Alabamians work hard to pay taxes that are used to fund their government.  In return, they expect those funds to be wisely spent to provide necessary public services that advance our state.  I have long held the belief that commitment to public service should not be about elevating oneself.  Instead, government officials must work for the people.  Accordingly, my administration is dedicated to greater transparency and efficiency.  Among the much-needed State government reforms I have ordered are timely agency response to constituent requests and complaints, increased oversight of state agency expenses and accounts, and policies to eliminate use of unnecessary state vehicles. A review of state archives regrettably reveals that many of these issues have long plagued state government.  It’s time to finally address them to restore the people’s confidence in their government.