Key Lingle adviser
heading back to UHRandy Roth will leave
his senior policy role at
the end of this month
Randy Roth, Gov. Linda Lingle's senior policy adviser, is returning to the University of Hawaii law school while keeping a lower-profile, part-time position with the administration.
The 55-year-old former Hawaii Bar Association president is a law professor on a one-year leave from the school.
Roth's senior policy position will be filled by Linda Smith, a former city finance director and former owner of Pacific Allied Products.
Lingle said Roth will be the point person for the administration's education-reform plans. He will change jobs Nov. 1.
"With Randy's guidance, we developed a comprehensive legislative package within just 50 days of taking office. He led us to many victories, particularly in the areas of procurement reform, the new animal quarantine rules and the formation of Hawaii Prescription Care," Lingle said.
Roth first worked for Lingle during her unsuccessful 1998 campaign for governor and then in 2000 started to piece together a transition team during the 2000 campaign.
Roth has been praised as a key part of the Lingle "kitchen Cabinet" and as an adviser for Lingle's state policy. He could not be reached for comment.
"She would have had a much more difficult time without Randy," said state Sen. Sam Slom (R, Hawaii Kai).
"I don't know anyone who could have handled the job better."
Slom said Roth was able to assemble different interest groups and then state their positions in cabinet meetings.
Democratic Senate President Robert Bunda cited Roth's "great influence" on the governor's office as Lingle handled the transition to the first Republican administration in 40 years.
"From what I have experienced, he has helped drive policy and helped with the governor's messages and budget," Bunda said.
In November, UH regents granted Roth time to work in Lingle's office as a one-year executive loan starting Jan. 1.
University officials said executive loans of university administrators to other state agencies have been done in the past.
In Roth's case, the university paid his salary.
Roth's part-time position with the governor's office will be unpaid.
Smith, a former Hawaii GOP treasurer, will join Lingle's two other senior advisors, Chief of Staff Bob Awana and Director of Communications Lenny Klompus.
Lingle said Smith is building her own policy team and is working with Roth on the transition.
"Linda has an exemplary understanding of fiscal management and discipline, is experienced in forming local and national public policy, and knows the challenges facing our business community," Lingle said.
