Pawlenty voices displeasure over MnDOT manager’s travels

09/28/2007

Associated Press | September 28, 2007


Gov. Tim Pawlenty says allegations about a state transportation emergency manager's questionable travel concern him, but he is letting an investigation run its course.

A caller to Pawlenty's weekly radio asked the Republican governor today if something would be done about Sonia Morphew Pitt. She is on administrative leave and under investigation over travel expenses, including an out-of-state trip she declined to cut short in the days following the Interstate 35W bridge collapse.

Pawlenty says the allegations are "very, very concerning'' to him. But he said government protocol for investigating and disciplining staff must be followed to avoid exposing the state to lawsuits.

Phone calls to Pitt's home placed last week and again today haven't been returned.

Legislative Auditor James Nobles says he also will examine work and travel records for Pitt.