Missouri Agriculture Director Fred Ferrell is back on the job, two weeks after being put on administrative leave. Rumors as to the reason for Ferrell being put on administrative leave have been swirling around the Capitol, but no one is saying anything officially. Ferrell has released a statement regarding his return to the post. In the statement, he says, “I am committed to maintaining a positive and productive environment for all employees and providing equal opportunities for advancement without regard to gender or any other status protected by law. If my words or actions have offended anyone, I apologize.” The Governor’s Office has issued a statement, as well. It reads, in part, “After conducting a thorough and extensive investigation into all of the allegations involving the workplace and the conduct of Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Fred Ferrell, the Governor has decided to reinstate Ferrell who he placed on paid administrative leave on May 5, 2006 pending the investigation.” In an interview with the Missourinet, Ferrell would not comment on any of the allegations, saying it is a “personnel issue.”
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Statement From Agriculture Director Fred Ferrell