Declarations

Declarations

Mea culpa

“… What the investigators and Progressive people involved in that case did was wrong — period. I personally want to apologize to anyone who was affected by this incident.”

— The president of Progressive Insurance comments in a written apology regarding a story that appeared in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about an investigation authorized by Progressive in August 2005. The article reported that two private investigators posing as a couple entered a private support group at Southside Christian Fellowship Church in hopes of catching two church members — Bill and Leandra Pitts — in a confession that might discredit the pair, who had been involved in an ongoing lawsuit with Progressive over a traffic accident. Progressive President and CEO Glenn Renwick said in the written statement: “When I read that story I was appalled and, frankly, didn’t believe that it could possibly be accurate. I have since learned that the essential facts in the story are correct. AP

Surprise resignation

“After much thought, I have decided the timing is right for me personally, and especially for my family.”

— In a surprise announcement North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman said he will resign Sept. 1 to begin his own insurance consulting business. The Republican official, 37, was elected insurance commissioner in 2000. He is a former Grand Forks state representative and bank trust officer. His position is up for re-election in 2008. Poolman has been approached to run for other offices, including the U.S. House last year. He has been mentioned as a potential candidate for governor should the incumbent, GOP Gov. John Hoeven, decline to see re-election next year. Hoeven has the option of appointing Poolman’s successor. A spokesman for the governor couldn’t be reached immediately for comment. AP

School fire safety

“By knowing what causes fires … students will increase their own safety.”

— Nancy Nord, acting chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, cited a recent report on fires in its warning to parents and students returning to colleges and universities. The number of reported fires in university and college housing has increased sharply in recent years, federal officials said as they warned students returning to school to take steps to prevent future blazes. There were 3,300 college housing fires in 2005, up from 1,800 in 1998 according to a report by the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA. Some have proved fatal. From 2002 to 2005, there were 39 deaths and close to 400 injuries from fires in residences that include dormitories, fraternities, sororities and barracks. AP