MONTPELIER, Vt. -
Vermont Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott called a joint house together Thursday, but it wasn't for any bill vote.
Instead, lawmakers came together to select a new Vermont National Guard leader.
"We would be well served to choose Brigadier General Steven Cray as Vermont's next adjutant general," said State Rep. Martha Heath.
For weeks, four candidates pleaded their case to take over the post left by Major General Michael Dubie, who is now in Colorado.
It came down to a secret ballot between lawmakers.
A majority was needed, but in the end one candidate won by a large margin.
"Having received a majority of the total votes cast, Steven Cray is hereby declared adjutant inspector general," said Lt. Gov. Phil Scott.
Cray's served in the guard for three decades and is ready for his new role.
"I look forward to jump right in on issues," said Cray.
One being the F-35 fighter jet.
Cray says the guard needs to get the aircraft to remain at full strength, because if it doesn't, he says jobs will be lost.
Cray's immediate concern is what's going on in DC.
He says if sequestration happens or military funds are cut a number of people here could be put on furlough and miss weeks of pay.
"We've already done some preliminary notifications to our folks that might be affected," said Cray.
Cray isn't officially the guard's leader yet.
He'll be sworn-in next Friday at Camp Johnson in Colchester.
