"Racine out at Vermont Agency of Human Services" by Dave Gram | Associated Press August 13, 2014
MONTPELIER — After a troubled year at several departments in the Vermont Agency of Human Services, Governor Peter Shumlin announced the departure of agency Secretary Doug Racine on Tuesday.
‘‘These decisions are difficult, but the governor felt a change in leadership at the Agency of Human Services was needed,’’ Shumlin spokeswoman Susan Allen said by e-mail.
The announcement followed controversies within state government’s largest agency. The Vermont Health Connect insurance exchange website continues to be plagued by technical problems 10 months after its launch last October.
Related: hCentive Saved MassHealth Website
Did Obummercare f*** up theirs, too?
Meanwhile, questions have been raised about whether the Department for Children and Families could have done more to prevent the alleged abuse deaths of two babies who had been under state supervision.
The agency includes the departments of Health, Mental Health, Children and Families, Corrections, and others that provide services to vulnerable populations and where adverse outcomes often generate intense scrutiny.
‘‘I appreciate Doug’s hard work over 3½ years to help Vermont’s most vulnerable,’’ Shumlin said in a statement. ‘‘This has been a tough job, but now is the right time to start with new leadership.’’
As if that ever really changes anything. This is a public relations move.
Racine, 61, said that he was disappointed. ‘‘I’ve enjoyed the work I’ve done, and I feel good about it.’’ Racine said he had helped ‘‘bring better services to the Vermonters we do serve.’’
He has enjoyed it and feels good? Is that why the department was a mess?
Racine was notified Monday by Shumlin’s administration secretary, Jeb Spaulding.
Spaulding said, ‘‘The governor feels like it’s time to make a change in your agency,’’ Racine recalled Tuesday. ‘‘I said, ‘Who’s changing?’ and he said ‘You.’ ’’
Shumlin praised Racine’s work in moving the agency to a ‘‘data-driven, results-based planning strategy’’ and revamping the mental health system after the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury was prompted to close by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene.
Shumlin appointed Health Commissioner Dr. Harry Chen to head the sprawling Human Services Agency on an interim basis. Tracy Dolan will move up from deputy health commissioner to replace Chen.
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