Ticker Tape

Jet, Jan 15, 2001 by Simeon Booker

Confidential: The first of the Clinton White House staffers to find new employment after the November election is Terry Edmunds, the first Black White House speech writer in history, who will join the Merck pharmaceutical company in a communications position. Ben Johnson, the director of the Clinton One America effort, hopes to establish a One America foundation.

Some other ex-staffers will rely on income from corporate board seats to hold them temporarily until new jobs are found. In probably his final try, President Bill Clinton appointed Richmond state judge Roger Gregory to the 4th federal judicial circuit court which has never had a Black judge despite its large Black constituency. The circuit has four vacancies but Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Jesse Helms of North Carolina has vigorously opposed placement of a Black member on the bench ... Upcoming is the announcement of the first Black staff officials at the Bush White House. Candidates include John Wilks, ex-contract compliance director with the U.S. Labor Dept., Dr. Lenore Alexander and Sharon Worthy, who has job ties with the President-elect George Bush's brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.