Karyn Polito the latest to cash in on public clout

The former Lt. gov. Karyn Polito got a new job at Clean Harbors. (Herald file photo)

It wasn’t long before Karyn Polito became the youngest former senior Massachusetts official to capitalize on her influence.

Three months after leaving office, the ex-lieutenant governor has landed a lucrative post on the board of the heavily federally regulated environmental and cleaning company Clean Harbors.

Polito’s appointment comes just weeks after a fire broke out in several chemical trailers at Clean Harbors’ facility in Braintree, spewing toxic materials into the neighborhood and outraging local residents, who were ordered to stay inside their homes and their windows close.

Polito, who currently heads her family development company, is expected to be well compensated for her position at Clean Harbors.

In 2021, Clean Harbors board members earned between $300,000 and $235,000, according to SEC filings. Directors receive Company stock options as part of their compensation.

Clean Harbors Chairman and CEO Alan S. McKim earned a total of $5.6 million in compensation in 2021, according to records.

Polito’s appointment to Clean Harbors is the latest example of the revolving door in government and how ex-officials can get rich quick after their public sector experience.

Former Gov. Charlie Baker has accepted an expected $3 million-a-year job at the helm of the NCAA just months after leaving office, and former Boston Mayor and Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh has just become head of the National Hockey League Players’ Association for an estimated $3.5 million a year.

Some Braintree residents and officials who campaigned against Clean Harbors last month over the aftermath of the fire at the company’s facility are not happy that Polito has snagged the lucrative position so soon after leaving office.

“Fascinating and disgusting turn of events. The timing is a slap in the face for all residents of the Fore River Basin area,” wrote Braintree Alderman Elizabeth Maglio of Polito’s appointment. “We still don’t know what we were/are exposed to. #sell out.”

The Environmental Protection Department has allowed Clean Harbors to resume operations at the site of the fire, but city officials are urging the state to keep it closed until “several critical outstanding issues are addressed.”

Braintree Mayor Charles Kokoros is calling on Clean Harbors to eliminate the storage of hazardous materials in the tractor trailers on site and install air quality monitors to protect local residents.

As lieutenant governor, Polito was the liaison to city and local governments, and many of her patronage appointments are scattered throughout state government.

“I’m honored to join the Clean Harbors team and help advance the company’s environmental and sustainability goals,” Polito wrote on Twitter, posting it on her website.

Fine words, but Polito is not included because of her expertise in sustainability and the environment. She is on the board because of her influence and connections in state and local government.

“Karyn is a great addition to our board,” McKim said in a statement. “She brings a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors, and a proven track record in environmental issues, which will provide valuable insight across multiple disciplines. We look forward to their influence in key areas such as government, regulation and public affairs.”

Polito served two terms as Lieutenant Governor. She is currently listed as a director of Polito Development Corporation, a commercial and industrial real estate company.

Clean Harbors describes itself as North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services.