On Tuesday, July 17, 2012 the Brattleboro Reformer reported George Copadis had been sworn in as the state’s interim Employment Security Commissioner, following Commissioner Tara Reardon’s resignation and Deputy Commissioner Darrell Gates’ suspension. The reported allegations were they “manipulated unemployment benefits for their daughters.” NHPR reported, “According to the Nashua telegraph, which first reported on the whistleblower complaint against Reardon, Reardon’s daughter…collected $1,010 in unemployment benefits after being laid off from a part-time summer internship.” As reported by WMUR, Governor Lynch stated, “These are very serious allegations involving nepotism, conflict of interest and misuse of employment security funds.”

Reardon said she resigned, “so as not to disrupt the mission of employment security.” But the Brattleboro Reformer reported, “Lynch confirmed Monday that he and the Executive Council sought Reardon’s resignation…” Also as reported in the Brattleboro Reformer, Reardon stated; “Some disgruntled employees have waged a continuous effort to create diversions within the department and undermine my leadership.” But when Maria Dalterio, who served as general counsel for the Department of Employment Security, again as reported in the Brattleboro Reformer, was asked about the allegations being made by “disgruntled employees,” Dalterio stated, “I disagree with that.” A candidate’s position on issues is important. So is character.

Allan Herschlag

Concord