Steve Oelrich Wants Angela Corey Looking into FSCJ

Gov. Rick Scott has already ordered the state inspector general to investigate spending by the Florida State College at Jacksonville foundation, as well as a look at presidents' contracts throughout the state college system.

State Sen. Steve Oelrich, R-Gainesville, believes more eyes should be looking into the possible fiscal shenanigans at the Jacksonville campus.

Oelrich wrote Gov. Scott a letter Wednesday requesting State Attorney Angela Corey be directed to launch a grand jury investigation.

Governor Rick Scott: It is clear that you cannot rely on the current District Board of Trustees to make the right decisions for the college and you should consider making the appropriate changes.

Scott, as part of his directions to Chief Inspector General Melinda Miguel, specifically mentioned FSCJ President Steve Wallace's spending of $46,000 in college and foundation funds on meals in a two-year period.

Oelrichs letter

October 24, 2012

Governor Rick Scott
Plaza Level 01, The Capitol
400 S. Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL
32399-0001

Dear Governor Scott:

I am appalled that no one has been held accountable for the gross financial and operational mismanagement that continues to exist at Florida State College at Jacksonville.

While it is not your role to instruct the District Board of Trustees on how to vote on President Wallaces resignation and proposed $1.2 million exit contract, you are empowered to remove Trustees who fail to put the welfare of the College ahead of the personal wants and needs of one.

Your consideration is even more important because this District Board of Trustees has consistently failed to faithfully represent the taxpaying public and safeguard their trust. While I appreciate your decision to have the Inspector General review the operations of the Florida State College Foundation and college president contracts statewide, this review does not encourage or offer protection to FSCJ employees who may come forward with crucial information and evidence of wrongdoing.

This level of cooperation can only be accomplished through a grand jury investigation. This investigation is further warranted based on my recent review of the Summary Reference Report regarding Dr. Wallace's qualifications during the interview process for his current position.

These are some of the key indicators that point to the potential for his malfeasance and misfeasance: "he's a con man," "people in the community have begun to doubt that his word is good," "he's a 'wheeler dealer' who works the system incredibly well," and, I question his ethics and see him taking credit for things that are not his accomplishments."

Governor Rick Scott: It is clear that you cannot rely on the current District Board of Trustees to make the right decisions for the College and you should consider making the appropriate changes. I also call on you to support my request for State Attorney Angela Corey to launch a grand jury investigation and bring closure to this flagrant abuse of taxpayer dollars that continues to take place under your watch.

Respectfully,

Senator Steve Oelrich Chairman, Senate Higher Education Committee

cc: Honorable Mike Haridopolis, Senate President
Honorable Pam Bondi, Attorney General
Honorable Angela Corey, State Attorney