Governor tight-lipped on Martinez resignation

The Missouri Governor's Office is shedding little light on what led to the resignation of the state's economic development director.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon was in Springfield on Tuesday for a roundtable discussion with local business leaders about opportunities and challenges in the area, but after the meeting the talk quickly shifted to the Monday announcement that DED Director Linda Martinez had resigned.

Nixon gave little insight into why Martinez resigned after less than nine months on the job.

"We're glad she made the commitment to come work with us," Nixon said after the meeting. "It's my job to look through the windshield and not the rear-view mirror. The bottom line is that she did resign, and we're moving forward."

In a letter sent to the governor, Martinez said she and the governor had "different views on how to move (Missouri) forward," adding that she was disappointed she and the governor weren't able to meet to discuss their different views.

Nixon, however, said he meets regularly with all cabinet members, noting that he had a meeting with the entire group less than two weeks ago.

"We're focusing on the future, and we're focused on getting people with us to help create the jobs and careers of the future," Nixon said. "We're thankful for the time she served, and we'll be conducting a broad search to find someone to fill her spot."

Deputy Director Katie Steele Danner was named interim director while the search progresses.

[[In-content Ad]]Check sbj.net later today for more from the governor's roundtable.