A state official whose activities have been the focus of recent scrutiny by the state's largest newspaper has submitted his letter of resignation.
In his letter to Governor Jim Doyle, Department of Commerce Secretary Jack Fischer states that “it has become increasingly difficult to carry out the mission of the Department, and I do not want to stand in the way of continuing progress; because of that, I am resigning.” Fischer, an architect whom Doyle named as Commerce Secretary in November, plans to return to the private sector. His resignation is effective Friday.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published two stories on Fischer last week. The first detailed that Fischer and an administrative assistant accumulated more than $20,000 in bills in under three months on three international trips, including a $550 stay at a five-star hotel in Ireland. The second story included quotes from business leaders who had accompanied Fischer on the trip to Ireland, and who were critical of his performance there.