Mandeville Representative and former gubernatorial candidate Richard Nelson has been appointed Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat said there’s speculation Governor-elect Jeff Landry promised Nelson a job in exchange for dropping out of the race…
“But Nelson’s also an attractive candidate, he’s a state Representative. Whether or not they did or didn’t I think it’s a smart move by Landry. He ends up with somebody articulate, who was a good candidate, and who’s a popular Republican,” said Pinsonat.
One of Nelson’s campaign promises was to repeal the state income tax. Pinsonat said the popularity of no state income tax in nearby Texas and Florida, and a GOP super-majority in the legislature, Nelson’s appointment to helm Revenue brings even more momentum for the initiative…
“Republicans have been talking about trying to get rid of the state income tax. There’s certainly no reason they can’t do it now except where can they replace the revenue,” said Pinsonat.
Nelson was the youngest gubernatorial candidate and Pinsonat believes the appointment is a good fit.
“I think he’s a talent and I think Jeff saw the beneficial aspects of someone like him running revenue. I thought it was a natural marriage that probably should work out well for the governor,” said Pinsonat.
Jarrod Coniglio, who has more than three decades of experience with oversight of the state’s Medicaid program and Department of Revenue, has been named under-secretary of LDR.
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