Hinton to step down Dec. 31

Reginald Hinton will not return in the next administration.

The secretary of Revenue told staff in an e-mail today that he will retire at the end of the year.

"After much deliberation, I have decided to retire from the Department, effective January 1, 2009, and have informed Governor-Elect Perdue's transition representative of my decision," he writes in the e-mail. "Because of my deep affection for all employees in this agency, I wanted you to hear of my decision directly from me."

After an earlier inquiry, Hinton was unclear on whether he was seeking a position in the Cabinet of Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue. 

Among members of Gov. Mike Easley's Cabinet, that leaves only Crime Control Secretary Bryan Beatty, Environment Secretary Bill Ross and Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett as those have not said yet that they are leaving.

Full text of the e-mail after the jump.

—————

After much deliberation, I have decided to retire from the Department, effective January 1, 2009, and have informed Governor-Elect Perdue's transition representative of my decision.  Because of my deep affection for all employees in this agency, I wanted you to hear of my decision directly from me.

I have been blessed to serve the citizens of this great state for almost 31 years and it has been a very rewarding experience.  I have had the wonderful privilege of working with some of the finest and most dedicated people anywhere, which is the highlight of my career.  I do appreciate the wonderful support I have received during my time as Secretary and my successor is very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with you.  I am sure that you will continue to demonstrate the loyalty to this department that you have displayed previously

I look forward to speaking to you over the next couple of weeks as I prepare to move on the next phase of my life.

Reggie Hinton