The Nutmeg State’s tea party leader, Joe Markley – a tax-cutting, small-government conservative, (and an NR subscriber!) – is seeking the 16th Senate seat for Southington and surrounding towns (Joe held it in the mid 80s). His Democrat opponent, John Barry, is a full-time clerk in Connecticut General Assembly (something he doesn’t note on his website, along with not mentioning where he stands on issues).
Now it seems that during normal working hours, from between 9AM to 5PM, when Mr. Barry should be earning his large salary, he is regularly – allegedly – campaigning (door-to-door, and – at a prison!), in violation of state laws. And so Mr. Sean Murphy, an angered citizen, has formally asked state officials to investigate these charges. On Tuesday, Mr. Murphy issued a press release:
Sean Murphy, a state taxpayer and anti-corruption advocate, today formally asked Connecticut’s State Auditors to launch an immediate investigation of John Barry, candidate for State Senator in Connecticut’s 16th District and a full-time Bill Clerk in the House Clerk’s office at the capitol.
“Barry has abused the public trust,” said Murphy. “Connecticut taxpayers pay him $72,410 a year, plus a generous medical and dental plan and pension. He has repeatedly skipped out on his job during normal working hours to seek votes back in his district.
“There have been multiple reports from outraged voters, who do not understand what a well-paid, full time state employee is doing campaigning during the day. Most recently, Barry was openly soliciting the votes of officers on state property at the Cheshire correctional center during working hours—a double violation of state law.
“Barry’s ability to walk away from his post at will demonstrate that his job is just a plum post awarded as a political payoff. The State House of Representatives is only in session four months out of the year—the rest of the time, there isn’t enough work to keep a clerk occupied, let alone a clerk’s assistant like Barry. He is getting $72,410 plus benefits for a job that could be filled by an unpaid college intern and received a $7500 raise in 2009.
“The fact that Barry’s position even exists, with demands so light that he can abandon them at will, shows that the state has not been serious about controlling spending.
“This abuse of Connecticut taxpayers should not be tolerated. This sort of behavior is far too common among political appointees like Barry, and it gives a bad name to hard-working state employees who have real duties and demands on their time.”
As of yet, no journalist has reported Mr. Murphy’s charge. Of course, if the shoe was on the Republican foot, Mr. Markley would be plastered on the front pages of the vicinity’s newspapers.
For all you other NR subscriber-candidates who, like Joe, are getting the short end of the media stick – let us know. Our customer service knows no bounds!