House concurrent resolution honoring East Haven Selectboard Chair Kirwin Flanders for his extraordinary municipal public service career

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Kascenska

The bill formally honors Kirwin Flanders for over five decades of East Haven municipal leadership and service, including 51 years as chair and town roles.

Adopted pursuant to Joint Rule 16b

Summary of HCR 225 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

HCR 225 is a concurrent resolution honoring Kirwin Flanders, Chair of the East Haven Selectboard, for his “extraordinary municipal public service career.”

The resolution recognizes Flanders’ long tenure and leadership in East Haven, highlighting his 52-year commitment as a member of the Selectboard (including 51 years as chair from 1975–2026).

It also notes his additional roles representing East Haven on the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District and serving as administrator of the town’s Aqua Haven community water system.

The measure acknowledges his impact on the town and commemorates his service with a community recognition event (potluck luncheon) held on March 15, 2026.

Key provisions and changes

The resolution states:

The General Assembly honors Kirwin Flanders for his extraordinary municipal public service career.
The Secretary of State is directed to send a copy of the resolution to Kirwin Flanders.

As a non-binding legislative resolution, it does not create new laws or obligations, but formally recognizes and commends Flanders’ service.

Who or what would be affected

Kirwin Flanders: primary recipient of formal recognition and public acknowledgment by the Vermont General Assembly.

East Haven community: indirectly affected through formal acknowledgment of a long-serving municipal leader and the accompanying community event.

The Vermont Secretary of State: tasked with transmitting a copy of the resolution to Flanders.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Sponsor: Rep. John Kascenska (with a co-sponsor noted as well in materials).

Last Recorded Action: March 13, 2026 — adopted pursuant to Joint Rule 16b; adopted on consent calendar; Senate message indicates adoption in concurrence.

The resolution was tied to a local event: a potluck luncheon commemorating Flanders’ service on March 15, 2026, at the East Haven Community Building.

Mechanically, as a concurrent resolution, it passes through both chambers of the Vermont General Assembly and does not require the Governor’s signature to have effect, though it is typically presented to the Governor for formal acknowledgment.

Notable context

The bill emphasizes a remarkable tenure: 52 years on the East Haven Selectboard, with 51 years as chair, making it one of the longest-serving instances of municipal leadership in Vermont.

The resolution situates Flanders’ service within broader town governance responsibilities (Selectboard leadership, NEK Waste Management District representation, and Aqua Haven water system administration).

Bottom line

HCR 225 is a formal, non-binding commendation by Vermont’s General Assembly recognizing Kirwin Flanders for decades of municipal leadership and service in East Haven. It acknowledges his extensive tenure, leadership role, and additional town responsibilities, and directs the Secretary of State to convey the honor to him.