Gov. Phil Scott is pondering a revival of a regular feature of his lieutenant governorship — the Everyday Jobs Tour, in which he spent one day working alongside Vermonters in a variety of workplaces, from factories to bakeries to golf courses.

“I enjoyed that, putting myself in the shoes of others and learning different aspects of the challenges of Vermont,” Scott said at his weekly press conference Wednesday, at which he signed the state budget bill.

This time, the Jobs Tour would have a twist: He would concentrate on state government. Scott already knows plenty about elected office, having spent 10 years in the state Senate and another six as lieutenant governor.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know state government and the agencies and departments,” he said. “I’m thinking about maybe working alongside [state workers] and becoming more acclimated with state government.”



For now, the idea of a new Jobs Tour is something he’s merely “contemplating,” but he’s definitely serious about it.

There is, of course, a big difference between the two offices — the least demanding and most demanding of the state’s elective positions. The lieutenant governor has little power, few actual responsibilities and a lot of free time. The Everyday Jobs Tour was a harmless diversion.

Would it be an equally appropriate activity for a governor? It’s a worthwhile question, and one that Scott will have to contemplate.

Speaking of spare time activities, the governor also addressed his plans for auto racing at Thunder Road Speedbowl. In recent months, he mentioned driving in five to six races. He’s already competed in three, including the last two.

“I really hope to win a race,” he said. “That is what’s driving me at this point. I’ve come close a couple of times ... I’m hoping to win one now. I’m still thinking five or six races. If it comes to seven or eight, that would be OK too, but five or six is my goal. If I can win one before that, maybe I’ll stop.”

Scott crashed in his season debut on May 28. Engine failure knocked him out of his second race on June 15. In his most recent outing, on June 22, he led for most of the race but finished second.

Next time, for sure.