Gerard Robinson and Mike Hansen are the latest defectors, both announcing last week they’re leaving Governor Rick Scott’s administration.
Robinson, the soon to be former commissioner of education, gave the usual reason for quitting; to spend more time with his family.
Since Scott took office, he has lost leaders at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Department of State, Management Services, Economic Opportunity, Department of Health and Corrections.
“I’m appreciative of what they’ve accomplished in the first 18 months since I’ve become governor and I’m looking forward to new people coming on with new ideas and new energy, so it’s exciting,” said the Governor.
While Scott claims there’s no deeper meaning behind the agency head exodus, his opponents claim there’s trouble at the state capitol.
“There are people in positions who are either ill equipped to be there or there is a lot of controversial speculation about their motives,” said Matt Puckett.
Matt Puckett with the Florida Police Benevolent Association says Scott’s policies may be at the heart of the exodus. The PBA has battled with Scott over prison privatization and pension and won both court cases.
“I think the governor’s judgment should be called in to question quiet a bit,” said Puckett.
Scott ran as a political outsider and promised to shake things up in Tallahassee, but keeping true to his mission may mean finding the leaders who share his goals and are willing to stay the course.
Scott is also on his third chief of staff in less than two years.