MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Gov. Kay Ivey removed Commissioner for the Department of Affairs Kent Davis Tuesday, via executive power.
Ivey appointed Jeffrey L. Newton as Interim Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. In a news release, she stated that a governor may take action to enforce the laws whenever he or she determines that such action is necessary because of “inaction or inadequate action” by a subordinate within the executive branch of government.
Gov. Ivey calls meeting to consider immediate removal of veterans affairs commissioner
The decision comes after Ivey called for a special meeting of the State Board of Veterans Affairs to consider Davis’ immediate removal. This came after he agreed to resign from his post at the end of the year.
Ivey initially called for Davis’ resignation on Sept. 5 over allegations that he mishandled departmental affairs regarding American Rescue Plant Act funds and failed to consult with her office on various matters.
Davis had previously declined Ivey’s request for him to resign, saying he had been transparent about how the ADVA had been run, before ultimately agreeing to step down after 2024.