Former Mass. Turnpike Chair Amorello Fined $2K

The former chairman of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has been fined $2,000 for violating conflict of interest laws.

The State Ethics Commission issued the fine for Matthew Amorello on Wednesday.

The commission said Amorello approved a policy on July 26, 2006, - the day before he resigned - that allowed nonunion employees to take 50 percent cash value of unused sick time when they retired, resigned or were fired. The old rules limited the cash payments to only retirees.

Amorello could have received $75,000 for unused time, but said he didn't accept the money.

Commission Executive Director Karen Nober says Amorello should have discussed those changes with the governor and not approved policies about employee benefits so close to his resignation.