2 Manatee businessmen named to Scott's 'good government' panel

Two prominent Manatee businessmen have been named to one of Gov.-elect Rick Scott's transition committees.

Steve Knopik, president of Beall's; and former state senator Pat Neal, president of Neal Communities Inc., are two of the 12 members of Scott's "Good Government" Transition Committee.

Scott has asked the group "to undertake a ‘fact-finding mission’ to identify innovative ideas from the private sector, success stories from other states, cost-saving opportunities and legislative priorities that can assist the Governor-elect as he takes office in January," states a news release on Scott's transition website.

Specifically, the committee, according to Scott, will:

• Identify opportunities to reduce the size of government.
• Improve management and operating processes.
• Increase levels of service.

Scott has named numerous such advisory groups to assist with his transition, but four weeks after he has elected, he has yet to name anyone to his administrative team.