Former Holden, Jindal staffer appointed interim legislative fiscal officer

Published Aug 15, 2012 at 3:00 pm (Updated Aug 15, 2012)

The separation of powers in state government just blurred, says one observer. John Carpenter, a former budget adviser to Gov. Bobby Jindal, was appointed to interim legislative fiscal officer by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. "It's just another strike against legislative independence," says Jim Brandt, a retired president of PAR. In January state Rep. Chuck Kleckley was tapped by Jindal as House speaker, and last October the governor tapped Sen. John Alario as Senate president. "The issue is one of further domination and control of the legislative branch by the executive branch," says Brandt. "One would question why a former Jindal staffer is the best person to appoint to a key position." The legislative fiscal officer gets to set the revenue estimates for the state budget. Before the committee's vote, Carpenter had got just a taste of retirement after leaving Mayor Kip Holden's office in late July as chief administrative officer. Carpenter was unavailable for comment this afternoon on how long he might fill the temporary position. He replaces Gordon Monk, who retired earlier this month. As head of the Legislative Fiscal Office, Brandt says, Carpenter could help Jindal even further in passing budget proposals—on which the governor has a proven track record of at least 90%. The state's budget remains in a precarious position, Brandt says, and Jindal will have an easier time shaping fiscal policy with this new key appointment. —Adam Pearson