One of the four employees on the lieutenant governor’s $300,000 payroll who’ve had little or nothing to do since Mark Darr resigned Feb. 1 has found another job — just down the hallway at the state House of Representatives.
Amber Pool, who was paid $57,564 as Darr’s director of communications, has been hired in an assistant executive secretary/receptionist slot in the Arkansas House of Representatives and will be paid $41,500.
House spokeswoman Cecillea Pond-Mayo said a staff member (Kyla Walters, who made $71,400) had departed and that created an opening. The decision to hire Pool “was made in consultation with Speaker Carter and House Management Chair/Speaker-designate Gillam.”
She added: “We are glad to have her on board and appreciate the experience she brings with her.”
At last report, Darr staff members Bruce Campbell ($75,132), Josh Curtis ($51,564) and Raeanne Gardner ($33,660) were still reporting to the office to draw their pay though they have nothing to do.
Senate President Pro Tem Michael Lamoureux, acting on authority not found in law but not formally challenged by anyone, decreed that the Darr staff could stay on the payroll through June 30.
Darr, who’s been low profile since his departure in an expense account (campaign and public) scandal, has some loose ends. He’s yet to pay money Legislative Audit says he owes for billing the state for personal expenses. He’s paying an Ethics Commission fine over time. A law enforcement investigation of those matters continues.