Arizona State Treasurer Refuses to Appoint Nominees as Acting Governor
Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee has made a bold declaration, stating that she will not appoint 13 nominees as state agency directors while temporarily serving as acting governor. This comes as she steps into the role of acting governor from the evening of September 27 until mid-morning on September 28, during Governor Katie Hobbs’ absence.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks during the Super Bowl LVII Host Committee Handoff Press Conference at Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on Feb. 13, 2023. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
While Ms. Yee expressed her pleasure in assuming this role, she emphasized that Governor Hobbs will eventually return to the state. The Republican state treasurer did not provide further details regarding the governor’s absence, but reports suggest that Ms. Hobbs was in Washington, D.C., following a visit to Taiwan.
The Epoch Times has reached out to Governor Katie Hobbs’ office for additional comments.
In her statement, Ms. Yee stated that she will refrain from using her new power to appoint directors or call the Legislature into a special session to confirm the nominations. This decision comes amidst an ongoing dispute over the appointment of state agency directors in Arizona.
Ms. Hobbs had previously attempted to appoint 13 nominees to various state agency positions, but her nominations were unsuccessful in gaining enough support from the Republican-led Senate. In response, Ms. Yee expressed her hope that Governor Hobbs would promptly name qualified directors upon her return, ensuring the resolution of this matter.
‘Political Circus’
Ms. Yee’s announcement coincides with an ongoing dispute in Arizona over the appointment of state agency directors. This dispute involves key positions leading various agencies, such as the Department of Health Service, the Department of Administration, and the Department of Economic Security.
After facing numerous challenges, Governor Hobbs recently withdrew her nominations, referring to the situation as a “political circus.” She attributed the impasse to the Senate’s failure to review and confirm nominees in a timely manner.
In her statement, Governor Hobbs criticized Senator Jake Hoffman, who heads the Committee on Director Nominations in Arizona. She accused him of creating a partisan process that hinders the confirmation of nominees and attacks reproductive freedoms.
Arizona Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs (right) looks on as Kris Mayes (left), Democratic candidate for Arizona Attorney General, speaks at a press conference calling for abortion rights outside the Evo A. DeConcini U.S. Courthouse in Tucson, Ariz., on Oct. 7, 2022.(Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Governor’s ‘Temper Tantrum’
Following the withdrawal of her nominations, Governor Hobbs assigned the nominees the title of “executive deputy director,” bypassing the traditional Senate confirmation process. This move has sparked controversy and legal challenges, with Senate President Warren Petersen referring to the nominees as “fake directors.”
Under Arizona law, agency directors can only serve for a year without Senate confirmation. Senator Hoffman expressed disappointment in the governor’s actions, describing them as a “temper tantrum” and an attempt to circumvent a fair confirmation process.
“The people of our state deserve highly qualified, non-partisan individuals to lead these agencies. Instead, Hobbs has chosen to nominate partisans and ideologues,” Senator Hoffman stated.
“Hobbs is the only person to blame for her nominees struggling to succeed under actual due diligence. She should have done her homework prior to making her nominations, yet she chose not to and is now attempting to blame everyone else except herself for her failures,” he added.
“The only ones who stand to lose in the wake of her childish games are the citizens of Arizona. I’m incredibly disappointed, but I’m certainly not surprised,” he concluded.
What actions can Governor Hobbs and the Republican-led Senate take to overcome the current impasse and ensure the smooth functioning of the government
Accused him of playing politics and intentionally stalling the nomination process. She expressed frustration with the Senate’s failure to fulfill its responsibilities and called for a swift resolution to the situation.
The dispute over the appointment of state agency directors has caused a delay in the functioning of these agencies and has raised concerns about the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the government’s operations. Without qualified directors in place, these agencies may struggle to carry out their responsibilities and deliver essential services to the residents of Arizona.
Ms. Yee’s decision not to appoint nominees as acting governor further complicates the situation. It remains to be seen how Governor Hobbs will address this issue upon her return and whether she will be able to find common ground with the Senate to move the nomination process forward.
This latest development highlights the ongoing partisan tensions in Arizona’s political landscape. With a Republican state treasurer and a Democratic governor, clashes and disagreements are inevitable. It is crucial for the leaders of the state to rise above political differences and prioritize the needs of the people they represent.
The power struggle and lack of progress in appointing agency directors reflect poorly on the state’s leadership and can undermine public trust in the government’s ability to effectively govern. The people of Arizona deserve a government that works for them and efficiently manages state affairs.
As the nomination process for state agency directors continues to be hampered by political disputes, it is imperative that all parties involved find a way to put aside their differences and work towards a resolution. The appointment of qualified individuals to these key positions is vital for the smooth functioning of the government and the provision of essential services to the citizens of Arizona.
It is hoped that Governor Hobbs and the Republican-led Senate can find common ground and prioritize the best interests of the state. Compromises and bipartisan cooperation are necessary to overcome the current impasse and ensure that the government can fulfill its duties effectively.
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