COMMISSIONER RETURNS TRUCK TO STATE

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley returned his special edition pickup truck to the state’s surplus property yard. Although as a state official, Wooley may purchase and drive state-owned vehicles, or receive an allowance for the use of his personal vehicle, his purchase of the truck, which came with a high price tag, provoked criticism of both the purchase and Wooley’s attitude toward the attention it caused, according to the Associated Press.

Wooley has indicated he will drive a vehicle he owns without requesting reimbursement from the state. In a published statement, Wooley offered an apology to the citizens of his state regarding the purchase of the truck and the furor it has caused.

“I am sorry for the truck and how I have handled this entire matter,” Wooley said. “I made a mistake. My biggest regret is that this has taken attention away from all of the good things the employees of the Department of Insurance have done during my tenure.”

The Associated Press reported the truck in question, a $40,000 special Harley-Davidson edition pickup, came loaded with a series of special options like heated seats, a camper package and diesel engine. The truck will likely be auctioned or sold through a sealed bid process. Proceeds will go back to the insurance department, as the truck was purchased with DOI-generated dollars.

The Louisiana State Senate passed a bill prompted by the luxury truck’s purchase. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Art Lentini, R-Kenner, would require elected state officials to get legislative committee approval before buying a luxury vehicle with state funds.