Ivey asks for resignation of state VA chief; doesn’t receive it

MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey today asked for the resignation of Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis.

But, the governor said he failed to meet a 5 p.m. deadline and she is “prepared to take further action.”

Earlier, Ivey removed John Kilpatrick from the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs.

“I am disappointed Commissioner Davis did not have the decency to respond and therefore, did not choose to do the right thing for the future of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans statewide,” she said. “I am prepared to take further action.”  

Meanwhile, this morning, she wrote to Davis asking for his resignation:

“I am writing to inform you that, earlier today, I removed John Kilpatrick from his position as a member on the State Board of Veterans‘ Affairs. His removal is effective immediately. 

“In addition, I am writing to ask you to resign as State Service Commissioner for the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. If you notify my office by 5:00 p.m. today that you are resigning as Commissioner, then you may make your resignation effective September 30, 2024. 

“Ample cause exists for your removal as Commissioner. For example, your agency mishandled an ARPA grant program by, among other things, proposing on a substantially delayed basis — uses of grant funds that would be ineligible under U.S. Treasury rules and regulations and/or state law or policy. This put in jeopardy the State of Alabama’s ability to fulfill its obligations under ARPA and your agency’s ability to most effectively serve veterans. It thus seriously calls into question your ability to secure ‘additional services‘ for Alabama veterans and to ‘cooperate with all other heads of the state departments‘ as are your duties under state law. 

“Of course, other bases for your removal may also exist. I specifically reserve the right to argue that you failed to consult with the Office of Governor as required by Executive Order No. 726. 

“I regret that your service must come to an end in this manner, but I believe a change of leadership at the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs is essential for our State to make progress in serving Alabama veterans. Thank you for your service to our State.”