Declarations

Uncovered crime

“Larger firms may be able to absorb the financial shocks of employee crime, but smaller firms may be faced with financial disaster. Surprisingly, our research shows that more than two-thirds of private companies do not buy crime insurance.”

Gregory Bangs, manager of the crime unit at the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, on research by his company showing employee theft to be a rising problem.

Left to right

“It’s good to be right. … The voters saw it clearly. They didn’t vote on politics; they voted on qualifications. It’s a good day.”

Jeff Grady, president of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, on Democrat banking executive Alex Sink’s victory in the race for Chief Financial Officer in Florida. His group had backed Sink over Republican State Senate President Tom Lee.

Cordial commissioner

“The commissioner led the ticket the entire race. It was the result everyone expected. The industry and the commissioner have a good working relationship. We don’t always agree on everything but we’re cordial.”

Bob Herlong, Southeast regional manager of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, on the reelection of Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, a Republican.

Populist Republican

“I like the idea of people electing officials and having direct power through their vote. I’m a populist, but also a conservative and a Republican.”

Reelected Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine at the 2006 Southeastern Regulators’ Association annual conference.

Up, either way

“The turnover is a real problem. But it doesn’t matter if the commissioner is elected or appointed, the rates on the coast are not going down.”

Eleanor Kitzman, the appointed South Carolina director of insurance, and host of the 2006 Southeastern Regulators’ Association annual conference.

Favors appointment

“I’m in favor of appointment. I would not be in this position if I had to be elected.”

Alabama Insurance Commissioner Walter Bell at the 2006 Southeastern Regulators’ Association annual conference.