FOR MORE INFORMATION: CONTACT: LUTHER OLSEN (800) 991-5541

August 21, 2009

WHO SHOULD CHOOSE THE DNR HEAD?

Does it matter if the head of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is chosen by the governor or by the Natural Resources Board, members of which are chosen by the governor and confirmed by the Senate?  In fact, it seems to matter to a lot of people, enough so that legislation is pending to change the current selection method.  Until 1995, the Natural Resources Board chose the head of the department.  Then Governor Tommy Thompson successfully pushed to give governors the power to appoint the DNR secretary.  Bills in both the Assembly and the Senate seek to reverse this, handing the power back to the Natural Resources Board.  In reality, this debate is more about accountability verses politics, rather than simply who chooses the secretary of the agency. 

It is likely that the legislature will vote on these bills during the fall session which could prove to be a dramatic start to the fall session, since it is not clear if the governor will veto the legislation and if there would be enough votes for a veto override.  Although I suspect these bills will pass, other options could be considered.  For instance, the agency could be split in two with one agency dealing with hunting and fishing with a board appointed leader and one dealing with air and water quality with a cabinet secretary at its helm.  Another possibility would be to have the Natural Resources Board submit a list of qualified individuals and have the Governor choose from that list. 

Some of you may remember bumper stickers on cars twenty years ago comparing the DNR to Russia.  Animosity toward the agency was high, in part because people felt like the agency was unresponsive to their needs.  We do not see those bumper stickers anymore and I believe that one of the reasons is that the governor is able to appoint the secretary and can hold the agency accountable.  Supporters of the current legislation argue that instead of holding the agency accountable, the governor interferes with decisions, using political calculations and deal-making rather than objective science. 

At all levels of government we call for data-driven decision making.  This is a laudable goal and one I often try to employ when making decisions about legislation.  The problem is that there is more to life than data.  The DNR is responsible for balancing the needs of people with the needs of the environment.  Some people think that the DNR sides with the environment more than with the people who live in it.  Other people think that they cave to big business to the detriment of the environment.  The balance between the needs of people and the needs of the environment is not static.  It changes as our needs and values change. There was a point in our history when we were not concerned by chemicals entering our water or air.  Now, we recognize that our actions can have a lasting impact on the natural resources on which we depend for our livelihood and enjoyment.  By keeping the DNR secretary appointed directly by the governor, we can better ensure that the decisions are balanced and reflect the values of the people, who can express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction at the polls. 

Most of the state’s government agencies are headed by a secretary who is appointed by the governor.  Of those that perform crucial, basic government services, the Department of Public Instruction is the only one whose leader is not appointed by the governor.  In the case of DPI, its leader is elected directly by the people.  The rest – like those responsible for tax collection, transportation and the prison system - are appointed by the governor and the governor is accountable for their performance.  Protecting natural resources is at least as important as the rest of these basic government functions and should be held to the same standard.

No one wants to see DNR decisions being made in exchange for political favors.  We all want their decisions to be based on data available and on the values of the state’s citizens. 

If you have any questions about any of the information I have included or if you have suggestions on other topics or issues you would like learn more about, you may call my office toll-free at (800) 991-5541; write me at P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI  53708; or e-mail me at: Sen.Olsen@legis.state.wi.us . You can also sign up for our newsletter at our website: http://www.senatorolsen.com .                                                           

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