Photo shows Gov. Robert Bentley, left; State Auditor Jim Zeigler, right.
MONTGOMERY – A bill that would stop voters from electing the state auditor, as well as the state agriculture commissioner, and instead give the power to appoint both to the governor, has been introduced into the Alabama House of Representatives. HB432, sponsored by Rep. Paul Beckman, R- Prattville, had its first reading March 17. It was referred to the Constitution, Campaign and Elections Committee.
“This change would represent a major power grab for the executive branch and the Governor’s office,” read a statement from State Auditor Jim Zeigler’s office.
Zeigler said the bill’s inclusion of the agriculture commissioner “could be a strategy to make it look like they are not targeting me. I believe that I am the main target of this legislation.” During his first 14 months as state auditor, Zeigler has been an outspoken critic of Gov. Robert Bentley. “Having the governor appoint the state auditor would be the fox guarding the hen house,” Zeigler said.
The Constitution, Campaign and Elections Committee will take up the bill, perhaps as early as this week. If the committee gives a favorable report on the bill, it would go to the House floor, possibly by the week of April 5.
Zeigler is urging citizens to contact their state representatives, especially if he or she is a member of the Constitution, Campaign and Elections Committee.
For a list of committee members, see http://qrne.ws/auditor.
“Simply ask the committee member to vote ‘No’ on HB432, and keep the state auditor an elected office that represents the people of Alabama instead of the interests of the governor,” Zeigler said.
Zeigler was elected Alabama State Auditor in November 2014. His wife, Jackie Zeigler, will face Bentley appointee Matthew Brown in the April 12 runoff election for the District 1 seat on the Alabama State Board of Education. The district includes Baldwin, Escambia, Conecuh, Butler, Crenshaw, Covington and parts of Mobile counties.
For more information, contact Jim Zeigler at 251-656-0292 or jim.zeigler@auditor.alabama.gov or visit http://www.zeiglerstory.com.
