The long-anticipated resignation of Gary Sasse is at hand. As recently as yesterday afternoon, Carcieri spokeswoman Amy Kempe denied that Sasse's resignation had already been accepted.

Governor Donald L. Carcieri today accepted the resignation of Gary Sasse, Director of the Department of Administration and the Department of Revenue, effective March 1, 2010.  Sasse has served as Director of the Department of Revenue since January, 2008, and Director of the Department of Administration since January 2009. Sasse will continue to serve in both roles until March 1, 2010. The Governor is expected to name a replacement in the coming days.
 
"Since joining my Administration, Gary has served a critical role in helping to navigate the state though this financial crisis," said Governor Carcieri.  "At the Department of Revenue, Gary implemented new policies to improve reporting and analysis, enhance revenue collections and successfully found operating efficiencies and cost savings across all divisions, while leading the state through the BLB bankruptcy proceedings and the modernization of the DMV.  At Administration, Gary successfully negotiated the two-year pay reduction with all state employee unions, brought greater efficiencies throughout all state agencies, and helped craft bal anced and responsible budgets.  I extend my gratitude to Gary for his service to Rhode Island, and wish him the very best."
 
"It has been an honor and privilege working for Governor Carcieri," said Gary Sasse.  "I believe we have achieved significant accomplishments in delivering necessary services without raising taxes during these challenging economic times. I am also proud of the staff that I have worked with during my time with the State. The accomplishments achieved are a result of an entire team effort."
 
Prior to being appointed as Director of the Department of Revenue, Sasse had served as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) since in 1977.