Updated at 5:30 p.m. to include Governor Ivey’s statement regarding Commissioner Davis’ failure to respond in time.
On Thursday, Governor Ivey formally requested the resignation of Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis and removed John Kilpatrick from the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs, effective immediately.
In a letter addressed to Davis, Ivey cited mishandling of a federal grant program as a driving factor for the change in leadership. The governor pointed to delays and ineligible proposals for the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which she said jeopardized Alabama’s ability to meet federal requirements and serve its veterans effectively.
Ivey told Davis he has until 5:00 p.m. today to notify her if he intends to resign. If he does so, he can make his resignation effective on September 30, 2024.
“Ample cause exists for your removal as Commissioner,” Ivey wrote in her letter to Davis.
“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 jeopardized 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 is required by your duties under state law.”
Ivey said she reserves the right to argue that Davis failed to consult with her office as required by Executive Order No. 726. The governor did not announce any immediate replacements for Davis or Kilpatrick.
The governor’s request for Davis’ resignation comes just after the Alabama Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint Davis filed against Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell, as chronicled by Alabama Daily News.
Davis alleged that Boswell “colluded” with others to improperly block the department from receiving about $7 million in ARPA funds and working to “kill” legislation to create a state-run system of mental health care for veterans, according to ADN.
A review by the commission found the complaint to be categorically unfounded. Governor Ivey called the complaint “entirely frivolous” after their ruling. Davis used numerous ethics complaints seemingly as a canvas to impugn the integrity of colleagues and other respected professionals involved in the legislative process.
John Kilpatrick, who was central to one of the ethics complaints made by Davis, was removed from the veterans board by Ivey on Thursday. Kilpatrick’s nonprofit, Vets Recover, sought a portion of the disputed ARPA funds.
Updated 5:30 p.m. — Governor Ivey’s office reported that she did not receive the resignation of Davis.
“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. I am prepared to take further action,” Governor Ivey said.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
