Bush in no rush to name a successor to Crosby
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/14/State/Bush_in_no_rush_to_na.shtml
St. Petersburg Times (http://www.sptimes.com)
By LETITIA STEIN and BILL VARIAN
Published February 14, 2006

TAMPA - Gov. Jeb Bush is holding off on permanently replacing Florida corrections chief James Crosby, ousted on Friday as state and federal investigations into the prison system intensified.

"We're kind of waiting to see what plays out with the investigation," Bush said, attending a luncheon at the Florida State Fair in Tampa on Monday. "It's way too premature to know exactly what we're going to do."

After asking for Crosby's resignation on Friday, Bush told reporters that forthcoming details of the investigation would prove the action warranted. He wouldn't elaborate, but state agents moved that day to seal Crosby's office.

For months, Crosby has defended the Department of Corrections as prison officials faced accusations of selling steroids, embezzling state money, false employment practices and even assault. As the investigations widened, the conduct of Crosby and several subordinates has come under scrutiny.

Bush named James McDonough, director of the Office of Drug Control, as interim secretary of one of the nation's largest prison systems. A retired Army colonel, McDonough is one of the longest-serving members of Bush's administrative team.

Some lawmakers want to see stability at the troubled corrections agency and are encouraging a swift move to find a permanent leader.

"Any time a shakeup like this occurs, it rocks the morale of employees and upper management," said Rep. Gus Barreiro, chairman of the House committee overseeing finances for the justice system. He would like a permanent successor named as soon as possible.

"It's like having a substitute teacher in class," added Barreiro, R-Miami Beach. "The class is never the same until the teacher comes back."

[Last modified February 14, 2006, 04:19:49]
 

Interim Director James McDonough