3:06pm: Hotline with Dave Weekley

Cutting use of five vehicles is a start, says chief of staff for new Gov. Jim Justice

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The chief of staff for new Gov. Jim Justice says cutting five state vehicles from the office sends a message about its willingness to trim.

Nick Casey

“I was counting cars,” Casey said today during an appearance on “Talkline” with Hoppy Kercheval. “We could use ‘em but we don’t need ‘em. It’s pretty low-hanging fruit.”

The action, which Casey acknowledged is largely symbolic, could resonate in two ways.

First, West Virginia faces an estimated $400 million budget gap, and both the new governor and the state Legislature have said cuts will be necessary. Casey said cutting five cars won’t get there, but it’s a start.

Second, the state has long faced criticism — and has been self-critical — over its inability to keep track of its fleet of vehicles. A legislative audit released in December concluded that the state remains unable to fully account for the total number of state-owned passenger vehicles in its fleet.

Shortly after Casey’s appearance on “Talkline,” the governor’s office put out a news release touting the elimination of the five vehicles. The cars were previously used by representatives of the Governor’s Office, the release states, but it does not say for what jobs. Casey indicated on “Talkline” that one would have been assigned to him.

In the announcement, Justice states that every dollar of state spending must be examined.

Jim Justice

“We won’t be able to climb out of this ditch until we really dive into the books to find cuts and cost-saving measures,” Justice stated.

“State government owes it to every taxpayer to be as fiscally responsible as possible. My administration will work every angle to cut waste; this is only the beginning. We determined that the cars are not necessary for my staff. I am asking my entire cabinet to explore ways to trim waste, no matter how small.”

Speaking on “Talkline,” Casey said the move sets an example. The new administration officially got going after Justice’s inaugural address on Monday.

“There’s big things to do and little things to do and all to save money,” Casey said. “If I can pick off 5 in the first five hours, I’m hoping other people can pick off a whole lot more.”

Justice touted his significant experiences in the business world during his run for governor. Worth an estimated $1.6 billion, he is considered West Virginia’s richest man. He has holdings in coal, timber and agriculture, and he is the owner of The Greenbrier resort.

Casey said that perspective is valuable when assessing the spending needs of the executive branch. He noted that some of Justice’s cabinet secretaries bring their own experiences in the private sector. Casey himself is a lawyer and accountant.

“Bringing business-type people into some of  these leadership positions, you watch your nickels and pennies,” Casey said. “It’s an attitude, it’s an approach and it’s bringing business principles into government.”

Casey also elaborated on Justice’s Inauguration Day comments about the need for the state to raise revenue. Casey said that does not necessarily refer to tax increases but could be resolved through economic growth.

“You can raise revenue at a hotel by increasing the room rates or you can sell more rooms at the same room rate,” Casey said, using a metaphor.

“If we can get more people to work, just have more people working and they will pay the tax at the same rate that other people are paying,” Casey said. “We’re trying to find growth through this organic growth way.”





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