Marie Disputes Rell's Characterization Of His Resignation

Outgoing state transportation commissioner Joseph F. Marie has hired a lawyer, who issued a statement Thursday which disagrees with the way in which the administration of Gov. M. Jodie Rell has characterized his resignation. The statement, signed by Hartford attorney Richard E. Hayber, follows:

Mr. Marie has asked me to make a statement to explain fully the facts and circumstances surrounding his resignation.

First, Mr. Marie denies any and all allegations of wrongdoing. He denies having behaved inappropriately towards any person. He has never been given any specifics or an opportunity to respond and defend himself. He was never told the name of the person who made the complaint or what the allegations are.

He received a call on June 28, 2010 from Brenda Sisco of the OPM, indicating that he needed to be at her office for a meeting the next day at 3 p.m. Despite his requests, he was not told the nature of the meeting. When he asked if he should bring someone, he was told "no, you need to come alone." Accordingly, he did not bring an attorney.

When he arrived at 3 p.m. on June 29, 2010, he was met by Linda Yelmini and the Governor's attorney, Mary Anne O'Neill. They brought with them a prepared letter of resignation and the Stipulated Agreement that has now been released.

They informed him that there had been an allegation of misconduct. They refused to provide any details, including the name of the person, the dates of the conduct, the nature of the conduct.