Arkansas Lottery Chief Faces Review, Keeps Job

The state's Lottery Director today survived a job evaluation and the commission announced he will keep his job.

You may remember two other attempts to oust Ernie Passailague failed last year.

This after a legislative audit found 13 problems with the lottery's operating books, drawing criticism to the commission from the legislature and the governor.

Today, Passailague had his first formal review. He and Commission Chair Dianne Lamberth wouldn't discuss what was said in the closed door meeting, except that there was no attempt to have him removed this time.

Lamberth said she still has full confidence in the director.

"As anybody done, we have negative issues that come about, but we don't need to discuss any negativity. I think that's counterproductive, I think you need to know he's still with us and we are pleased to still have him with us,” said Dianne Lamberth.

Passailague says he has no intentions of leaving on his own. He says he likes it here. Earlier when reporters asked if he thought he was doing a good job, Passailague said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”