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Citizens Blames Media for PR Problem

November 27th, 2012 by flanews

The Citizens Board of Governors is lashing out at the media over a recent string of bad publicity. The state run insurer has been under intense scrutiny ever since it dismantled its team of internal investigators. As Whitney Ray tells us, 42 investigations were still open when the four members of the Citizens Office of Corporate Integrity were let go.

Born out of the most destructive storm in Florida’s history, Citizens Property Insurance was created to protect homes private companies deemed too risky.

Two decades after Hurricane Andrew, Citizens has become the largest insurance company in the state; taking on more risk than it can afford. And now, reports of fraud, misconduct and wasteful spending are pushing the company to a new low.

“This company is not perfect. We have made mistakes. There is no question about it,” said Chairman Carlos Lacasa.

The Citizen Board of Governors met Tuesday in Tallahassee to discuss the recent string of bad publicity, but spent most of their time blaming the media.

“We will win back the credibility of this company in the eyes of the public, but I call upon the press to help us do that by reporting on us responsibly and accurately and to give us a little leeway,” said Lacasa.

Last week Governor Rick Scott ordered an investigation into the company’s decision to dismantle its Office of Corporate Integrity. The firings came as the four member review team was investigating 42 cases of employee fraud and misconduct.

And some of those allegations include reports of a female employee dancing topless on a bar after a company event in Tampa and giant severance packages for employees who left Citizens in disgrace.”

Citizens President Barry Gilway says the topless dancing employee has been dealt with, but most of the other allegations are either unfounded or overblown.

“A complete and thorough investigation showed that the anonymous allegations did not stand up to the test of proven facts and evidence,” said Gilway.

Gilway says firing the internal investigators was not a retaliatory attack. He says the employees were making factual errors and using their positions to air personal grievances.

Policyholders of Florida, a consumer group often critical of Citizens, released this statement following today’s board meeting.

“Instead of spending time talking about fixing abuses of the public trust, the board seems more interested in blaming the media for finding out about it. Citizens says the media is disgusting, but I assure you, policyholders and taxpayers have even more choice words about the management of Citizens,” Sean Shaw, Policyholders of Florida Founder.

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