By Robert Brodsky rbrodsky@govexec.com
September 4, 2008
When Jim Mitchell was called into the office of his boss, U.S. Special
Counsel Scott Bloch on Aug. 29 he thought they were going to discuss what
time to send the staff home for the Labor Day weekend. Instead, Bloch
fired Mitchell, the OSC spokesman and recently named acting chief of
staff.
In an interview with Government Executive, Mitchell said Bloch did not
provide him with an explanation for the termination. Mitchell was a
Schedule C political appointee, and employees in that category can be let
go at any time.
According to Mitchell, when he returned to his office, his computer
already had been removed. Bloch later sent an e-mail to staff informing
them of Mitchell’s departure.
“I wanted to let you know that Jim Mitchell will no longer be working at
OSC,” wrote Bloch, a controversial figure who is under federal
investigation for allegedly destroying public records and obstructing
justice. “We are thankful for his contribution here over the last year and
a half and wish him well.” more »
