Ethics experts are questioning whether South Dakota's governor had a conflict of interest and an abuse of power by calling a meeting with Appraiser Certification Program staff to discuss appraiser certification procedures while her daughter was applying for residential appraiser certification. Following the meeting, the director of the Appraiser Certification Program was asked by the Labor Secretary to retire because of "an inability to change gears," according to an age discrimination complaint filed by the director. The director then received a settlement agreement in exchange for withdrawing the complaint and leaving her job.
September 29, 2021
