Retiree to advise Legislature on budget
Legislators chose a veteran political advisor Wednesday to give them guidance on state budget issues.
The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget voted 21-3 to hire John Carpenter as temporary legislative fiscal officer.
Carpenter will replace Gordon Monk, who retired earlier this month, until a permanent hire is made.
“He comes with a great deal of qualifications,” Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, said.
Carpenter will make an annual salary of $153,000, the same pay that Monk drew.
Most recently, Carpenter worked as Mayor-President Kip Holden’s chief administrative officer. He left the post in late July, saying he wanted to spend more time with his granddaughter.
Carpenter’s resume also includes a stint as a budget advisor to Gov. Bobby Jindal.
As fiscal officer, he will help analyze the governor’s revenue and spending proposals for the Legislature.
Carpenter told legislators that he has no plans to try to keep the job permanently.