Bentley appoints Ivey to head new commission

Gov. Bentley has tapped Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey to serve as the head of his newly-created Alabama Commission on Improving State Government.

Bentley apparently made the announcement during the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama's annual meeting Friday. The commission was established by Executive Order No. 4, which Bentley signed on Jan. 25.

The goal of the commission is to make government more efficient, effective and responsive. The commission also will be responsible for looking at ways to privatize some state services and reduce state spending. The preliminary report of the commission is due June 1.

Ivey, who is a former state treasurer, said in a press release that she was honored that the governor chose her to take the helm of the commission.

“I also know this assignment presents both a challenge as well as an opportunity—a challenge because we face tough economic times, but an opportunity to show that we’re serious about addressing the people’s priorities of more efficient and honest state government,” she said.

Ivey said her appointment signals that the partnership for moving Alabama forward that she and Bentley discussed during the transition is alive and well.

“I’m anxious to get started," she said. "The governor has assured me that he’s ready to implement the commission’s recommendations efficiently and effectively.

"We know that spending reform is essential. Some programs are too costly and must be evaluated on an ongoing basis. Our review will be comprehensive and will not duplicate completed previous studies," Ivey said.

-- posted by Markeshia Ricks