Xue leaving post

Xue leaving post

Mosquito Control director calls it 'too political'

PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 10/12/07


ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH -- Dr. Rui-de Xue, executive director of Anastasia Mosquito Control District, said Thursday that he'd rather be director of entomology for the district than stay in his current post, which he called "too political."

The board praised his work ethic and approved his request.

Xue said, "I love the job very much. I just want to do some scientific work."

He is respected and liked by the district employees, who said he's a good manager. But Xue often drew fire from board members, especially at budget time.

Now, however, the board which ironically minutes later announced a re-organization of staff must find a new interim director before Xue leaves the job at the end of October.

Board member Jeanne Moeller said Xue told her he didn't like having five bosses and wasn't happy.

"As an entomologist he can find grants for us," she said. "I believe he's an excellent researcher. Under no conditions did I ask for Rudy's resignation.

"But when people tell you they are not happy, something must be done."

The board voted 5-0 to seek a professional company for a candidate search. One wrinkle arose as the board's new organizational chart split the executive director's duties into two separate but connected jobs director of entomology and business manager.

The director of entomology would handle operations and research, while the business manager handles finance, personnel and budgeting.

Board member John Sundeman recommended that an interim director be appointed.

"There's going to be a lot of work needed to clean up things that have been lagging, such as creating an environmental policy for the district," he said.

Xue said he would stay on as executive director until a new one is found. Or, if the board wanted him to leave now, he would agree to that, too.

"Separating the technical (part of the job) from the business side would make it a lot easier," he said.

Sundeman, however, was wary of the search process.

"We spent thousands of dollars in a nationwide search after (former Executive Director) Bob Betts left. We got a terrible response," he said.

Chairwoman Barbara Bosanko said Xue could leave at any time.

"Dr. Xue is ready to go to his new position," she said. "If he's more comfortable doing the scientific part, then that's what I want him to do."


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