Republican lawmakers critical of Governor Nixon for not appointing department directors and members of boards and commissions suggest a new role for the Lieutenant Governor.

The state bureaucracy includes more than 200 boards and commissions and the Governor is responsible for filling thousands of positions with people to run various services and programs.

One proposal moving in the state senate gives the Lieutenant Governor power to make appointments to boards and commissions if the Governor does not act within ninety days of a vacancy. Sponsor Bob Dixon of Springfield says the need for a new procedure is obvious.

                      [ltgov3]  :24 “holdovers” (2x)

Dixon’s proposal would let people continue to serve on boards and commissions no more than sixty days beyond the expiration date of their terms.  A recent state audit said almost two-thirds of the people on various boards within the State Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Registration were continuing to serve although their terms had expired.  The division has more than thirty boards, commissions, and committees regulating various professions.

Dixon’s proposal would require voters to approve a constitutional change. 

He also proposes a constitutional change to require the Governor to call a special election if the office of Lieutenant Governor becomes vacant, not fill the vacancy by appointment.

ltgov3