Natural Resources Taskforce Met To Prepare For Release of Reform Government Study

WFSE DNR Task Force Meeting September 11, 2009

The multi-agency DNR Taskforce members met to discuss the upcoming study ongoing about the potential consolidation of agency functions pursuant to the Governor’s effort to “reboot” state government.

In her second Inaugural speech, she stated, “We have three agencies managing natural resources each with its own scientists standing in the same stream. We need to reform and we will.”

Robin Arnold Williams, the Governor’s policy director said, “Clearly people do say why do I need to go to four different agencies for this?” Although Arnold-Williams says this focus on natural resources is not primarily about cutting costs and says it’s more about improving customer service and streamlining the permitting process for individuals and companies, members have genuine concerns about the process and want voice in the decisions made.

Whether cost saving or streamlining is the motive, decisions around these issues will certainly impact our membership. It is unknown what the impacts may be since there are allegedly approximately 110 ideas afloat in the upcoming study document. The study is due out on Monday.

The study can be accessed on the WFSE.org on Monday, September 14th after 10 AM (following the press conference).

The group met with Marty Brown, Director of Legislative Affairs – Office of the Governor. Mr. Brown emphasized that this study is just a list of ideas from the agencies. The next iteration will include feedback from stakeholders including this union membership. He states this could be a long term process although there is interest in any improvements that can be passed in the 60 day session. Mr. Brown stated the Governor is interested in ideas our members have in mind. Legislative committees will meet in October and the study is provided to them.

Because the impact of the study and ideas from our own membership will have repercussions across agencies and bargaining units, members are asked to send their comments and thoughts in through our own website at www.wfse.org rather than through other means.

This will allow staff and membership to assess the impact of the ideas on the various bargaining unit members and inform the decisions we, as a union of affected members, make in developing a formal position as a union. Other methods of communication and feedback loops are under discussion/development.