11 state boards, commissions slated for elimination

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Among the issues addressed by the state's pollination advisory board was the challenge faced by honeybee colony collapse. Credit: AP
Del. Christopher K. Peace, R- Hanover, said the eliminations of panels would save about $1 million over five years.

By: Tyler Whitley | Times-Dispatch
Published: March 07, 2011

Eleven advisory boards and commissions would be eliminated under legislation adopted by the recent General Assembly.

The boards include the Plant Pollination Advisory Board, the Rail Advisory Board and the Migrant/Seasonal Farmworker Board.

Del. Christopher K. Peace, R-Hanover, a sponsor with Sen. Stephen H. Martin, R-Chesterfield, of the legislation, said the boards rarely meet and their functions can be performed by existing state agencies.

Peace said the eliminations would save about $1 million over five years.

The original list included 12 boards and commissions, but the Senate insisted on keeping the Foundation for Virginia's Natural Resources. Sen. Emmett W. Hanger Jr., R-Augusta, wanted to extend the existence of the foundation, which he created through legislation, Peace said.

Gov. Bob McDonnell's Reform Commission recommended that some of the state's 300-plus boards and commissions be eliminated as a way to streamline government, but it did not specify which boards.

Peace said McDonnell might propose amendments to the legislation, HB 2520, at the April 6 veto session because he would like to see more boards axed.

The boards and commissions include the Virginia Recycling Markets Council, the Design-Build/Construction Management Review Board, the Medal of Valor Board, the Private Security Advisory Board, the Lower James River Advisory Committee, the State Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Advisory Council and the Maritime Incident Response Advisory Board.

In some instances, the governor would give up his appointive powers. The governor, for example, has the authority to appoint nine members of the design-build board. And he has appointive powers for 15 members of the migrant-worker board.

Peace said the hazardous-materials board has not met since 1998 and all its members have expired terms. He said the Private Security Advisory Board has three vacancies and has had trouble getting a quorum.

Peace said the migrant-farm-workers board was deemed unnecessary because there is an Interagency Migrant Worker Policy Committee and both reported to the Virginia Employment Commission.

twhitley@timesdispatch

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