Governor asks more freedom to reorganize his staff

Thursday, April 1, 1999 | 11:57 a.m.

Ernaut urged the Assembly Ways and Means Committee to approve AB660, which would make the 23 positions in Guinn's office "non-classified." That would allow the governor to set each position's qualifications, responsibilities and pay without asking legislative permission.

"This would allow the governor some flexibility to administer his own staff," Ernaut said Wednesday.

Under the existing budget, legislators approve the description and salary range for positions as they do for almost every state agency.

Ernaut said that freedom is already granted the judicial branch and the Legislature maintains its ability to set staffing and salaries within its hierarchy.

But Ernaut also agreed with Assemblyman John Marvel, R-Battle Mountain, that lawmakers could take back the authority if the plan didn't work.

"Remember, that the Legislature giveth and the Legislature can taketh away," Marvel said during the hearing.

Ernaut also said the change won't permit anyone to receive a huge salary.

"Obviously, all that's going to be public record so there's going to be nothing that's exorbitant," he said.

He told the committee the final cost to operate the governor's office would probably be less than the $1.3 million a year in the budget with fewer than 23 positions if AB660 is approved.