Union supports mayor’s call for Burlington airport director to resign

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A local union is supporting Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger’s stance on terminating Gene Richards as the director of the Burlington International Airport.

Richards was put on administrative leave at the end of June, following a complaint to human resources and a city investigation. The mayor said Richards misused airport gas to fill his own vehicle and yelled and swore at airport employees.

Richards disputes that he misused fuel and points to the investigation that says there is insufficient evidence of that.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1343 says the results of the two-month independent investigation are clear and validate formal complaints the union has made regarding Richards’ behavior over the past three years.

The union is also encouraging the City Council to support the mayor’s decision when they have a hearing on Sept. 9.