Minorities Say Dean Tried to Be Inclusive

During more than a decade as Vermont governor, Howard Dean did not appoint any blacks or Latinos to his Cabinet, but minority leaders say it was not for lack of trying in the nearly all-white state.

None of Dean’s five Cabinet secretaries or top commissioners was Latino or black during the more than 11 years he served in office, as he conceded during a Democratic presidential debate in Iowa on Sunday.

Dean pointed out during the debate that he had hired as a senior staff member a black woman. He did not mention that Bonnie Aten-Johnson worked part time for her first year on his staff while keeping a job with the Burlington, Vt., schools. She worked at least another year full time, his campaign says.

Contending that recruiting minorities for high-level posts in state government is difficult in a state that is nearly 98% white, one black leader who met regularly with Dean praised his efforts as governor. He recalled turning down Dean’s requests to serve in the administration.

“He asked if I had an interest or if I knew of anyone who had an interest,” said Vaughn Carney, a lawyer and executive with a financial services company. “I myself was constrained by other commitments. I wasn’t aware of anyone who would be qualified or would be available.”

Carney accepted posts on three low-profile commissions. “Those who have assumed the mantle of leadership in Vermont’s very small black community are fully aware of Dr. Dean’s commitment to inclusion, to diversity and to fairness,” he said.

Minorities make up 2.1% of Vermont’s population of 608,827, according to Census Department figures for 2000. Less than 1% of the population -- 5,504 -- are Latino. Even fewer -- 3,063 -- are black.