It was a bombshell of a story that appeared in the Wisconsin State Journal on Sunday. Rumors had floated for quite some time about the reasons that Scott Hassett had left his position as Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. But to see what many had talked about in private finally make it to a major newspaper put the whole state on notice. As readers found out this weekend there is a real concern about the way the DNR Secretary is currently appointed, and even more reason for the citizenry to recognize that a change in that process needs to take place. The fact is that the DNR is an important state agency that affects each person in Wisconsin, but now is a political playground for any sitting governor. That sad state-of-affairs should propel a legislative bill that would address this matter to the top of the ‘must-do’ pile this fall for the State Senate.
At the core of the latest controversy is the news as reported in the WSJ that Scott Hassett was forced to resign and one of the reasons was the Charter Street enforcement action – which pitted two state agencies against each another in a conflict that hit close to the governor’s office. To be blunt about this, and cut to the core of the story, Governor Doyle’s finger prints are all over Hassett’s ‘resignation’, and it reeks.
The Wisconsin tradition of having the Natural Resources Board select the secretary allowed the political machinations from the governor (regardless of political party) to be curtailed. Starting in 1927 the board worked to insure that the selection of a secretary was not allowed to be mired in political gamesmanship from the governor. That process worked well in Wisconsin for decades until former Governor Tommy Thompson helped strip the board of that power. Many of us were concerned and troubled from the day this change took place, and have been fighting to have it reversed. At one time Jim Doyle was in favor of the board having this power. But his fondness for political power, along with the way he could wield it by making his own secretary selection, changed his attitude. He is now fighting the state legislature who seems intent on passing a bill to allow the board to again make the secretary appointment.
The people of the state know that this matter over who selects the secretary should not be a partisan one in any manner, shape, or form. It should not be about which party sits in the governor’s office. But sadly today it is about the vested monied interests that work to control who the governor selects, and then how the governor uses his power to manipulate policy even to the extent of firing the secretary. We now have full evidence of that. That type of political theater might be interesting to read about when it happens in others states, but in Wisconsin we desire a more thoughtful approach to regulating and over-seeing our natural resources, and related issues.
Assembly Bill 138, which places secretary selection again with the board has passed the State Assembly, and a committee in the State Senate. With the front page news Sunday about Scott Hassett there is added incentive for quick passage of this bill, and then an all-out effort to help Governor Doyle see the light, or feel the heat, and be forced to do what is right by signing it. Failing that the citizenry will need to fight for a veto over-ride in the legislature. That would be up-hill and difficult for sure, but a fight that concerned citizens will need to engage in if it is necessary.
This is one time that it is vital the people of Wisconsin prevail over the special interests who have used the governor’s appointment process for their own ends.
CAFFEINATED POLITICS 