Aide: Retribution allegations disclosed to Baker in June

Printed from: https://newbostonpost.com/2016/09/23/aide-retribution-allegations-disclosed-to-baker-in-june/

Gov. Charlie Baker told reporters Thursday that he learned about an alleged retribution case within the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs around 10 days ago, but an aide later said the governor misspoke about the timeline.

“We were made aware of the allegations about 10 days ago and told EEA they needed to conduct an investigation with oversight and input from our legal office,” Baker said. “And the allegations are extremely troubling and we want to see what comes out of that investigation.”

The retaliation claim involves a staffer who reportedly said she faced harassment and was told she would be transferred to a different office after her fiance, a Democrat, launched a Senate campaign against Republican incumbent Sen. Donald Humason.

Baker and his legal office were made aware of initial allegations in June, and an internal investigation began about 10 days ago after more detailed allegations surfaced in August, according to the aide, who asked not to be named on the record. Before the information reached Baker, the incident was being handled by staffers, the aide said.

— Written by Katie Lannan

Copyright State House News Service