Governor Bentley Appoints Blaine Galliher as Legislative Director
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: July 26, 2012
Governor
Robert Bentley on Thursday announced that State Representative Blaine
Galliher has been appointed to serve in the Bentley Administration as
Legislative
Director effective August 1, 2012.
"Blaine
and I have worked together for many years, dating back to my time in
the Alabama Legislature. He is a proven leader with a strong record of
public service, and
I look forward to Blaine joining my Cabinet and continuing our mission
of improving state government for the people of Alabama," Governor
Bentley said. "Working alongside the Alabama Legislature, we will
continue to pass legislation that creates jobs, right-sizes
state government and improves the lives of Alabamians."
"I
am excited to work with Governor Bentley and his team," Galliher said.
"I have had a strong relationship with Governor Bentley since we first
worked together in the
House of Representatives. Governor Bentley's focus is on serving the
citizens of Alabama, and I look forward to furthering his mission and
serving Alabama in this new role."
Galliher
was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1994.
Since then, he has represented District 30, which covers much of Etowah
and Calhoun Counties.
For the last two years, Galliher has served as Chairman of the Rules
Committee.
Galliher
will step down from his District 30 seat in order to assume his new
role, which includes working closely with the Alabama Legislature in
carrying out Governor
Bentley's legislative agenda.
"I
would like to thank the people of District 30 for the honor and
privilege of representing them in the Alabama Legislature for so many
years,"
Galliher added. "I am proud of our accomplishments, and I look forward
to continuing my service to the people of Alabama as I work with
Governor Bentley to accomplish his legislative agenda."
Galliher's
professional experience includes 21 years of management at Gulf States
Steel in Gadsden, followed by 10 years in the education community
working for the Alabama
Technology Network. Galliher served ATN as director of business and
industry training for Etowah and Calhoun Counties. Galliher served in
the U.S. Army from 1968 through 1971.
Legislative leadership congratulated Galliher on his new role.
"Blaine
is an exceptional lawmaker and a trusted friend," House Speaker Mike
Hubbard said. "I don't know of anyone more qualified to help guide
Governor Bentley's legislative
efforts. As much as I hate to lose him from my leadership team in the
House, I'm confident this move will only enhance the positive working
relationship between the Executive and Legislative Branches."
"Representative
Galliher is a model statesman and has always been a pleasure to work
with," said Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh. "This move further
solidifies the
already positive working relationship between Governor Bentley's
administration and the Legislature, and we look forward to working with
Representative Galliher in his new role."
"Serving
in the Legislature has been a wonderful experience that has enriched my
life," Galliher added. "I am grateful to Speaker Hubbard for
appointing
me Rules Committee Chairman and making me a part of the Republican
leadership. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House
and the Senate in this new capacity as we endeavor to run a
conservative, responsible government."
Governor Bentley will call a special election to fill the District 30 seat in the House of Representatives.
