DOT board reprimands Commissioner for romance

The state board of transportation took up the issue of Commissioner Gena
Abraham's future today. Over the last month, her friendship with then board
chair Mike Evans became romantic. Evans resigned last week. It's
against DOT rules for employees to be romantically involved with their
superiors.

Board member Dana Lemon called for Abraham's resignation. However,
fellow board member Larry Walker had another idea.

He wanted Abaraham to remain in her position, but receive a written reprimand for
not informing the board in a timely manner.
By a vote of 8-to-3, the board sided with Walker.

The board still has to decide exactly what the reprimand letter will
say.

In other DOT news. The board will need to choose a new chair. Vice chair Garland Pinholster,
who had stepped in for Evans, resigned amid allegations he sexually
harassed 2 DOT staffers.