WV tax chief plans to return to private sector - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

WV tax chief plans to return to private sector

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CHARLESTON (AP) — West Virginia Tax Commissioner Craig Griffith plans to return to the private sector.

Griffith told media outlets that he has enjoyed leading the tax department. But it's time to step down.

Griffith has served as tax commissioner since 2010. He's been with the tax department since 2007.

The Ethics Commission will have to approve Griffith's plan to take a job in the private sector. State ethics laws prohibit public officials from seeking jobs with businesses or firms that they or their department regulate.

Griffith requested an exemption from the rule earlier this month. Ethics Commission Executive Director Theresa Kirk approved a temporary exemption. The commission is scheduled to vote on a full exemption at its December meeting.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.