SC Senate panel to review DNR chief’s departure

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A state Senate panel says it will review how the removal of Natural Resources Department director John Frampton was arranged.

The State newspaper reported Tuesday (http://bit.ly/tp7j49 ) the Department of Natural Resources board is being asked to produce records that could show details about Frampton’s coming departure.

Frampton has said he was asked to quit by the board chairwoman.

Newberry Republican Sen. Ronnie Cromer chairs the Fish, Game and Forestry Committee and says his panel will start a preliminary inquiry into allegations against the board members.

Earlier this month two board members accused board chairwoman Caroline Rhodes and other board members of secretly conspiring to remove Frampton, who has been with the agency for 37 years.

Rhodes and most board members have said they did not have a secret meeting.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com