Blunt switches directors at labor department

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Matt Blunt has switched directors for the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

On Wednesday, Blunt appointed labor director Rod Chapel to a six-year term on the Administrative Hearing Commission, which decides disputes between state agencies and businesses or individuals using a trial-type legal process.

Omar Davis, the director of the Legal Services Division for the Department of Revenue, was named to replace Chapel.

The job shuffling started Tuesday when Blunt named Administrative Hearing commissioner Terry Jarrett to the Missouri Public Service Commission.

The three men have held similar roles in Blunt's administrations.

Jarrett and Davis both worked for Blunt when he was secretary of state and then served as legal counsel's to Blunt in the governor's office.

Chapel and Davis both served as general counsel in the Revenue Department before being named to head the labor department.

All three appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.