City CFO retires: With the city facing its worst economic crisis in nearly three decades, you have to question the timing of Jane Driskell’s retirement. The city’s chief financial officer says her decision was based on changes in the state retirement system that would result in her losing benefits if she didn’t bail before Dec. 31. The mayor’s office quickly said her departure has nothing to do with the city’s $20 million shortfall. The mayor has selected Kevin Moore from the Finance Department to serve as interim CFO.
The Omen ’08: Let’s hope this isn’t a sign of things to come: U.S. Rep.-elect Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., got the last pick of offices available to the 54 congressional freshman. The Republican’s office-to-be was former President Richard Nixon’s office while he served as U.S. representative of California. Yikes!
Bill’s not interested: After Sen. Hillary Clinton officially joined team Obama, rumors began swirling that her husband, former President Bill Clinton, might want Hillary’s senate seat. Not so says the former president’s spokesman. New York Democratic Governor David Patterson will name Sen. Clinton’s replacement, who will serve until a special election in November 2010.
Rap the vote: Georgia voters return to the polls today to cast ballots in the Senate run-off race between Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss and his Democratic challenger Jim Martin. Both have brought in high-profile faces to help shore up support. Sen. Chambliss has been palling around with former Republican presidential nominee John McCain and GOP superstar Gov. Sarah Palin. Meanwhile, Martin is campaigning with rappers Ludacris, T.I. and Young Jeezy — huh?
Pirates of the Horn: Somali pirates failed to capture a U.S. cruise liner with more than 1,000 people on board. The pirates have gained international notoriety after hijacking a Ukrainian freighter loaded with tanks, artillery, grenade launchers and ammunition in October. Their reason for hijacking these vessels — the money.
$1 CEO: In an incredible stunt to persuade Congress and capture headlines, Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally says he’ll work for $1 per year if the automaker has to take any government loan money. Given how the automaker has performed under his stewardship, he’d still be overpaid.