On Friday, December 22, state Auditor Doug Hoffer did something almost routine — but did it in an unusual way.

The routine: Hoffer issued a memo pointing out that there’s no evidence that a state workforce incentive program has any beneficial effect. The unusual: He sent it out at 2:26 p.m. on the Friday afternoon of the Christmas holiday weekend. As you might expect, there was no immediate coverage from any Vermont news outlet, all of whose members had their eyes fixed on the nearest exit when the auditor’s missive hit their inboxes.

It’s almost as though Hoffer realizes that when it comes to state incentive programs, he’s a lonely voice howling into the void. So why not simply launch his note directly into the void?

Perhaps that’s just my inner cynic talking. But really, does it make any difference whether he shoves this thing over the transom on a holiday weekend or calls a press conference in a prime spot? It’s probably going to have the same effect.

Which is to say, no effect whatsoever.

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