The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - Gov. Ernie Fletcher has named former state Rep. Mark Treesh as commissioner of the Department of Revenue.

The position is new in Fletcher's administration.

Fletcher merged the former Revenue Cabinet into the new Finance and Administration Cabinet as part of his reorganization of state government.

Treesh's appointment was effective Monday, Fletcher spokeswoman Jeannie Lausche said. His salary will be $105,000 per year, she said.

"Mark's legislative experience was a tremendous asset during the recent session," Fletcher said in a statement.

"His knowledge was key to the success of important legislation."

Treesh, of Philpot, worked as the Finance and Administration Cabinet's legislative liaison during the 2004 General Assembly. He was a member of the state House for 10 years.

Treesh left the General Assembly after losing a bid to unseat state Sen. David Boswell, D-Owensboro, in the 2002 election.

There are 991 employees in the Department of Revenue, which handles assessments and collects state taxes. It also enforces state revenue laws.