New Insurance Watchdog
December 10th, 2013 by flanewsAfter complaints of mismanagement and wasteful spending at Citizens Insurance, Matt Horn tells us the state’s largest insurer will now have someone looking over their shoulder.
Citizens’ top managers were accused of spending like drunken sailors on trips and conferences. Governor Rick Scott ordered his inspector general to take a look.
“So that we could find a watchdog for Citizens’ that would help bring integrity, accountability and honesty,” said Melinda Miguel, Florida’s Chief Inspector General.
Once the abuses were uncovered Governor Rick Scott started calling for an inspector general after reports of sexual harassment and financial irregularities at the state’s largest insurer.
The new watchdog was named Tuesday by the Governor and Cabinet. A thirty year veteran of state government will become Citizens first inspector General. Meeks was not at the meeting.
Meeks will report to the Chairman of the Board for Citizens on day to day operations. He can only be removed from his position by the Governor and the Cabinet.
“The Inspector General is going to hold Citizens’ accountable. I proposed this earlier this year and I’m glad the legislature went along with it,” said Governor Rick Scott. “Look, we have to hold Citizens’ accountable, watch how they spend their money.”
88 people applied for the position. 12 were interviewed. The newly-created position was authorized by the Legislature during the 2013 session.
Meeks will negotiate with Citizens on his salary and a start date for the position.
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