Almanac: At the Capitol

Sonia Pitt's managers have now been investigated and disciplined for their lack of oversight of the emergency manager who didn't return until 10 days after the bridge collapse. Rick Arnebeck was suspended without pay for three days. Steven Lund was given a written reprimand. Bob Winter was given an oral reprimand. The letter from the Department of Employee Relations said their "lack of supervisory oversight attributed to extremely damaging consequences" that is a report from the legislative auditor saying Pitt had wrongly traveled and spent state money to the tune of $26,000. The other obvious "consequence" is the worst round of sustained bad press I've seen for a state agency in a decade. MnDOT can't seem to escape rough headlines and now more will be coming. And knowing how lawmakers are feeling, the heat isn't off MnDOT. There's the Wakota Bridge investigation and Commissioner Molnau's confirmation vote in the Senate which will likely get her fired in February.