By Kolby R. LaMarche

Kurt Wright, former Vermont State Representative and Burlington City Council President, will retire as co-host of WVMT’s “The Morning Drive” after over six years. Wright, 69, announced his departure on May 1st during a broadcast. He left elected politics in 2020 after more than 20 years of public service.

Since starting in March 2019, Wright has been a morning fixture for local listeners, rising at 4 AM for the 6-9 AM show with co-hosts Marcus Certa and later Anthony Neri. The demanding schedule required bedtimes as early as 8 PM. “I’m running on fumes at times… I don’t get good night sleep… and I hear that’s bad for your health!” Wright said, acknowledging the strain.

Wright’s tenure blended local news, national figures, political commentary, and community engagement, all using his experience as a moderate Vermont Republican and, as co-host Neri mentioned, a great interviewer. “I’ve loved doing the interviews, the banter, the light episodes, the music, making a fool of myself on the air!” he said warmly. “I thank all the listeners for letting us into homes, cars, wherever they listened.”

Listeners called in with praise, gratitude, and playful jabs, sharing laughs with Wright. Former Burlington City Councilor Joan Shannon remarked, “There was a period of time where you were [President of the City Council] and getting up at 4 in the morning [for the show], and I could never figure out how you could possibly do that.” Senator Bernie Sanders called in, adding, “How are we going to live without ‘Mr. Mayor’ on the radio… it’s been lovely to have you on the air!”

Though stepping away, Wright hinted at future endeavors, saying, “I may re-energize and reemerge in some capacity.” A successor for co-host has not yet been named.