MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced a special meeting of the State Board of Veterans Affairs to discuss the immediate removal of Commissioner Kent Davis from his position. The meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, at the State Capitol.
In a letter to Admiral Davis, Governor Ivey cited several reasons for the proposed removal, including a lack of cooperation with other state agencies, mishandling of a federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program, and filing a frivolous ethics complaint against fellow state officials. Ivey stated that Davis has lost the trust and confidence of the board and key legislative leaders.
Among the issues, Ivey mentioned was Davis not working well with state agencies while managing the ARPA grant program. Additionally, she states that an ethics complaint Davis filed against another department head was dismissed by the Alabama Ethics Commission
Davis previously announced his intention to resign at the end of the year following a series of controversies, including accusations of delays in allocating ARPA funds. The State Board of Veterans Affairs expressed support for Davis earlier this month, stating they found no wrongdoing related to the management of the $7 million allocated from ARPA.
As the meeting approaches, Ivey has invited Davis to respond to the allegations in writing by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 21.
