@mikevansickler
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam joined his colleagues on the Florida Cabinet in refusing to answer questions about the departure of Gerald Bailey, the commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Earlier on Tuesday, Bailey told the Times/Herald that he had been forced to resign from his post by Gov. Rick Scott. Bailey said Scott's general counsel, Pete Antonacci, told him that he had the concurrence of the three cabinet members in pushing for his resignation.
Given an opportunity to explain his role, if any, Putnam took a pass when asked by the AP's Gary Fineout. Putnam was asked twice if he had been told by Scott's administration why Bailey resigned, twice Putnam answered with non-germane responses.
Perhaps he hopes no one would notice he wasn't answering the questions of: 1) Were you told about Bailey's resignation and 2) On why he was leaving?
Question: Were you ever given an answer or told why Commissioner Bailey was forced to resign?
Putnam: Well, certainly with the change of any administration, it is routine for there to be some turnover in agencies, and we’ve seen that across the board, not just in FDLE.
Question: But were you personally told by anyone in the Scott administration why Commissioner Bailey had resigned or if there was any reason for his resignation?
Putnam: Well, Commissioner Bailey served the state of Florida in an outstanding way. He certainly served our state well, presided over a 43-year-low in crime, and I continue to recognize him and praise him for his service, and also recognize that changes come in any second term.
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