Gov. John Lynch fired him. The grounds for the termination are interesting. Lynch recognizes that Simard, 67, has a presumption of innocence but fired him for refusing a breathalyzer test. Yet, refusing such a test is his right so he is being fired for exercising an option available to all citizens.
Simard was stopped in his 2010 BMW while driving erratically around 11:50 p.m.
Lynch’s use of the test refusal is an interesting element: “It is simply unacceptable for a liquor commissioner, stopped by the police on suspicion of driving under the influence, to refuse a Breathalyzer test. Under the circumstances, Richard Simard’s continued presence on the Liquor Commission would compromise the integrity of the commission.”
An argument could be made that, if he has a presumption of innocence, the governor should have waited for the outcome of the criminal case. What do you think?
For the full story, click here