"SRS secretary Siedlecki resigns"

By Tim Carpenter
The Topeka Capital-Journal
Article: http://cjonline.com/news/state/2011-12-15/srs-secretary-siedlecki-resigns#.TutnDmPNlGU

"The embattled top administrator of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services revealed plans Thursday to resign at the end of December and return to Florida.

Rob Siedlecki, who pressed for introduction of controversial marriage and fathering programs at the massive state welfare agency, was hired less than one year ago by Gov. Sam Brownback.

“I promised Governor Brownback one year to transform SRS to make it more effective and efficient, and we have done so," Siedlecki said.

SRS is among the state's largest agencies with 5,500 employees and a budget of $1.7 billion.

The agency administers cash aid to the poor, oversees foster care, handles substance abuse services, and manages hospitals for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled.

Brownback, a Topeka Republican, said he appreciated Siedlecki's work on the state's behalf and wished him "continued success in all his future endeavors."

Siedlecki, who accepted a job in Florida state government, was tested as soon as he was appointed by the governor. Personnel decisions, budget cuts and reform policies pushed by Siedlecki placed a spotlight on SRS.

His long-delayed Senate confirmation in March was especially heated, with Republicans and Democrats questioning the selection.

Closure of SRS offices throughout the state generated conflict, with several communities deciding to pay the state to keep local offices intact. Advocacy of faith-based initiatives caused unease in social welfare circles. Hundreds of SRS employees took voluntary retirement this fall.

Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, said actions by Siedlecki during the past year confirmed his belief the governor made a mistake. Hensley was the lone senator to vote against Siedlecki's confirmation.

"From day one, I didn't feel he was qualified to run SRS," Hensley said. "I never felt comfortable with his leadership."

Hensley said Siedlecki suffered when an interim legislative committee in November challenged a plan to move juvenile justice programs to SRS. Committee members assailed abandonment of the existing model operated by the Juvenile Justice Authority.

"Brownback is doing what I call damage control because of a very controversial Cabinet appointment," Hensley said.

Siedlicki said he would step down effective Dec. 31.

Jeff Kahrs, the SRS chief of staff, will serve in the secretary's capacity until Brownback appoints a new Cabinet officer before the start of the 2012 legislative session in January. Kahrs previously worked for U.S. Rep. Todd Tiahrt, a Republican from Kansas.

Prior to joining the Brownback administration in January, Siedlecki served as chief of staff for the Florida Department of Health. He previously worked in faith-based programs in the federal government and as a lawyer in private practice in Florida.

At the Kansas social welfare agency, Siedlecki said he implemented an anti-fraud campaign, expanded the agency's emphasis on adoption, promoted work rather than reliance on welfare programs and "laid the groundwork for a more child- and family-focused department."

In October, the secretary said he was fully invested in transforming SRS.

"This is a calling. It's not a job," he said.

In a statement Thursday, Siedlecki said he wanted to be closer to his family. His parents live in Florida, and his children live with his former wife in New York state.

The outgoing  SRS secretary said he would miss Kansas.

"While I am returning to my home state of Florida," Siedlecki said, "Kansas and Kansans will have special places in my heart. Kansas hospitality is real."

Still pending in Siedlecki's absence will be proposals from the Brownback administration to overhaul the state's Medicaid program serving needy Kansans."