Ex-health chief in NY liked to shop -- a lot

The New York Times reports that Dr. Antonia C. Novello, former state health commissioner in New York, is under investigation by the state inspector general's office. The allegations? That she "turned her staff at the Health Department into her personal chauffeurs, porters, and shopping assistants during her seven-year tenure" - at taxpayers' expense. The Inspector General's report portrays Dr. Novello as "preoccupied with shopping" and "abusive toward her employees" - even ordering them to drive her on shopping trips to department stores in Manhattan and outlet malls in Albany.