Haridopolos Hires Staffers, Expects to Save $1 Million in Transition

Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos said today he hopes to save $1 million through his reorganization of office staff.

In the latest shuffle, Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, announced four new hires and two promotions. Among them:

Jerry McDaniel will take the lead role at the Senate Ways and Means Committee.McDaniel currently is the governors deputy chief of staff and director of the Governors Office of Policy and Budget.

Jose Diez-Arguelles will serve as staff director of the Finance and Tax Committee. He currently serves as deputy staff director of the House Finance and Tax Council and Policy and Budget Council.

Jim Spalla will serve as the staff director for both the Transportation and Agriculture committees. He is currentlycounsel at Akerman Senterfitt and previously wascounsel at FDOT.

John T. Tim Leadbeater will join the Senate Budget Office and serve as general counsel. He is currently with the Ausley & McMullen law firm in Tallahassee.

Sandra Stovall was promoted to staff director for the Senate Health Regulation Committee and Reynold Meyer was promoted to staff director of the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee.

As for staff reductions, Haridopolos said, "All of the employees who are being replaced or have had their jobs eliminated due to consolidation have been told.There are no more dismissals planned."

While not divulging the names of those who were let go, Haridopolos said, "When everything is settled with the 44 positions we reviewed at the senior staff level to take action on, I hope to have saved more than $1 million."