Frankfort, Ky. – John Rittenhouse, who was appointed as the new director of resorts for the Kentucky Department of Parks earlier in January, has resigned amid inquiry into a 2013 ethics code violation.
The violation stems from Rittenhouse purchasing a restaurant located at a state park where he had previously served as manager. The Executive Branch Ethics Commission prohibits a state official from doing business with a former agency for at least six months after leaving the job.
In a statement released Monday, Rittenhouse said he settled the violation of $5,000 for $1,500 because he didn’t have the time or money challenge the Executive Branch Ethics Commission’s findings.
After being appointed director of resorts for the Kentucky Department of Parks, a number of media outlets, such as the Louisville Courier-Jounal, reported the ethics violation.
“The negative publicity surrounding this settlement is more than the new administration deserves, and it is my hope my resignation will end the negativity of my hiring and put the focus back on righting the ship of our great Commonwealth,” Rittenhouse wrote in the statement.
Rittenhouse previously served as manager of Kenlake and Lake Barkley State Parks.
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