The Rules Committee Thursday sent three more names to the Senate for confirmation, Sedonie Halbert, acting commissioner of Human Services, Marc Biggs commissioner of Property and Procurement and Andrew Rutnik, acting commissioner of Licensing.
All three nominees gave testimony on how they would cut expenses and increase productivity.
Halbert said consolidation of resources and payroll reduction were ways she had streamlined her department. Halbert said she has saved the government $518,030 by eliminating 27 positions in the department, according to the Daily News. She also said she is looking into consolidating senior citizen centers, but has some concerns about doing it if it will break up social groups in the facilities, according to the Independent.
Halbert, who was acting Human Services commissioner under Gov. Roy L. Schneider, was approved by committee members, Sens. Anne Golden, chairman, Adelbert "Bert" Bryan, Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, Almando "Rocky" Liburd, and Gregory Bennerson.
Senate President Vargrave Richards was not present for the vote on Halbert and Biggs, but did vote for Rutnik.
Biggs said he plans to automate procurement procedures and standardize contract policies to bring them in line with rules and regulations.
Rutnik, who recently fined Kmart Corp. $57,000 for pricing and date violations, said he will continue to pursue violators. He also said he will focus on illegal businesses operating in the territory and will take a closer look at the taxi industry, in particular the gypsy taxis and the lack of enforcement by the Taxi Commission.
Rutnik received approval by all members of the committee except Bryan, who questioned Rutnik about his name, asking if it had ever been changed.
The three nominees will be sent to the Legislature for confirmation.
