COLUMBIA - J.T. Gandalfo, chairman of the Division of Motor Vehicles Task Force organized by Gov. Mark Sanford, has been appointed a special liaison to the troubled agency.

On Jan. 24, Sanford sent a letter to Boykin Rose, director of the state Department of Public Safety, which oversees the DMV, informing him of Gandalfo's appointment.

The agency, which registers vehicles and licenses drivers, has been under fire from legislators since last summer when a new computer system was implemented and technical glitches kept residents waiting for hours in long lines at DMV offices across the state.

Sanford said Gandalfo would "work with, consult and advise" Rose and DMV Deputy Director David Burgis to implement his task force's recommendations.

The 14-member panel released its report earlier this month.

The group said DMV needs to correct problems such as long lines, slow mail-in services, inefficient call centers and cramped facilities as well as the faltering multimillion-dollar computer system.

The panel also said a new person should be appointed to lead the agency.

Public Safety spokesman Sid Gaulden said Rose plans to meet with Gandalfo on Monday to discuss the direction of DMV.

One possible topic could be Burgis' future.

The DMV head is an unclassified state employee who "serves at the pleasure of the director," Gaulden said.

Sanford's task force also suggested using inmates from the Corrections Department to answer DMV calls.

Other recommendations included allowing certified driver's education teachers to administer and score licensing tests; allowing county treasurers to issue decals and vehicle registrations to taxpayers; and simplifying the agency's complex computer system.

"The governor wants Mr. Burgis and Mr. Rose to work with Mr. Gandalfo to ensure excellent service is provided by DMV," said Sanford spokesman Chris Drummond.

Gandalfo, a Columbia car dealer, won't be paid for his advisory role, Drummond said.