Opinion says governor can’t remove retirement trustee

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky attorney general’s advisory opinion says the governor isn’t allowed to remove a trustee from the board of the Kentucky Retirement Systems before the trustee’s term has expired.

The opinion was requested by the systems’ executive director, William A. Thielen, after Gov. Matt Bevin removed board Chairman Thomas K. Elliott last month. Elliott’s term didn’t expire until 2019. After removing Elliott, Bevin appointed Madisonville dermatologist William F. Smith to replace him.

The attorney general’s opinion, issued Tuesday, also said Smith isn’t qualified as a professional with 10 years of experience in public or private finances.

Bevin’s press secretary, Amanda Stamper, said in a news release that the governor’s office believes Smith is qualified to serve on the board. The release also said the attorney general’s opinion differs from state Supreme Court precedent and a previous attorney general’s opinion.

 

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