Outgoing Miller Rehires Controversial Staffer
From Monday’s Nashville Post: State Senator Jeff Miller (R-Cleveland) has hired back an assistant who was at the center of public attention last year involving both his professional and his personal life. Jessa Fahey, who had resigned as Miller’s assistant late last year, started back to work today for Miller. Fahey is one of several associates of Miller’s to have spoken with federal prosecutors in the ongoing “Tennessee Waltz” public corruption investigation. She was also identified by several media outlets as Miller’s girlfriend last year during his divorce proceedings. His divorce was finalized in January.
Senate staffers familiar with the hiring were less than pleased at Miller’s move, saying that he had “unnecessarily” brought negative attention to the office as important matters such as “Cover Tennessee” are before the legislature.
While the hiring of individuals to work for members of the State Senate is at the pleasure of Lt. Gov. John Wilder (D-Mason), it is primarily a formality to seek his approval. Traditionally, staffing requests are approved when a senate member seeks to make an appointment and has room in his or her office budget to pay the salary.
Miller announced earlier this year that he would not be seeking re-election.
By Ken Whitehouse
