– News from elsewhere covered by Quincy Quarry News with commentary added.
Former State Senate President Stan Rosenberg ‘Failed To Protect Senate’ From His Husband.
An ethics investigation into former Senate President Stan Rosenberg has found he “failed to protect the Senate” from his husband, who’s accused of sexual abuse and harassment.
The investigation began after allegations that Rosenberg’s husband, Bryon Hefner, sexually abused or harassed several men.
Hefner has since been indicted on charges including sexual assault.
As one could have seen coming from the top of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington without any need of binoculars, the Senate Ethics Committee stated in a report released today said that while Rosenberg did not violate any formal Senate rule, he did show “a significant failure of judgment and leadership.”
Governor Charlie Baker contemporaneously released a statement saying Rosenberg should resign from his seat in the State Senate.
Governor Baker’s statement in full said:
“The Senate’s ethics report reveals a deeply disturbing pattern of behavior, making it clear that Senator Rosenberg has compromised the business of the Chamber and trust of his constituents. For the good of the institution and those who elected him to serve, I believe the Senator needs to resign immediately. My thoughts remain with the victims and I commend them for their bravery.”
Source: Report: Rosenberg ‘Failed To Protect Senate’ From Husband
The State Ethics Commission findings are peppered with false premises and contradictions. PG 111 of the findings: ‘the most obvious sanction for failure of leadership would be the loss of relevant leadership position’. That certainly wasn’t the most obvious sanction and failure of leadership was not the only finding in the report. It clearly stated on that same page that Rosenberg failed to keep the Senate members and staff safe by breaking his ‘firewall’ promise. This is the Ethics Commission, not a court of law. They had great latitude in their recommendations. They made a statement to the voters as to just how much bad behavior, misdeeds, broken promises and unethical behavior that they will tolerate. Expect more of the same. The Senate has 40 members. Only 4 have come out for his resignation. What does that same about the rest of them?