Susan Montee Weighs In On Republican Plans to Revamp Missouri License Offices
July 6, 2006, ST. JOSEPH, MO -- Missouri Democratic State Auditor Candidate Susan Montee issued the following statement this morning in St. Joseph Missouri, regarding Republicans backing away from plans to revamp Missouri license offices after Governor Matt Blunt interjected into the discussion.
It has been reported that the FBI has been investigating arrangements relating to the administration of some offices Blunt had recommended for contract. (Associated Press June 27, 2006)
STATEMENT
For more than a year criticisms have been leveled, concerns raised, and reviews undertaken into the questionable transition and privatization of license offices in Missouri. The latest audit report released by the Missouri State Auditor’s Office was comprehensive in scope relating to their transition. My concern lies with claimed savings being verified as part of these for profit ventures.
Some offices have reportedly been less than user friendly, one forcing Missouri residents to pay cash for license services or additional fees to join an auto club.
Yet others have been the focus of news reports in St. Louis errantly discarding important personal financial information of Missouri residents in their trash.
Meanwhile, as investigations apparently continue, plans to reform office operations have come to a halt after what appears to be objections by the Governor.
We must not allow such interference to hinder the kind of improvements needed to restore taxpayer confidence and satisfy even some in the Governor’s own political party wanting to part from business as usual.
- Susan Montee
07-06-06
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