March 27, 2001 — In a curt release from his office, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull announced Tuesday night the termination of Francia Brin, deputy commissioner for Financial and Administrative Affairs of the Education Department. No reason was given for the abrupt dismissal.
Brin, an exempt employee, has already been replaced by Sonia Clendinen, former director of Business Affairs for the department. Clendinen was directed to take over Brin's position starting Wednesday.
Brin's dismissal was immediate, though she will remain on administrative leave with pay until April 13.
Brin is not the first exempt employee to get the ax. When he first took office, Turnbull fired several former Roy L. Schneider hires, many of whom brought wrongful discharge suits against him – and were returned to their posts.
Turnbull also has fired several of his commissioners and other officials, including Tourism Commissioner nominee Michael Bornn, drug czar Wayne Chinnery, Health Commissioner Wilbur Callendar and most recently Frandelle L.T. Gerard as director of the Industrial Development Commission.
