MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
JEFFERSON CITY -Governor-elect Matt Blunt named Missouri Senate Administrator Michael Keathley as the budget adviser for his transition team Wednesday.
Keathley's job is to oversee the creation of the fiscal year 2006 budget Blunt will introduce to the Missouri General Assembly upon taking office in January.
Spence Jackson, communications director for the Blunt administration, said Blunt chose Keathley because he felt Keathley is highly qualified to oversee the task.
"Governor-elect Blunt is impressed with Keathley's records and results in both the private sectors and in state government, which is one of the reasons why he chose him as his budget adviser," Jackson said.
Keathley will continue his duties as senate administrator while also undertaking the position of budget adviser.
Keathley was appointed senate administrator in 2002 by Lt. Governor-elect Peter Kinder. Prior to his appointment, Keathley worked for 23 years as a corporate executive for IXL Industries. IXL Industries is the world's largest manufacturer of tool handles.
Jackson said Blunt is looking forward to working side by side with Keathley throughout the stint of this task.
"Keathley shares Blunt's beliefs that state government can improve the services that it provides to the people of Missouri by using fewer tax dollars," Jackson said.
Jackson said Blunt has not commented on whether or not he plans on appointing Keathley to any other positions in his administration once the budget is completed.
Blunt's transition team will help the governor-elect identify candidates for appointment to executive level cabinet positions and other positions in the governor's office.
The team will also assist in the creation of a state budget and legislative agenda, while also working to ensure there is a smooth transition of power from Governor Bob Holden's office to Blunt's administration.