Virginia Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring

The Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring is an advisory group that will make recommendations to the Governor on how to improve the operation of Virginia's government. Governor Bob McDonnell established the Commission on his first day in office, January 16, 2010 and appointed its members on May 7, 2010.

Scope

The purpose of the Commission, as stated in Executive Order #2 is:

"Identify opportunities for creating efficiencies in state government, including streamlining, consolidating, or eliminating redundant and unnecessary agency services, governing bodies, regulations and programs;
"Explore innovative ways to deliver state services at the lowest cost and best value to Virginia taxpayers;
"Seek out means to more effectively and efficiently perform core state functions, including potential privatization of government operations where appropriate, and restore focus on core mission oriented service; and
"Examine ways for state government to be more transparent, user friendly and accountable to the citizens of the Commonwealth."

The Commission is staffed out of the Governor's Office with direct expenses limited to $15,000.

History

Traditionally, incoming Governors issue a series of executive orders on their first day in office. McDonnell drew criticism by failing to issue an executive order in keeping with his predecessors, banning discrimination in hiring. Instead, he issued executive orders establishing establishing Commissions on creating jobs and on improving government operations. Both topics were major points in McDonnell's campaign platform. However, McDonnell did not appoint the members of the Commission until after the biennial budget was adopted and after legislative session ended.

The Commission has a number of historic antecedents where prior Commissions examined the greater use of information technology, public-private partnerships and possible privatization of governmental functions.

Appointment of chair

On May 7, 2010, McDonnell appointed hedge fund operator Fred Malek to chair the Commission. Five days later, Malek donated $25,000 to McDonnell's Opportunity Virginia PAC. Several legislators objected to the appointment on the grounds that Malek demoted Jews in the Bureau of Labor Statistics while working as personnel director in the Nixon White House and that he was the author of the "Malek Plan" to politicize all Federal executive branch agencies. When asked AbOUT the appointment on the May 25, 2010 WTOP "Ask the Governor" radio program, McDonnell stated that he was not aware of Malek's alleged involvement in demoting Jews in the Bureau of Labor Statistics while working as personnel director in the Nixon White House. State Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Richmond) told the Washington Post that McDonnell's claim was "absolutely stunning and, frankly, beyond belief." During the subsequent media debate on the Malek appointment, Del. Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon) said Malek's appointment demonstrates a pattern of cluelessness on McDonnell's part toward hot-button issues involving minorities. Critics of the Malek appointment also note that in 2008, Malek and his company paid $250,000 in civil penalties for defrauding the Connecticut Pension Trust Fund.

Malek also drew cricitism for authoring A Plan to have Nixon offer jobs to Republican politicians to clear the field for other primary candidates favored by the Administration. and for chairing a nationwide effort, American Action Network, which has pledged to spend $25 million this year targeting Democratic members of Congress.

Work plan

The Commission will evaluate the recommendations received at its meetings this summer. A list of approved recommendations will be presented in September for public comment. All Commission and committee meetings are open to the public. The Commission has formed committees and subcommittees to focus on specific areas.

The Commission has the following subgroups: