As anticipated, the executive director of the S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is out of a job today – the latest casualty in an ongoing implosion at this troubled state agency.
Stan Butkus may not be the only tree to fall, either, as sources tell FITS additional heads are expected to roll at the agency over the next few weeks.
Earlier this month, Gov. Mark Sanford removed four of DDSN’s seven commissioners after an audit highlighted multiple financial issues and questionable reporting practices at the agency.
Among other indiscretions, the agency is alleged to have diverted up to $9 million that should have gone toward autism funding.
Not surprisingly, the governor has said that DDSN should become part of his Cabinet now – which we suppose is a good idea.
Wherever it winds up going, though, nothing is going to change at this agency – or in this state – until we start prioritizing government functions, consolidating agencies around those core responsibilities and demanding accountability.
In other words, we need a fundamental restructuring of state government – not just a reshuffling of it.
By Simpson February 27, 2009 at 7:11 pm
This job requires someone that is tough as nails. We need a Chad Waldorf or a Curtis Loftis or a Reggie Lloyd type to do this.
By Dave T. February 28, 2009 at 9:29 am
About time But-Kiss got his!