Posted on: Thursday, February 6, 2003

Senate panel supports comptroller nomination

Advertiser Staff

A favorable recommendation to approve Gov. Linda Lingle's nomination of Russ Saito as state comptroller and director of the Department of Accounting and General Services was issued by the Senate Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations yesterday.

Saito, 59, recently retired after a 34-year career as an engineer and manager at GTE/Verizon. A number of DAGS employees testified on behalf of their new boss.

Saito said among his major goals will be improving the procurement process and controls over capital improvements, using technology more effectively and increasing efficiency in operations.

The nomination must be approved by the full Senate.