By
AMANDA EGGERT/Montana Free Press
Gov. Greg Gianforte has suspended Brad Molnar from the state’s utility board following investigations into his workplace conduct. In a letter dated July 9, Gianforted addressed the “unprecedented” nature of the suspension, which he described as warranted by Molnar’s “unprecedented behavior.” Multiple Public Service Commission employees have accused Molnar of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliatory behavior.Gianforte ordered the suspension following a request three commissioners made to oust Molnar, who had served as the PSC president until his colleagues voted to demote him to a regular commissioner in October. The suspension is effective immediately and will last at least one year. It is unclear if Gianforte will install someone else to take Molnar’s place while he is suspended without pay.“The Governor is evaluating next steps for an appointment,” Gianforte spokesperson wrote in a Friday afternoon email to Montana Free Press.Molnar has long argued that the effort to push him out of the agency is motivated by politics and animated by interpersonal conflicts. He’s previously described himself as a “redneck wearing a white shirt” who has made some off-color comments. He maintained that they don’t warrant the “overturning of an election.”
