Enough is enough. How much more is Bob McDonnell going to put the state through in terms of sheer embarrassment? Let’s retrace our steps on this part of the over-all scandal. This guy is unbelievable. No sense of propriety. No sense about conflict of interest.
Remember the state health commissioner who resigned because of the bullying by Ken Cuccinelli?
Gov. Bob McDonnell has found a way to defray part of his monthly real estate expenses on the millions of dollars in property he owns — by renting his western Henrico County home to his hand-picked state health commissioner.
Dr. Cynthia C. Romero, who took over as commissioner in January, has been renting the McDonnells’ $835,000 home in the Wyndham community, a McDonnell spokesman confirmed.
Just who is this Dr. Romero?
Romero succeeded former Health Commissioner Karen Remley, who resigned last October. Remley cited political interference in the performance of her duties after the approval process for restrictive new-construction regulations imposed on the state’s existing first-trimester abortion clinics.
The commissioner has the ability to grant waivers to clinics that fail to meet the new-construction standards. All existing clinics will be obligated to comply with the standards by next fall.
So former Health Commissioner Remley was put in such a compromised position that she returned and this new woman, Dr. Romero, was lured into the position and allowed to rent Governor Ultra-Sound’s private home for an undisclosed amount? Did he throw out his daughter and son-in-law?
The McDonnells own severl other properties in Virginia Beach and at Wintergreen to the tune of about $3.2 million dollars. They paid about $3.8 million for all the properties so most are under water.
Many Virginians still own homes that that owe more on than the houses are currently worth. According to the Richmond Times Dispatch:
News that the governor entered into a financial relationship with a top state official under his supervision comes as federal and state investigators investigate the gifts to McDonnell and the first family and the governor’s relationship with Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams Sr.
“This is improper because it’s an obvious conflict of interest for the governor, and anybody can see that,” said Larry Sabato, a political science professor and director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.
“Suppose the governor wants to fire the commissioner. Does anybody think he wouldn’t consider losing the substantial monthly rent?” he asked. “Suppose the commissioner is unhappy about plumbing or repairs or rent increases. Does anybody think she might be hesitant to approach her boss?
Larry Saboto is correct. It is improper and so are about 20 other things related to Governor Bob McDonnell. McDonnell and his wife have taken nearly $150 thousand dollars in gifts and cash from Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams. The McDonnells have arranged opportunities for Williams with state health officials. Ken Cuccinelli, who wants to replace McDonnell as governor has also accepted gifts in the tens of thousands. Now we find out that the woman chosen as the Health Commissioner lives in McDonnell’s house?
The resignation of the old health commissioner was shameful on the part of both McDonnell and Cuccinelli. The state health department board had voted to grandfather-in existing abortion clinics. Cucinnelli, with the apparent backing of McDonnell said oh no and threatened all of them by saying the state would not back them if they were sued. Thus they did his bidding and Health Commissioner Remley resigned in protest. Because of this action, nearly 20 clinics that provide abortion, businesses in Virginia, will be forced to close. The one in Fairfax City has already closed about a month ago.
So Bob’s for Jobs really was a ruse. Bob destroys jobs and businesses in reality. Bob also has way too much scandal on the bottom of his shoe at this point. Much as I hate suggesting such a thing, it’s time for Bob McDonnell to resign as governor of Virginia. His lack of judgement, apparent sense of entitlement and sense of impropriety make him unfit to govern Virginia.
This is creeping over to Cuccinelli. I’m waiting for McDonnell to turn on him. NYT had a story on this recently and Cuccinelli’s repeated “forgetfullness” was highlighted. Bolling should stick around.
The Times Dispatch has very good coverage. Also the problem hit Morning oe this morning.
People are taking bets on how long McDonnell lasts.
I knew it!!! I knew that there were political favors somewhere when Helen “Cruella” Dregas kept her job as rector at UVA after gross mismanagement. Get this!
(from RTD)
Nice of Gov. Ultra-sound to stay away.
I hope he stays on actually. His dead mouse act is good for Democrats.
It’s getting worser and worser!
So, I wonder when we will be saying Governor Bolling……
Too bad he dropped out of the race…he could have been the first incumbent “re-elected” to the governorship.
What do you think, Cargo? You are closer to God’s Country (Richmond) than we are. Do you have your thumb on the pulse of this?
My excitement for the day is that NOT BOB MARSHALL came to the door. I have no idea what the guy’s name is but Not Bob Marshall will get my vote.
That was my first thought. Out of the four (three candidates and him) he’s leagues ahead.
@Moon-howler
Actually, its REALLY quiet about the scandals down this way.
Atif Qarni, veteran U.S. Marine, 8th grade school teacher in PWC schools and Yorkshire resident, is challenging Bob Marshall.
http://manassas.patch.com/groups/editors-picks/p/veteran-marine-challenges-bob-marshall-for-delegate-seat_432cadb2
His peeps were at my house yesterday. They are out in force! Good for them. I might have to open the checkbook.
And the full link to the Helen Dragas connection – another gift that keeps on giving. Thanks, Moon:
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/jeff-schapiro/schapiro-even-mcdonnell-s-friends-bracing-for-the-worst/article_245b13e4-371b-54cc-ab69-08165cdc980b.html
I note that article said she is a former rector. WRONG. Unless she got fired and I missed it, she is still the rector. She should have been removed. I knew there was some connection. I just knew it!!! She was appointed by Tim Kaine but she was retained b Bob McDonnell!
She’s still on the University’s board of visitors. Her term as rector ended. On July 1 attorney George Martin took over as rector. Gov. McDonnell made 3 more new appointments earlier this month — John Griffin, Kevin Fay and Frank Genovese and reappointed Vice Rector William Goodwin Jr. to a new four-year term.
I did not realize she was off. She should have been removed not only from being rector but also sitting on the board of visitors.
I hope these new appointees have nothing to do with Star Scientific.