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Commissioner Quarles' statement on the passing of former governor John Y. Brown, Jr.
Brown was a businessman first, politician second
FRANKFORT (Nov. 22, 2022) - Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles issued the following statement upon learning about the passing of former governor John Y. Brown, Jr.:
“I’m deeply saddened to learn of former governor John Y. Brown, Jr.’s passing. A businessman first and a politician second, Brown ran his administration much more like a business, appointing successful businesspeople to state posts instead of political appointments.By doing this he was able to reduce the state’s budget by more than 20 percent and brought commerce to the state during his tenure. He also brought diversity into state posts, serving alongside the first female lieutenant governor and naming a woman and an African-American to his cabinet. His time in office was much to be admired. I pray his family and friends find peace during this difficult time.”