Kay Ivey makes campaign stop in Dale County

OZARK — Likely the most unique candidate for the 2010 governor’s race, state Treasurer Kay Ivey contends she is also the ideal chief executive for “the people.”

After all, she said, the people are who she has worked for since 2002 to bring administrative overhead from her department down by almost $5 million.

“And I’m not through yet, because I’m still there. I’m the only candidate so far that’s demonstrated reducing administrative overhead,” Ivey said during her first campaign stop in the Wiregrass on Monday at a Dale County Republican Party meeting.

“I’m the only one that has been a school teacher, the first Republican to serve in this office since Reconstruction, and I have banking experience and experience with various organizations across the state.”

Ivey began her political career in 2002 when she was elected as state treasurer, according to her Web site. She was re-elected in 2006 with 60 percent of the state’s votes, the largest margin of votes in a contested statewide race.

Ivey said if elected as governor, she intends to focus on incorporating the best business practices by working to recruit both smaller and larger industry to the state.

A crucial basis to the state’s success is its K-12 programs, she said, so she plans to address the “entirely too much” funds spent on administrative school overhead in order to better fiscally address helping students achieve at higher standards.

“We are not spending as wisely as we could, but I clearly believe we can operate more effectively and efficiently without increasing tax dollars,” she said.

When asked about any opposition she would face as a female gubernatorial candidate, Ivey said her gender is not what makes her the better candidate.

“Experience and training is what counts. I have that,” she said.

“The state is now beginning to achieve some of its potential. I want us to continue moving in the right direction.”