To the editor:
Representative Kara Rochelle has some explaining to do.
I’m writing to express my shock and sadness to see Ansonia/Derby Representative Rochelle included in the explosive audit released last week, which details how West Haven officials misspent $893,000 in federal COVID relief funding.
Representative Rochelle was personally paid $5,000 in May 2021 for a “COVID Fire Study,” which was previously documented by the Valley Independent Sentinel. At the time, Rochelle claimed that “she had no involvement in West Haven’s funding process.” (VIS Article, November 9, 2021).
It has now been confirmed by independent auditors that Representative Rochelle’s payment was made in violation of the rules governing the distribution of COVID relief dollars; rules that Kara Rochelle should have been very aware of, given her position as State Representative.
Now the question remains: did Representative Rochelle know that she was being paid from COVID funds before she accepted payment?
If Rep. Rochelle did know, I believe she must resign her position as State Representative immediately, for it would constitute an unacceptable breach of public trust. For her to take a personal benefit from the federal funds she had a fiduciary duty to protect – in violation of the very rules she was sworn to uphold – is simply unacceptable.
The residents of Ansonia, Derby and West Haven are owed an answer.
Gary Farrar Jr.
ANSONIA
