Politics & Government
Sudbury Gives Convicted Felon 6-Month Contract Job
Beth Rust was sentenced last year for a third OUI.
Elizabeth Rust is back working for the Town of Sudbury.
According to Asst. Town Manager Maryanne Bilodeau, the former Sudbury Department of Planning and Community Development Department employee who resigned last year after her conviction for a third OUI was selected as a consultant for a regional program for the Regional Housing Services.
Bilodeau, who said she wasn't involved in hiring Rust, said her main job will be to relocate the Regional Housing Services office from Sudbury to Concord over the next six months, beginning FY15, or July 1.
Bilodeau said there was an RFP process in making the hire.
"She put in a bid to do the job," she said.
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Proposals were accepted until Dec. 13 and submitted to the Planning and Community Development Office, which is directed by Jody Kablack.
A request made to Bilodeau for a list of those who submitted RFPs was forwarded to Kablack, who was Rust's boss in her previous position.
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When contacted, Selectman Bob Haarde said he did not know of the hiring of Rust and was "outraged," but declined to comment further.
The Regional Housing Services office performs the housing administrative services.
Last June, a jury of six found Rust guilty of:
- Operating under the influence;
- Operating under the influence with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit of .08;
- Marked lanes violation.
She had left an after-hours party at Lavender Asian Cuisine and Bar that was attended by numerous other town employees and officials.
The restaurant was issued a liquor license violation for staying open past the allowed hours.
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