Attorney General Bill Lockyer Issues Statement Upon the Resignation of Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush

Wednesday, June 28, 2000
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

(SACRAMENTO) – Attorney General Bill Lockyer made the following statement today in response to Insurance Commissioner Quackenbush's resignation announcement:

"Whatever mistakes he may have made previously, Mr. Quackenbush made the right decision today. No deal was offered by my office to Mr. Quackenbush, and none is contemplated. Our investigation of the Northridge insurance settlements and related Department of Insurance actions will continue without delay and will not be concluded until my office has all the information it needs to decide whether further civil or criminal charges are warranted. If crimes have been committed by anyone associated with these actions, my office will take action to see to it that they are prosecuted. We will seek civil penalties and restitution where appropriate.

It is most important now that policy-makers continue to stay focused on the plight of Northridge earthquake victims and the responsibilities of the insurance companies which sold coverage to them. I have urged Governor Davis to move quickly in the appointment of a new Insurance Commissioner, and my office will continue to work with the Legislature and the Governor to enact legislation to help Northridge victims recover all that is owed to them.

Finally, I want to commend the Assembly and Senate, and especially the members and staff of their respective Insurance Committees from both parties. Their oversight hearings were timely, fair and thorough and provided the public with the sunshine and accountability which are in the best tradition of public service. Senator Jackie Speier and Assemblyman Jack Scott as well as Assemblymembers Fred Keeley, Darrell Steinberg and Tom McClintock deserve special thanks from the people of California for rising above partisanship in pursuit of the truth."

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