Embattled DMV Chief Andres Ayala Of Bridgeport Resigns

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Adres Ayala Jr. has resigned after a year of problems, according to the Hartford Courant.

Andres Ayala Jr. resigned from the state Senate last year when he accepted the job of DMV commissioner.
Photo Credit: *Connecticut Senate Democrats*

Daily Voice

01/20/2016 5:40 p.m.

Ayala is a former state representative from Bridgeport who was appointed to serve as the DMV commissioner in December 2014. His resignation comes after a year of problems at the DMV, including problems with a new computer system, longer wait times at DMV locations for customers, revocations of drivers' registrations and the release of false information, the Hartford Courant reported.

The resignation also comes two days after the Hartford Courant submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for information on the hiring of a new office assistant who pleaded guilty in 2006 to felony drug charges and served time in prison, according to the Hartford Courant.

Ayala submitted his resignation to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Tuesday night, and his last day will be Friday, according to the Hartford Courant. Malloy confirmed Ayala's resignation with a statement, praising his service and dedication, the Hartford Courant reported.

State Rep. Gail Lavielle, who represents Wilton, Norwalk and Westport, released a statement Wednesday calling Ayala's resignation an opportunity for the state to address the many issues the DMV has been facing.

“Because almost everyone in Connecticut must deal with the DMV, a huge portion of the population is affected by these problems. It is urgent to resolve them. While it may take time for the governor to appoint a new commissioner, I believe certain near-term measures can help reduce the DMV’s backlog and improve customer service," Lavielle said.

"One is to allow a third party to provide additional routine services, like vehicle registration renewals – as AAA does now for driver’s license renewals. Another is to introduce measures to help the agency better control the personnel costs and backlog related to the heavy influx of DOL applications. I have submitted related proposals to the Transportation Committee and hope that we will be considering them during the upcoming session."

Click here to read the Hartford Courant story.

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