Gov. M. Jodi Rell issued a statement late Wednesday afternoon adding a controversial new dimension to the abrupt resignation last week of state Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph F. Marie.
She said that the "the letter of resignation and stipulated agreement" signed by Marie came after "my office was contacted by a person representing a DOT employee who had alleged inappropriate behavior by the Commissioner."
Her statement continued: "Legal counsel for the Governor's Office conducted a preliminary inquiry into the allegation.
"No formal complaint of any kind was ever filed and no formal investigation was ever conducted.
"However, at the conclusion of the preliminary inquiry, Commissioner Marie was offered an opportunity to resign and he did so. He also signed a stipulated agreement that required him to return all state equipment, including computers, cell phones and cars; restricted his access to all state facilities; and barred him from contacting or criticizing any state employees or administration officials."