Not long ago State Budget Director Robert Genuario, a former Republican state Senator from Norwalk, dismissed rumors he was eyeing the early retirement package being offered to thin the ranks of state employees and help balance the budget.
Turns out what’s been helping to fuel the rumor is the inclusion of Joan McDonald, the state’s Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, in private budget talks.
I happened to see McDonald in the capitol today and figured I’d ask what’s up. Turns out it was a timely question because she informed me today happened to be her two-year anniversary on the job.
McDonald admitted her presence at the talks is unusual.
“The Governor has requested I sit in budget meetings because of the impact this budget has on the economy and corporate citizens,” McDonald said.
I asked if she’d be interested in taking over Genuario’s job and she laughed saying I told her I had one question. And I decided not to hassle her any more on her anniversary.
