(Carson City, NV) – Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the creation of the Nevada Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission and named Bruce James to serve as its chairman.

The SAGE Commission is being created to “to find savings in government spending and efficiencies in government operations while improving customer service.”

The Governor will be creating the commission by executive order during the May 7 meeting of his Cabinet, at which time he will also formally introduce Bruce James, provide additional details about the makeup of the commission and lay out its scope of work.

“My goal for this commission is to drive change,” the Governor said. “This commission will identify ways the state can streamline its operations and maximize the use of taxpayer dollars, all while better serving the public. I’m not interested in another study that sits on a shelf and collects dust. I expect reasonable solutions that can be implemented immediately, as well as long-term solutions that may need legislative approval.”

Commission membership will include top-level veterans of business administration with an array of subject matter expertise and a proven track record of creating efficiencies and cost savings within their organizations. The Governor will be instructing his Cabinet and members of his administration to work closely with the commission whenever requested to ensure the people on the ground, doing the work of state government, have a stake in this process.

“The more we can save by implementing operating efficiencies, the better we can meet the needs of our state with the resources we have,” the Governor said.

From 2002 to 2007, Bruce James served as the Public Printer of the United States overseeing operations of the U.S. Printing Office. James is widely credited with turning around the Printing Office, having found a grossly inefficient, money-losing operation and leaving it five years later as a streamlined, innovative print and information provider, giving customers access to more information while having 30 percent fewer employees.

The Governor will be appointing James as Chairman and five additional members while requesting recommendations from the four Legislative leaders to fill an additional six seats on the 12-member panel.