[4] In addition, he was the coach of the varsity ice hockey team, which won the 1980 Division 1 state championship, Spaulding's first title in nearly 20 years.
[4] Originally a Democrat, in 1980 Poirier was a successful candidate for election to the Vermont House of Representatives, defeating 15-year incumbent Republican Lucille Molinaroli.
[8] The general election was a three-way contest between Poirier, Republican candidate Peter Smith, and Independent Bernie Sanders.
[2] During his third period of service in the House, Poirier was a member of the Committee on Health Care, and he changed his political affiliation from Democratic to Independent.
[13] Poirier was again elected to the Barre City Council in 2008, and also became a member of the board of trustees for the Aldrich Public Library.
[2] In December 2016, he resigned from the city council, citing health concerns and a desire to concentrate on his work in the Vermont House.
[14] In 2018, Poirier was defeated for reelection in his two-member district, with the two Democratic nominees, incumbent Tommy Walz and former Barre Mayor Peter Anthony finishing ahead of him.