WHITE'S RESIGNATION LETTER

Text of the letter of resignation from Darren White, former secretary of
the Department of Public Safety:

Dear Governor Johnson:

It is hard to believe that nearly five years have passed since you
appointed me as secretary of Department of Public Safety. It has been a
wonderful journey and I will be forever grateful to you for this opportunity.

It has been an honor to serve you and the citizens of this great state. As
governor, you have focused on criminal justice reform. Given some
legislators' historic reluctance to pass tougher sentencing laws for
convicted criminals, your decision to continually sponsor crime-fighting
legislation has been particularly courageous.

Similarly, I am proud of what we have accomplished for the department. We
have set a course that will guide it into the next century.

As you know, earlier this summer I welcomed your call for a national
discussion on our country's drug policy. However, since that time, you have
taken policy positions that I do not share.

I have been torn between my personal loyalty to you and profound respect
for you as a great governor, and my deeply held beliefs. With great sadness
I have concluded that I must submit my resignation effective immediately.

Best regards,
Darren P. White