NASHVILLE – Outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen’s effort to persuade his Republican successor, Gov.-elect Bill Haslam, to keep Charles Trost on as state revenue commissioner, fizzled today.
Haslam tapped attorney Richard Roberts, 56, of Greeneville, as the new commissioner. He will oversee the department, which is responsible for administering state tax laws and collecting revenues.
“I’m excited that Richard has agreed to join the team as we prepare to begin a new administration,” Haslam said in a news release. “Our state is facing difficult economic times, and to have Richard – a results-oriented manager – at the helm of our Revenue Department will help as we look ahead to difficult decisions.”
In September, Bredesen named Trost, a tax attorney, to replace the departing Reagan Farr. Farr left the department to pursue private business interests.
Bredesen told reporters at the time he hoped whoever was elected to succeed him would keep Trost on. He noted Trost told him his political affiliation was “probably Republican.”