Lawmaker seeks more info on "double-dipping" Meconi

A state lawmaker wants to find out exactly why Delaware's much-criticized former social services secretary is still working for the state.

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State Representative Greg Lavelle has filed a state Freedom of Information Act request with Governor Jack Markell regarding the employment of former Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Vince Meconi.

Meconi oversaw DHSS in 2007 and 2008 during a time of alleged abuse and neglect of patients at the Delaware Psychiatric Center.

“I’m beyond disappointed,” Lavelle said. “The governor looked me in the eye and said, I understand your concerns, it’s going to be a 90-day hire. Alright, I can suck it up, but how long do we have to suck it up for?"

Markell’s office confirmed Meconi is still collecting a paycheck a month after the governor said his temporary assignment would expire. He’s being paid more than $6,000 a month to help Delaware maximize its federal stimulus funds. That’s on top of his $7,600 monthly state pension.

Markell’s spokesman, Joe Rogalsky, says Meconi’s temporary appointment is continuing indefinitely because all the federal stimulus funds haven’t been doled out yet.

“Certainly double-dipping doesn’t sit well with me,” Lavelle said. “But the bigger issue is his performance with his previous job, or lack thereof.”

Lavelle says he wants a better explanation as to what Meconi is doing, how he’s doing it and how long he’ll be doing it for.

“Let’s find out what he’s actually doing for the state for $75,000 a year,” he said. “That’s the purpose of the FOIA.”