HUD Secretary Jackson resigns under a cloud

Filed under: Politics, Headline news, Housing

Alphonso Jackson resigned today as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, becoming the latest Bush administration official to leave under a cloud. No word on a replacement.

Jackson, who most Americans couldn't name in a bar bet, is under investigation by the FBI. He allegedly helped a friend who was paid $392,000 by HUD in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and allegedly punished the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) for nixing a deal with another friend, the record producer/developer Kenny Gamble, according to The Associated Press. The PHA filed a lawsuit.

"At a congressional hearing this month, Jackson repeatedly refused to answer questions about the Philadelphia redevelopment deal," the story said. "Last year, the inspector general at Jackson's department found what it called 'some problematic instances' involving HUD contracts and grants, including Jackson's opposition to money for a contractor whose executives donated exclusively to Democratic candidates."
Continue reading HUD Secretary Jackson resigns under a cloud

(IT) C++ Software Developer London, Finance (IR Derivatives)

Rate: £60k - £85k per annum + Big Bonus, Great Package   Location: London   

C++ Software Developer London, Finance (IR Derivatives) Essential skills: C++, UNIX or Windows, Multithreading Preferred skills: (Not ALL necessary) STL, Boost, Databases, Object Orientated Analysis/Design (UML, Design patterns) My client is London's fastest growing financial software house. Having recently won awards for their market leading trading platform they are looking to strengthen an already impressive team. They are investing heavily on hiring C++ developers from a variety of industries; there is 6 headcount with remit for more. Salary for this headcount is actually uncapped; they will see what skills you have and ensure they are not beaten on money. You will be building a market leading Equity Derivative trading platform, used by investment banks, hedge funds and brokerages across the world. The technology in the team is cutting edge; meta programming, grid computing and distributed system development are all used heavily. The work is Project based in an agile environment with short iterations. The system is highly scalable, with n-tier architecture. Candidates do not need any financial services experience; the manager has asked to say profiles from GAMES, TELCOS, CONSULTANCIES and DEFENSE companies especially. They invest heavily in training and career development. Send your CV direct to (see below) or call me to talk about the role and wider market on 02079971023. I will get back to all ad responses within 12 hours of application. C++ Software Developer London, Finance (IR Derivatives) Rate: £60k - £85k per annum + Big Bonus, Great PackageType: PermanentLocation: LondonCountry: UKContact: Matthew ClarkAdvertiser: Aston CarterEmail: Matthew.Clark.CBF45.A4AFF@mail.jobserve.comStart Date: ASAPReference: JSC+-34Y NY

(IT) QA/Support Engineer

Rate: 18k-25k   Location: City Of London   

Our client is a fast growing Web Development Company who specialising in usable and accessible Web solutions' for the not-for-profit sector. Due to a number of big projects won over the last few months has resulted in them recruiting for a QA/Support Engineer. They are looking for someone with an interest in a "support" environment - a mix of fast-paced, problem-solving, quick learning and analysis in responding to issues, but also an interest in pro-active testing, QA and documentation to ensure issues don't arise in the first place. It requires slightly more developed communication and logic skills. Skills: - Experience + Knowledge of PHP, Python, Ruby on Rails or another Web Scripting language; - Knowledge & ideally some commercial experience of developing applications on Linux/Unix based open sourced applications; - Knowledge + experience of MYSQL or another major SQL-based RDBMS; - Interest in learning python (knowledge/experience of Python is a bonus); - Experience of building content-managed Websites, and an understanding of the sites and process to build them; - Knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript; - The ability to learn new skills and technologies quickly; - Solution-focused; - Excellent analysis skills, and ability to solve complex problems; - Good interpersonal and communication skills; - Attention to detail; - Interest/Experience in testing, QA and documentation. Rate: 18k-25kType: PermanentLocation: City Of LondonCountry: UKContact: Michael ParrisAdvertiser: European Recruitment Network LtdEmail: michael.parris.6E947.6090A@mail.jobserve.comStart Date: ASAPReference: JS0805-4

(IT) Production Support/Application Support Analyst Programmer x 4 (S16)

Rate: Excellent Bonuses   Location: Sydney Inner, New South Wales   

Attractive rates and packages Excellent working environment Great CBD location Employer of Choice My client is a leading Investment Bank with offices in Sydney 's CBD. They are currently seeking several Production Support/Application Support Analysts to work directly with business groups in supporting business critical financial applications. Responsibilities for the role include: On-going support of Client/Server and Internet based systems; problem resolution and implementing preventative measures Participating and leading process improvement initiatives Establishing strong relationships with the business and other technical stakeholders to discuss systems issues and changes To be considered for the role you will need: A range of IT experience, in particular previous production system support work, preferably from the Financial Industry Strong communication skills - both written and verbal Excellent problem solving abilities Experience with Unix and sql will be highly regarded. To submit your application, in strict confidence, please apply online using the appropriate link below. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Tim Moynihan in our Sydney office on 02 8243 6886. Your interest will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Rate: Excellent BonusesType: Contract/PermanentLocation: Sydney Inner, New South WalesCountry: AustraliaContact: Tim MoynihanAdvertiser: Finite IT Recruitment Solutions - SydneyReference: JSS16/JG27849