Today Governor Stein announced the appointment of Jeff Smythe as Senior Advisor for Homeland Security and released the following statement:
“Jeff Smythe is a dedicated public servant and decorated law enforcement leader who has spent his 40-year career focused on keeping people safe. That’s why I nominated him to serve as Secretary of the Department of Public Safety more than seven months ago. Yet by failing to consider his nomination or even hold a single public hearing, the Senate abdicated its responsibility, disrespected Jeff and law enforcement, and undermined the safety of the people of North Carolina. Their failure to do their jobs is unacceptable.
“The people of North Carolina are safer when proven and talented public servants like Jeff are empowered to lead. So today, I am appointing him to be my Senior Advisor for Homeland Security in the Governor’s Office and am withdrawing his nomination as Secretary. I have appointed Department of Public Safety Chief of Staff Casandra Hoekstra to serve as Interim Secretary for NCDPS while we conduct a search. Politics should never get in the way of our work to create a safer, stronger North Carolina. I certainly won’t let it.”