentage = 12.25%
|change = +12.25%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Tut Parmly
|votes = 8,143
|percentage = 12.06%
|change = +12.06%
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Barbara Snelling
|votes = 8,086
|percentage = 11.97%
|change = +11.97%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Gavin T. Mills
|votes = 7,735
|percentage = 11.45%
|change = +11.45%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Peter Brownell (incumbent)
|votes = 7,720
|percentage = 11.43%
|change = -11.07%
}}
{{Election box total|
|votes = 67,537
|percentage = 100.00%
|change =
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{hidden end}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://archive.today/20210613070626/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79474373/the-burlington-free-press/ Peter Brownell's 1993 inaugural address]
- [https://archive.today/20210613150112/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/39884831/signature/ Peter Brownell's farewell address]
{{Authority control}}
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Mayor of Burlington, Vermont}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Brownell, Peter}}
Category:20th-century mayors of places in Vermont
Category:21st-century members of the Vermont General Assembly
Category:Mayors of Burlington, Vermont
Category:Politicians from New York City
Category:Military personnel from Vermont
Category:University of Pennsylvania alumni