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Monday was the first day on the job for a former lawmaker taking over the Department of Juvenile Justice. Former Florida Representative Frank Peterman inherits the department in the mist of steep budget cuts. Earlier this year the blue print commission released recommendations aimed at revamping Florida’s juvenile justice system. Peterman says despite the budget predictions, he thinks the recommendations can still be put into effect. One of his first goals is to get everyone on the same page.

“There are some institutional areas that are operating very well in the department. I just think we need to bring more synergy in certain areas of the department. We’re getting there everyday. Personal is on board now and we’re moving forward,” said Peterman.

Peterman resigned from the Florida house earlier this year. He’s replacing Walt McNeil as the head of the Department of Juvenile Justice.