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TexasTowelie

(111,303 posts)
Tue Mar 7, 2017, 11:13 PM Mar 2017

Leaving Rick Scott in lurch, Enterprise Florida CEO resigns after just 2 months on job

TALLAHASSEE — In a blow to one of Gov. Rick Scott's top legislative priorities, the man entrusted to defend Florida's job creation programs before a hostile Legislature abruptly quit Monday just hours before he was expected to testify.

Chris Hart IV quit as CEO of the state's economic development agency, a job expected to pay him $200,000, without so much a phone call or handshake with the man who hired him, Scott. Instead, Hart announced his resignation in a four-paragraph letter he sent to Scott and his staff at Enterprise Florida.

Hart, a former state representative from Tampa, had only been in the job for two months. Scott hired him in January to defend Enterprise Florida in a battle with House Republicans over whether to abolish the agency because of its spending. Just three weeks ago, Hart told state senators during a hearing that he needed more time to enact new rules that would make the agency more transparent.

On Monday, Hart went in a totally different direction.

"Unfortunately, during this same time period, I have come to realize that you and I do not share a common vision or understanding for how Enterprise Florida, Inc. can best provide value within your administration," Hart wrote to Scott. "This difference of opinion is of such a critical nature that I no longer believe I can be effective in my position. Therefore, since we have been unable to reach consensus and have no formal agreement or contract in place, I tender my resignation from Enterprise Florida, Inc. effective immediately."

Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/leaving-rick-scott-in-lurch-enterprise-florida-ceo-resigns-after-just-2/2315591

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