The plague of prescription drug abuse is so widespread and so pervasive that NBA Hall of Famer George “The Iceman” Gervin said the culture surrounding these drugs has to change.INDIANAPOLIS – Governor-elect Mike Pence moved quickly into transition mode Wednesday, naming a director for the effort and promising to move forward on his governing agenda, including cutting income taxes
“The election season is over, and now a season of service begins,” he said.
Pence outpolled Democrat John Gregg, 50 percent to 44 percent, with Libertarian Rupert Boneham receiving the remaining votes.
Pence met with Gov. Mitch Daniels on Wednesday to focus on what’s ahead. He named longtime congressional chief of staff Bill Smith as leader of the transition efforts. Daniels promised to give Pence “absolutely anything and everything we can … to ensure the handoff is flawless.” Pence will take office Jan. 14.
Eight years ago, the transition was much more complex because the governorship was moving from Democrat to Republican hands.
By law, space in the Statehouse, phones, equipment and a small stipend is available to Pence before he takes office.
Pence was complimentary of current administration leadership but wouldn’t be specific about whether key agency heads might stay or go.
“We’re going to take our time and be thoughtful,” he said. “In any complex organization, excellence begins with excellent people. One of the characteristics of the present administration has been attracting men and women from not only within government but from outside of government.
“We admire the people who are here today. We will look for others who wish to join us in this effort. We bring to this process a bias of admiration for the efforts of so many leaders in the administration including agency heads.”
Pence also named four members to his transition team – Van Smith, the chairman of his campaign; Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman; Daniels’ chief of staff, Earl Goode; and Lt. Gov.-elect Sue Ellspermann.
