Department of Finance

Robert Bentley is being sued. Again. Alabama’s former governor, who is currently in the midst of a defamation lawsuit for allegedly spreading false information in an effort to conceal his ongoing inappropriate relationship with a staffer, is being sued now by James Nolin, the former chief information officer in Alabama’s Department of Finance, who claims … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter On Monday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced the appointment of Bryan Taylor as her chief legal counsel. The Governor’s spokesperson, Eileen Jones, told The Montgomery Advertiser that Taylor was appointed because the Governor feels “he is an excellent lawyer; excellent.” The Alabama Political Reporter informed Jones early on Monday morning … Continued

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Wednesday, September 21, a hearing will be held in a lawsuit challenging Gov. Robert Bentley’s (R) controversial $47 million no-bid contract for the purchase of the ,much maligned STAARS software. State Auditor Jim Zeigler (R) filed suit alleging that the massive no-bid contract violates Alabama’s bid laws and the … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Former Deputy State Finance Director, Clinton Carter, is returning to the government service to advise on revenue and financial policy.  According to sources in Governor Robert Bentley’s inner circle, and those with close ties to Finance, Carter is being groomed to replace Acting Finances Director, Bill Newton. Reliable insiders … Continued

By Bill and Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—A lengthy email chain between department heads and members of the Governor’s staff shows how BP oil spill funds were transferred through the State’s Emergency Management Agency to the Department of Finance, eventually landing at the Governor’s Beach Mansion. After lawmakers and reporters began questioning the project … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—The State Legislature looks poised to pass an $800-million-dollar prison bill based on vague plans, powerful lobbying, and a process that lacks even a modicum of transparency. The real worry over the $800-million-dollar prison bill is, who’s going to receive a big payday? Speculation is that Gov. Robert Bentley’s … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—The $47 million no-bid software package known as STAARS, a statewide government accounting system, is now going to require more full-time staff at the Department of Finance, according to a presentation made to agency heads last week. SEE HANDOUT The multi-million dollar system, touted as a cost-saving measure, will … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Acting Finance Director Bill Newton warned department heads to inform State personnel not to speak to the media, and report any contact to him immediately, or else. On Thursday afternoon, Dec. 8, alreporter.com published an investigative report chronicling the failing implementation of the accounting software known as STAARS—the story … Continued