Minnesota lottery director apparently kills self (responding to audit)

Billings Gazette ^ | 1.28.04

[mhking]

MINNEAPOLIS - The longtime director of the Minnesota State Lottery apparently committed suicide Tuesday, a day after meeting with legislative auditors examining the lottery's operations, officials said.

George R. Andersen, 53, had a wound that appeared to be from a knife, said Cmdr. Scott Malinosky of the Washington County sheriff's office. He said a note was recovered, but declined to describe it.

Malinosky said authorities were called by Andersen's family about 7 a.m. after they found him outside their home northeast of St. Paul. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.

Legislative Auditor James Nobles said in a statement that he met with Andersen on Monday to discuss a report on the lottery due late next month.

"We had a cordial and productive meeting, and when I left I thought George had handled the meeting well and he seemed in good health," the statement said. Nobles declined to discuss the content of the audit or elaborate on the meeting.

Last year, the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy concluded that it costs far more to run the lottery in Minnesota than in comparable states.

In response, lawmakers placed stricter limits on operating expenses, which resulted in 34 layoffs in October.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty called Andersen "a tireless advocate for Minnesota." In the 2002 budget year, the lottery contributed more than $43 million to the state's environmental efforts, according to the lottery's Web site.

Andersen, who had been director of the lottery since it began in 1990, was married with two grown children, according to a statement from the lottery.

[mhking]

Just damn.

If you want on the list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...

[Sabretooth]

Something was eating this guy up from inside.

Wonder what it was?

[connectthedots]

Why is it that I think there is more to this story than has been revealed?

[trebb]

Too much temptation and too little oversight - a sure recipe for disater on a human level.

[EggsAckley]

It's mind-boggling how many people get into a position of authority and then destroy themselves through greed. I'll guarantee you that the audit will be startling.

[Tijeras_Slim]

What are the odds?

[Constitution Day]

I don't know, but it looks like his number was up.

[connectthedots]

Embezzlement, hookers, or lavish trips are possibilities.

[sarasota]

Suicide with a knife? Huh?

[VaBthang4]

What I was thinking. I hate shallow reporting...the guy jabbed himself and then walked out the front door?

What was he a Yakuza? Does the Governor own any knife collections? :o)

[DManA]

it would be ironic if it turns out the head of the State ( non indian )gambling monopoly had a gambling problem.

[hosepipe]

Suicide... Hmm maybe a Minni-mafia.cide... Who says HE committed suicide.?. reminds me of poor ol' Vinny Foster..

Lets see if this story blends into the woodwork... quietly

[Argus]

The BBC will blame Tony Blair.

[martin_fierro]

Dudes, that's just cold.

[martin_fierro]

Nick Perry had no comment.

[Tijeras_Slim]

When the big guy picks your ping pong ball...

[blackdog]

Sad day for his family and friends but a breath of fresh air for defining accountablity. I'd name a state building in his honor hoping it might start a trend.

[TankerKC]

Suicide with a knife? Huh?

Another terrible consequence of gun control.

[martin_fierro]

Crying on the inside.