NEWS
Legislators to Doyle: You’re fired
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Keegan Kyle:
- Bringing it all together (December 13, 2007)
- Recruiting isn't easy on campus (December 7, 2007)
- Doyle set to sign off on ethics (February 2, 2007)
- Volunteerism on the road (October 19, 2007)
- Down and dirty on campus sanitation (October 11, 2007)
Related Stories:
- JCOER says no raises for lawmakers (May 6, 2003)
- Doyle gets $87,500 for transition to office (November 12, 2002)
- State budget plan recalled (January 30, 2002)
- Marotta resigns DOA post (September 13, 2005)
- Nass seeks gas holiday (October 24, 2005)
Share This:
by Keegan Kyle
Thursday, January 25, 2007
If it were up to some state lawmakers, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources might have a new boss next year.
State Sen. Robert Wirsch, D-Pleasant Prairie, and state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, introduced legislation Tuesday that would revoke the governor's power to appoint the department's secretary and would re-establish a citizen panel to elect a nonpartisan overseer.
The cabinet position has been appointed by the governor since the Legislature approved the power for former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson in 1995. But Wirsch and Black are skeptical the plan has benefited Wisconsin's environment.
"The reason I oppose making the system political … is because it hasn't worked," said Black, who fought against the change when it was introduced 12 years ago. "I thought it was a big mistake."
According to Black, the legislation aims to ensure that "environmental decisions are made for what's best for the outdoors, not politicians."
Wirsch said he introduced the bill to the state Senate after hearing complaints from his constituents and members of the Wisconsin Conservation Commission, an independent advisory organization to the DNR, about reporting to a partisan secretary.
Current DNR Secretary Scott Hassett, appointed in 2003 by Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, said the executive power has been a standing issue ever since it was granted.
"In one sense, it's impossible to insulate the secretary from political pressure," Hassett said, adding that no matter who appoints the DNR secretary, the department's budget will always be controlled by the governor and state Legislature.
Because of this, Hassett said the DNR chief would be "subject to politics" regardless of to whom he or she reports.
Hassett also said he believes a clear majority of DNR employees would support the legislation because whether or not politics really influences department decisions, "they like being further insulated from politics."
WCC Chairman Ed Harvey said the organization has overwhelmingly voted in favor of a nonpartisan secretary, even though there seems to be some benefit to having a sitting representative on the governor's cabinet once a week.
"We'd like to see it go," Harvey said. "But it will all depend on the governor."
Doyle and the DNR are aware of the proposal, spokesperson Carla Vigue said, but neither were involved with drafting the legislation. Vigue refused to speculate on Doyle's attitude toward working with a citizen-appointed secretary.
"The governor is concerned because some of his appointments have sat and languished [in the Legislature]," Vigue said, adding the governor does not want the DNR to ever be without a secretary. As proposed by Wirsch and Black, the DNR secretary would be appointed by a seven-member citizen board and would need to be approved by the state Legislature.
"It's one of those things that has somehow become partisan," Black said. "But it's hard for me to see why Republicans oppose it now because the governor is a Democrat."
Although it has been a recurring issue, Hassett said he is curious to see what will happen because the Nov. 7 Legislature shake-up could play a large role. Democrats took control of the state Senate, 18-15, and narrowed the Republican majority in the Assembly, 52-47.
"I think it has a better chance than in the past," Hassett said. "But it is still a big question mark."
Anonymous (January 25, 2007 @ 11:40am):
It's spelled, Robert "Wirch". Way to remove all credibility from your article.
Anonymous (January 25, 2007 @ 9:48pm):
Are you volunteering? I always find it amusing that the harshest criticism ("all credibility" seems a tad bit extreme) seems to come from people who do little to contribute themselves. Did you happen to notice that the Badger Herald is hiring? Perhaps you should apply, and we'll see how well you do getting a daily paper produced.
Add a comment
We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.
Login...
Not registered? Sign up now.
It's quick, free, and the email address you provide will not be sold or solicited.
