Mirror Report: Marie Stepped Down After Harassment Allegation

Governor Jodi Rell has acknowledged that Joseph Marie's abrupt resignation as state transportation commissioner came after an allegation of harassment.  The Connecticut Mirror is reporting that Marie resigned June 29 rather than answer questions about an allegation that Marie had harassed a female employee.

 

Rell told the Mirror that, "I think the facts were on the table, and this was a question that had arisen." She made the remarks after being told that The Mirror was about to publish a story that the Rell administration had been questioning women about his behavior.

 

Rell told the Mirror that no one had filed an official complaint, and that there was no finding of wrongdoing by Marie. She declined to discuss any specifics about the allegation against the commissioner.

 

An agreement provided by the Governor's office says Marie is considered to have resigned in "good standing," but he agreed not to contact any current or former state employees without the authorization of the governor's legal counsel. He also consented to retrieve his personal belongings in the company of a state trooper on July 2.

 

The former commissioner was not immediately available for comment.

 

You can read the full story at The Connecticut Mirror.