Interim legislative fiscal officer chosen

Lawmakers have chosen a one-time legislative staffer to be the Louisiana Legislature's top budget adviser.

John Carpenter was named Wednesday to be interim legislative fiscal officer by a joint House and Senate budget committee, while legislative leaders seek applications from contenders to fill the position permanently.

Carpenter worked for the state House of Representatives for more than 25 years. He also spent a year with Gov. Bobby Jindal's Division of Administration. Most recently, Carpenter was chief administrative officer for the mayor of Baton Rouge, Kip Holden, a former lawmaker.

Senate President John Alario said Carpenter "comes with a great deal of qualifications, both in the executive and legislative branch."

Carpenter replaces Gordon Monk, who retired earlier this month.

Senators voted 16-0 for Carpenter's hiring, while House members voted 21-3.