This morning on his WDEV radio program OPEN MIKE, Mike Smith announced, with the following statement, that he will no longer do the radio show or his regular column, which ran on vtdigger.com, vermontbiz.com and in Vermont Business Magazine.
by Mike Smith This is a difficult announcement, but there’s no other way to say it, than to just say it: I am leaving WDEV and the OPEN MIKE program on February 19th. First of all this has nothing to do with the station or the change in station ownership. In fact, this station has been so supportive of everything that I have done. I will be forever grateful to Ken, Steve and everybody here at WDEV for their support and encouragement; and for giving me this wonderful opportunity over the last 2 ½ years. I have been blessed in life with this opportunity to be with you on a daily basis. Believe me when I say this: it has truly been an honor that I never take lightly.
WDEV radio program OPEN MIKE host Mike Smith. WDEV photo.
To leave this job is my decision and mine alone. I absolutely love having the opportunity to visit with you every week day, but I have come to a point in my life where there is less time left than the time that has passed. And time is a commodity that once you lose it, you never get it back. So I try to cram as many experiences as I can in life where I can make a difference. I hope that I have made a difference in your life during my time on OPEN MIKE.
It is also, perhaps, a quirk of my personality that I need, on a regular basis, new challenges to try. I constantly like to test my limits on endeavors that make a true difference, whether it’s in SEAL Team or in the public or private sectors, I am always thrilled to be part of an organization’s success. So I will be seeking a new adventure.
After I told Ken and Steve that I would be leaving I have been actively looking at where that new adventure may be. If anything happens before I sign off on Feb. 19th I will let you know.
In addition, I am suspending my weekly column at VTDigger. VTDigger is a wonderful organization and I thank them and was honored to have the opportunity to write for them.
I don’t know if I will be back as a member of the media but I must say this: at WDEV and VTDigger--as well as with the entire Vermont media--they all work extremely hard and are dedicated to serving your needs for accurate and timely information.
And, I think it’s fair to assume, that many times we underestimate the dedication and hard work it takes to get the news out to you on the radio, television, and with print and on-line news media. I must admit that at first I underestimated the work involve in putting together a daily two-hour radio program.
I am proud to have been associated with members of the Vermont media, even in a peripheral way.
We’ll say our final goodbyes on Feb. 19th but these past 2 ½ years have been so rewarding to me. I am truly humbled by the fact that you allowed me into your daily lives for a few hours a day.
I thank you for allowing me to visit with you.
Right now we have a program to air so let’s get going with today’s program.
Mike Smith was the Secretary of Administration and Secretary of Human Services under former Governor Jim Douglas.He is also a political analyst for WCAX-TV and has a regular column for VT Digger and vermontbiz.com.He began his career serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, first with Underwater Demolition Team 21 and then as a member of SEAL Team Two.Mike is a graduate of the University of Vermont, from which he earned a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.