Monday, January 24, 2005
Contact: Terri Durdaller, (573)751-1274
Blunt Creates Commission to Review State Government Organization
Selects Co-Chairs from Kansas City, Cape Girardeau
JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Governor Matt Blunt today announced the creation of the 2005 State Government Review Commission, a board charged with reviewing the efficiency of state executive departments. This marks the first time in over 30 years that the state government will undergo full examination for opportunities to restructure, reduce, or eliminate state government functions.
The 20 member commission Blunt will appoint will begin holding meetings to discuss issues relating to the optimal organizational structure for the components of state government. The commission will propose any needed constitutional and statutory changes necessary as well as those which can be implemented through executive order. The commission will be co-chaired by Warren Erdman of Kansas City and Stephen Bradford of Cape Girardeau.
Erdman is the vice president of corporate affairs for Kansas City Southern. In this capacity, he is responsible for the external affairs of the company, which includes state, local and federal government relations, industrial development and communications for the company. Erdman served as the chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Kit Bond from 1987 to 1997. Erdman also served in the Missouri gubernatorial administrations of Bond and John Ashcroft.
Bradford is the president and chief executive officer of The Pyramid Group Inc., a company that provides skilled nursing and in-home services to the elderly. Bradford played a key role in the last state government reorganization when former Gov. Kit Bond appointed him to staff the task force that led to the Omnibus Reorganization Act. Bradford has served under five Missouri governors in a variety of positions.
Within 60 days of the commission's first meeting, a strategic plan outlining the steps needed to begin implementing ways to eliminate waste that the commission uncovers must be submitted to the governor. In at least a year's time, the commission must issue its report and recommendations also to the governor.
"Technological advancements and innovation in the last three decades have provided tools that can significantly enhance state government's efficiency and effectiveness for all Missourians if those tools are carefully examined and properly utilized," Blunt said.