. . . The recent process behind the appointment of a new FDLE Commissioner has raised serious questions, and those questions should be answered to ensure transparency, and the public’s right to know.
Bondi went on to say:
Since the last Cabinet meeting on January 13th, my office has been vigorously discussing how to do just that. At the next Cabinet meeting, on February 5th, we will discuss these issues, thoroughly, and in the sunshine.
Bondi’s statement came a day after Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater spoke out and called for a new search for Bailey’s replacement because Rick Swearington was handpicked by Scott for the position. Atwater had also pointed out he thought one of his deputies, Jay Etheridge should be considered for the position.Atwater said:
We need a better process. One that’s transparent.
All of this questioning was brought on only after Bailey spoke to the press. He told the Times/Herald he did not resign voluntarily and that he was bullied to resign by Scott and his administration. He also told the Times/Herald Scott’s former chief of staff, Adam Hollingsworth, ordered him to falsely identify an Orlando court clerk as being the target of a criminal investigation.The governor’s office has since denied all of Bailey’s allegations which are pretty serious. Governor Scott insisted he stepped down willingly. He said:
He did the right thing by stepping down. Rick Swearingen is going to do a good job. What I’ve done, as I’ve done in this job, and what I did in the private sector, is keep finding new people, find new energy, new idea. I’m going to continue to do that.