County Attorney Emmy Acton's office manager takes a step to protect her job.
By BILL VARIAN
Published July 30, 2003
TAMPA - The office manager for Hillsborough County Attorney Emmy Acton sought whistleblower protection Tuesday for her role in raising several workplace allegations against her boss.
Beth Novak, whose title is legal office administrator, submitted her written request to County Commission Chairman Tom Scott and County Administrator Dan Kleman. She initially requested anonymity, not realizing the request was a public record.
"I want to protect my job," Novak said Tuesday night. "I have everything to lose. I have nothing to gain."
Novak said she believes she is the first person in her office to seek the protection, though others have gone public with their concerns about workplace conditions there.
In her request, Novak said she has provided oral and written information to investigators with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and KPMG, a private consultant hired to examine the office. Both investigations began after a series of anonymous complaints raised allegations that Acton runs a hostile workplace, has misused an office fund and has failed to disclose all of her sick leave.
Novak wrote in her letter that information she has provided documents inappropriate use of the office fund, an illegal hostile working environment and misuse of sick and vacation leave, among other things. She notes she has also been quoted in the St. Petersburg Times and the Tampa Tribune.
The letter indicates that she remains available to give truthful assistance as requested.
State and federal whistleblower laws provide a measure of protection for people who provide information about official wrongdoing. Novak said she did not seek the attention.
"I feel a responsibility and loyalty to Emmy," Novak said. "But I feel like I have a greater responsibility to the people in that office."
