By Billy House
Media General News Service
Media General News Service
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WASHINGTON – Speculation is simmering about the reasons behind U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson’s announcement today that he is stepping down, effective April 18.
But his predecessor in the job – Republican Mel Martinez, who is now Florida’s junior U.S. senator – says he was “proud to work with Secretary Jackson during my time at the agency.”
In a statement released by his office, Martinez commended Jackson for his work at HUD and “for willingly leaving his private life to commit himself to public service.”
“His devotion to the agency’s mission was clear and his personal experience helped him to help make the American Dream a reality for many families,” said Martinez.
Martinez makes no mention of recent reports that Jackson has come under criticism from Congress for his refusal to answer questions about a federal lawsuit, and whether he tried to steer land to a business friend.
Earlier this month, two Democratic senators – Chris Dodd of Connecticut, chairman of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs committee, and Patty Murray of Washington – demanded Jackson’s resignation in a letter to President Bush.
Jackson was first appointed a deputy secretary of HUD, the No. 2 post there, and was promoted to acting secretary over the agency in December 2003 after Martinez stepped down from the top post to run for the Senate. Jackson was confirmed as secretary several months later.
HUD has been one of several federal agencies seeking to address the recent housing and mortgage collapse crisis.
But his predecessor in the job – Republican Mel Martinez, who is now Florida’s junior U.S. senator – says he was “proud to work with Secretary Jackson during my time at the agency.”
In a statement released by his office, Martinez commended Jackson for his work at HUD and “for willingly leaving his private life to commit himself to public service.”
“His devotion to the agency’s mission was clear and his personal experience helped him to help make the American Dream a reality for many families,” said Martinez.
Martinez makes no mention of recent reports that Jackson has come under criticism from Congress for his refusal to answer questions about a federal lawsuit, and whether he tried to steer land to a business friend.
Earlier this month, two Democratic senators – Chris Dodd of Connecticut, chairman of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs committee, and Patty Murray of Washington – demanded Jackson’s resignation in a letter to President Bush.
Jackson was first appointed a deputy secretary of HUD, the No. 2 post there, and was promoted to acting secretary over the agency in December 2003 after Martinez stepped down from the top post to run for the Senate. Jackson was confirmed as secretary several months later.
HUD has been one of several federal agencies seeking to address the recent housing and mortgage collapse crisis.