Bettencourt resigns, plus his statement

Just weeks after winning re election, Harris County tax man Paul Bettencourt quits.

He handed in a resignation letter on Wednesday to take a job in the private sector. He will stay on until Commissioners Court appoints a replacement.

Wonder if he had this lined up before the election but wanted to preserve the seat for a Republican? No one's talking tonight.

FULL STATEMENT by Paul Bettencourt

HOUSTON – Paul Bettencourt, Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector, announced late this evening that he intends to resign his position. Bettencourt was first elected in 1998.

“I have spoken with Judge Emmett and told him of my intention to tender my resignation before Christmas.  I want to give the Court time to address the vacancy and ensure an orderly transition,” Bettencourt said.

“Over the Thanksgiving holiday I have received an offer of a private business venture that I intend to pursue.

“I want to thank the good people of Harris County for allowing me the opportunity to serve. It has been an honor and a privilege.

“We have accomplished a great deal in the office, ushering in an era of smart government – a focus on customer service and technology,” Bettencourt concluded.

A full statement will be issued next week.

Comments

[Pat]

Sounds like this was all planned, PB new he had a better chance at winning the race against someone most people did not know; he planned on returning. Now the gov can put another Republican in office. So our taxes will keep going up, especially with the appraisal district.

[pixiegirl]

There is way more to this story. One doesn't resign on a Friday night with no comment when you are a press hog like P.B.! Can't wait to see what comes out on this!

[TOM SHAW]

SOUNDS LIKE THE BIG GUYS WANTED PAUL TO BREAK THE LAW SO HE QUIT BECAUSE OF INTEGRITY I HAVE KNOWN PAUL FOR YEARS HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN HONEST NOT GOOD FOR HOUSTON POLITICS OR HOW ELSE WOULD THE STADIUM GET BUILT AFTER IT WAS VOTED DOWN