Emails suggest Tata’s departure was as abrupt as it seemed

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Emails sent to and from Tony Tata’s account suggest the former North Carolina transportation secretary’s resignation involved little advance planning.

Tata resigned July 28, citing family issues and a burgeoning book-writing career.  An agency spokesman said then that Tata had left the building within about 80 minutes of the announcement.

Emails obtained Thursday by The Associated Press through a public records request show Tata was scheduled for events through Aug. 13.

Tata says his resignation letter was accurate and that his schedule was prepared months in advance.

Tata attended an event in Gibsonville and emailed DOT employees fearful of looming job cuts the day before his resignation. He didn’t attend a meeting of Gov. Pat McCrory’s agency heads starting just two hours before the governor announced Tata’s resignation.

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