This is a comment rescue, from a piece that John Manifold linked to for us from Delaware State News, where Chip Flowers is still trying to avoid taking responsibility for the basic management of his office. This time, he wants you to know that the OMB is responsible for terminating an exempt employee that he hired. And “politics” is at fault for the OMB leaving him with the Personnel bag, as it were, even though the employee has already resigned and is done with her medical leave:
In June, Ms. Benner went on a six-month medical disability stint that expired in December. During that period, she resigned her position as Deputy Treasurer.
Mr. Flowers said state budget office’s actions may be an attempt to thwart opportunities he has at re-election or running for higher political office based on negative publicity Ms. Benner’s situation may bring to the Treasurer’s Office.
“I am very concerned that this may have political motivations, but am willing to give OMB the benefit of the doubt,” he said. “They should provide the requested materials promptly so that the Treasury can make a decision on how to proceed.”
The state budget office said this week it had no further comment on Ms. Benner’s status, or Mr. Flowers’ statements. Ms. Visalli has not been made available for comment, and statements have been issued through a spokeswoman Jessica Eisenbrey.
Mr. Flowers said he would work with the Delaware Attorney General’s Office and attorneys representing Ms. Benner to resolve the matter.
“The politics of this must stop,” Mr. Flowers said. “It is not fair to use a single mother with two kids, despite her actions which we do not condone, as a pawn in a political game.
“If you want to come after the Treasurer, come after me directly and stop using this person as a pawn in a political vendetta.”
Really? whatever politics might be in play could be put to bed if the Treasury would just find out what he needs to do to process Ms. Benner’s employment termination. Maybe the Treasury doesn’t want to do the day to day management of this office — much like not being able to manage his Travel budget — in which case he should pipe down and go back to his law practice full time.