Acting Ala. House Speaker Victor Gaston declines security detail to save state money

Acting House Speaker Victor Gaston says he is declining a state security detail in order to save the state money.

Gaston made the announcement Monday. Gaston said he was declining the security detail available to those in legislative leadership positions. The Mobile Republican said that will allow law enforcement officers to dedicate their time to more important duties “than chauffeuring me between Mobile and Montgomery.”

Gaston, who was elected speaker pro tem, took over the duties of House speaker earlier this month following House Speaker Mike Hubbard‘s conviction on ethics charges.

The House will elect a new speaker the next time they are in session. Gaston has said he expects to be a candidate for the job but has not made a permanent decision.

Republished with permission of The Associated Press.