Jennifer Carroll explains her resignation as Florida lieutenant governor
03/13/2013
From former Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll
My decision yesterday to resign as Lieutenant Governor represents my unwavering commitment to the great state of Florida. I simply refuse to allow the allegations facing a former client of my public relations firm to undermine the important work of the Governor and his administration. It was a difficult decision, but one that I know is right for Florida, my family and me.
As has been widely reported in the press, prior to my election as Lt. Governor, a company I co-owned, 3 N.&J.C. Corporation, provided consulting services for Allied Veterans of the World, Inc. Having learned that Allied Veterans is now the subject of an investigation by federal and state agencies, I have and will continue to fully cooperate with any investigation. Although I do not believe I or my company are targets of the investigation, I could not allow my company's former affiliation with Allied Veterans to distract from the administration's important work for the families of Florida.
Through my years of public service, I have always tried to work for the betterment of my state and my nation. The jobs I was able to bring to Florida in the space, aerospace and the military support industries provided job opportunities for many displaced workers. I am particularly proud of our successful efforts over the last two years to bring aircraft manufacturing for the Light Air Support program to Jacksonville.
During mytenure as Executive Director of Florida Department of Veteran Affairs (FDVA), I advocated to get the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities streamlined so all service veterans could be rated equally and lobbied the VA to modernize their claims processing and to provide a seamless transition of medical records for military members exiting the active duty forces.
As a veteran myself and former head of the FDVA, I have dedicated myself to making life better for our veterans. Having started my career in public office helping fellow veterans, I am committed to leaving public office with the same intent. I hope all Floridians will help me in this endeavor to take care of our nations' finest.
Serving my fellow Floridians has been both an honor and a privilege. Although I have made a decision to leave public office, I will not withdraw from public life. I look forward to continuing to make Florida a better place for all, especially our men and women in uniform.
Jennifer S. Carroll
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