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Sink Shaking Things Up In Tallahassee

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 4, 2008

In July, the FBI arrested a 35-year-old man and charged him with wire fraud after the Florida Department of Financial Services discovered some $5.7 million in state funds in his personal account.

In response, Alex Sink, the state's chief financial officer, ordered an audit of the procedures used to make electronic transfers within the Division of Accounting and Auditing. She found it had been a decade since the electronic-funds transfer process had been audited.

The state got lucky and recovered the money, but the review uncovered lax oversight that put taxpayer dollars at risk.

Last week Sink announced she will implement the safeguards recommended by auditors. And she forced the resignations of the division's top executives.

"Just like Floridians have to be wary of today's more sophisticated criminals, state government needs to stay one step ahead by tightening protocols to safeguard public funds," she said.

Two years into her job, Sink, a successful banker, is bringing fresh eyes, executive know-how and rolled-up sleeves to improving the business of state government.

Her confidence and expertise should reassure taxpayers that a principled professional is minding the store in Tallahassee.

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